Hello everyone.

In the next "few" lines I will try to describe the journey that my wife and I did in this october (21st-30th 2015) with a scooter. In addition to travel, we will try to describe our preparations and other things, because this is our first big trip with a scooter which we recently purchased.


part 1 Wildest dreams

In mid-August during the biggest tourist crowds, unbearable heat, work and obligations, after a few s in the shade under the tree on the beach, the question was asked: „Where are we going to travel this winter?“. After a couple of quick-response answers, Sicily and a short visit to Malta comes to our mind. How are we going to get there? Should we try with the bike? Definitely yes!
We never went on long trips with the bike, so everything had to be carefully planned and tested in the next two months. After the first idea of traveling we've put together a couple of plans in the next few days, and chosen plan B will be explained in detail in the sections that follow. We got all the equipment for the ride, two new suits, two new rain suits and two new helmets and other equipment such as, gloves belts and so on. In early September this year we tested the bike on "long-distance" driving by going to Split and back in one day, to get a picture if we can handle it, can we drive more than 500 kilometers in a day, can we ride for couple of days in a row, can we drive without some potential problems (back pain and other things). These so-called tests went without any problem, and I have to mention that on those "preparations" we had a good time. We also bought camera SJ4000 (Chinese Go-pro), for very small amount of money because we wanted to film the whole trip, something in drive lapse and something in short videos. With the camera we acquired an additional camera Nikon S3600 for taking photographs. I have to mention that since my wife and I are employed, all of these "tests" were done on our free time, and of the two months of summer, we did them in only three or four days. Only thing from bike equipment that was still questionable was communication between the driver and passenger and we wanted to have
that while traveling. After a long and exhaustive search on the internet, forums and various articles on motorcycle communication, and the types and models of communication, we decided to go the cheapest way, purchase on E bay cheap "Chinese no name" wired communication with a microphone and earphone to your ear. We were not sure how will it work and we did not want to spend big money to devices that are quite expensive, and perhaps would not have been good. The „no name“ communication proved to be simply desperate. Up to 60 km/h it was acceptable, and above 60 km/h you are better without it, and the earphone after a while begins to pinch in the ear. But the good thing of this communication is called chatterbox. To improve the quality of communication, It came to my mind to buy PC headphones and connect them through this communication. I bought a pair of headphones, slowly and gently disassembled the, re-soldered with quality audio cable, isolated contacts and put them in our helmets (we have Nolan helmets with preparation for communication). The difference was drastic, quality and volume was drastically improved, and so we got a good quality sound up to 110 km/h. Price of this „home made“ communication was around 20 US. The only "drawback" was, that we were connected with audio cable while driving but on the helmets I installed audio pins for easy connection and disconnection. After all that, our equipment was ready and we just need to make a reservation for hotels, buy tickets for ferries and take care of all the other things. In mid October we finalize our job and family obligations, and we were ready to go. We bought tickets for the ferry (return) Dubrovnik - Bari and Pozzallo - Valletta and Pozzallo and book a parking in Pozzallo for the bike. Through the "web", we found restaurants with local food for every place where we went or passed. Detailed planning of the routes we've done over the "web" as well
The equipment that we prepared for the trip:
- Nolan Helmets N44 (drifter I) and 85 (drifter II)
- Suits (motto and rainy) and other equipment (gloves, belts and so on.)
- SJ4000 camera with all accessories (mounts), camera Nikon S3600 and two mobile phones
- Communication with extra batteries and spare audio cables
- Power bank external battery (with two outs) for mobile phones and camera
- Various cables, chargers, SD cards and more.

We took some clothing and spare shoes in case of need, and it all fit in the bike without additional saddlebags. We took a small backpack I've kept on the fuel tank, but we used it only later when we took souvenirs and more. We even for this occasion made (bought) helmet stickers with the image of Eddie.

I have to apologize in case of grammar an other mistakes because English is not my native language. We are new to this so later on we will put some photos
to be continued ...

part 2. Drifters

We're not tourists, we're adventurers.
My wife Lucia and I (Antun) live in Cavtat, a small town near Dubrovnik Croatia and we are addicted to journeys of any kind. The only drawback of our trips is because of our jobs and commitments which are related to the summer periods, we travel only in fall or winter. At least once a year we go to the "bigger trips" (longer time or by distance for our concepts and opportunities), and by now we have been to a lot of cities and placer within Europe (and to all Croatian regions) with different vehicles including cars, planes, trains or ships. But we never went on a long trip with the bike, and we were total amateurs when it comes to this type of traveling. There is a logical answer to that. We have a 8 year old son Ivan and because of him we never planed something like that, and we've always had him with with us on our trips. And there is another fact as well. We have never own or had bike before. We had a small scooter 50 cc but we don't count that in this category.
The things are about to change.

young Indiana Jones

our new image

wanna be ... who knows




to be continued...

part 3 Prowler

At the end of 2014. for a number of reasons, we decided to buy a bigger bike that would primarily serve me to go to work, and could if necessary, serve for other activities (shop, etc.), and for trips on short distances.The bike that we should buy had to meet the following requirements:
1. The general requirement is that it could be used daily for all things (go to work, shopping and so on)
2. Must not be heavy and large because the access to our house is through a very narrow passage with very little space to turn around.
3. Must have a minimum of space to accommodate at least one bike suit and helmet (without additional saddlebag)
4. It is to be a comfortable for both driver and passenger
5. It must be red - the most important requirement (including metallic)

For these requirement it is important to note that we do not have a garage, and more expensive bikes (over 10k euros) are out of the question, because I do not want to have expensive bike to rot on sun and rain. I must also state that the bike manufacturer must not be "Chinese" (with due respect to the strongest economy of the world).
After daily overviews through the internet I was not satisfied with conditions and the requirements that we need.Trough all Europe including Croatia vast majority of drivers drive maxi scooters, and at the suggestion from a friend, I decided to try Piaggio Beverly 300 ie. I borrowed it to test it and after the first 10 minutes of driving I was delighted and convinced that the search is over. For my height and my driving style it was a perfect fit, and for the passenger there were no problems as well.
As for the displacement and power, I didn't really care. It's important just to be out on motorways and drive at normal speed as everyone else. For example in Italy the bikes with up to 250 cc are prohibited to drive on highways (in Sicily). A top speed of 130 km/h, for me was more than enough.
Immediately the decision was made to purchase a new bike, but as luck sometimes plays a very important role in life, the day after the decision, on local internet marketplace I found a used bike for a very good price in Dubrovnik. The same day in the afternoon, I met with owner and without test drive I bought bike. The bike was less than two years old, with 5000 km, well preserved and still under warranty. For difference in money from the new later we bought a full bike gear (two suits, two rain suits, two helmets, etc.). At the end, from the idea to buy the "real bike" we bought a scooter. Further in the text, we will use the term bike.
I should note also that, I did not have a proper driver licence (cat. A for bikes in Croatia), and I passed the driving test at the end of April 2015.

meet the prowler



to be continued...

part 4 Rime of the ancient mariner

21.10.2015.
It's time to go.
Wednesday morning, beautiful day. Morning coffee, packing and final inspection. Nerves are in the air and in the abdomen. Not a lot of talk, everybody is thinking something within. Total deconcentration. After standard daily obligations around the school and other things, about 18:00 we say bye and we go to Dubrovnik, where after a short hello to relatives and quick shopping for some things for the trip we arrive around 19:30 in the port of Gruž where we wait for boarding.
Jadrolinija ferry boat Dubrovnik or line Dubrovnik Bari departs at 22:00, but it is necessary to arrive two hours before (if you are using a motor vehicle) due to preparing the ship for vehicles and passengers. After a short registration, speed drink, we wait in line and meet other bikers who apply for boarding. There we meet Alex, whom we will later mention in the text. After our documents were checked we enter the ship, secure the bike (crew binds it) and we get the keys to the cabin in which we leave things. We took cabin to rest, because we will need it for the upcoming ride. Later we went to the deck where we enjoy and film our departure. The ship departs and slowly leaves the port of Gruž and 30 minutes later we moved away from the coast we prepare ourself for a break into our cabin. The feeling of sleeping on board is special, and after a short time we manage to sleep regardless of the movements and sounds of the ship. The ship Dubrovnik is the "ancient mariner". Minimalist furnishings with visible years of sailing. As we will see later on, the worst of all ships (and oldest) we met on the trip, but to us It's not an issue at all. We don't care.
During our boarding we met biker Alex from the US, and after a short conversation he reveals that approximately 2 months ago he came to London and went on a ride trough Europe. On the way he visited many countries, drove over 10,000 km, arrived in Dubrovnik, then to Rome and later to Spain, where he intends to sell the bike and return to the United States. We were so delighted with his trip, but unlike us he was more enthusiastic about our plan, and he looked at our bike somehow with pity (not in a bad way, he is more experienced than us) and saying, drive carefully, be safe, and so on. So we invited him if he ever comes again to Croatia, contact us and be our guest. We wished him safe ride, and the next day greeted him in Bari and went separate ways.
Hi Alex, you lucky bastard ..

waiting for our ride

our little cabin

boarding

off we go

don't worry .. we'll see you soon


to be continued...

part 5 The longest day

22.10.2015.
Around 06:00 a loud knock on the door from a metal object. The crew awakens us and makes it clear that the Bari is near. After a quick preparing we run to the deck to see what the weather is like, and what a surprise. The rain is pouring, with strong and cold wind. There is no sign of Bari at all. No luck today, or maybe....
We are ready after breakfast and wait for disembarkation. Around 8:30 the ship enters the port and opens the gate. The weather is even worse now. Passengers, trucks and other vehicles exit the ship, leaving us alone. Rain suits are on, last bye to the guys and we are good to go. The plan was to drive to the south of Sicily and come to Syracuse, where we will spend the night. We have about 600 km. Good thing I insisted on driving in the rain after I bought the bike, I think to myself. We leave the port after quick document check, enter the roundabout and drive towards Palagiano. Rain falls but suits do their job. We are dry, no problem, everything is fine. We drive along endless fields of neatly planted (and maintained) olive groves planted in the network, and we can clearly see the endless rows
of these trees. They say that the best olive oil is from this part of Italy but we can not confirm because we have not tried it. The landscape is beautiful despite of the rain. After less than an hour we stop at the first planned stop near Palagiano for the first short break. Here we arrive at the Ionian Sea. The rain considerably slows down, but some tricky crosswind starts to blow and slows us down later on. Speed falls to 80 km/h. We continue to our the next stop near town Sibari. A light rain stops and the wind decreases it's power. Weather is clearing. From Sibari we continue to Cosenza where we will enter (before) Autostrada and continue our driving to the south of Italy. In Cosenza the rain starts to fall, but we are still dry and we continue to Rogliano where we stop for a longer break for food and coffee. From Cosenza and just before reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea is the worst part of the autostrada, full of curves and tunnels on some places with very bad asphalt. If you add a rain to that condition it's even worse. Near Falerna Marina we enter the coast of Tyrrhenian Sea and what a surprise. In front of us is the sun. Sunny and warm weather with some clouds, but completely dry. Ideal for driving. From there we significantly accelerate and soon come to a rest area near the town of Pizzo where we have a short break. We left behind the worst part of southern Italy, the hilly area around Cosenza, and from now on our route will be near the sea. We take opportunity to film (driving) which will become my "obligation" for the next few days. In Pizzo on the break we meet a small group of Italian bikers (scooters of all types) heading to Sicily. After seeing our licence plate, pass by us and greet us. They have a leader like in the movies. We greet them as well, big respect. We can clearly feel the communion that adorns motorcyclists around the world, regardless of their beliefs and differences. From Pizzo to Villa San Giovanni we got about 100 km, as we move on to catch the ferry and do a first primary task for today which is coming to Sicily. Driving is a relaxing and fun. Tension (positive) yields while we move closer to Sicily. After less than an hour we see Sicily in the distance. The elation in our hearts, the excitement in our vein. We arrive at Villa San Giovanni, a stop only to buy the ferry tickets and go to the port where we wait for boarding. We waited for five minutes, got on the ferry and departed to Sicily. Ferry Villa San Giovanni - Messina runs every 20 minutes and the ride takes about the same time. There are more ships (even the ferry for the railways), so you don't wait longer than 10 minutes for boarding. We bought a return ticket for the ferry (valid one month), which is more favorable than one way. On the ferry we use the opportunity to reorganize, stretch our feet, change our suits and of course to film the ride. Messina channel is full of ships that pass in both directions. The ship stops, opens the ramp, and we get out. We did it, we are on Sicily. We arrive at Messina and drive through town and onto the Autostrada A18 where we continue to Catania. Here we see the famous Italian driving and passing through red lights (I think deliberately). In some parts of Italy's unofficial traffic rule is "Figure it out, buddy". When you are at the intersection and red light is on, vehicles pass until vehicles from another directions are in your way. Of course we do not know how to play that game (Russian roulette with a full gun) and continue our ride according to traffic signs. Autostrada towards Catania is excellent, but in some places trees and plants are so thick that they are covering road signs and stopping lane is completely healed so on some parts you can't even enter the stopping lane. But we see workers trimming and clearing trees. We pass near Taormina and Giardini Naxos, beautiful places that we will visit later in our trip. The scenery is beautiful, the coast is mountainous and steeply go down to the sea, where there are miles and miles of sandy beaches. Before our trip there were heavy rains and large landslides, and parts of the road are closed to reconstruction and every now and then we are diverted to one lane.
Near Catania we have a last short stop for today. For about half an hour will be getting dark, and we still have about 90 km to Syracuse. We did not want to drive at night, except when we had no choice (planned), and we left very quickly. As we drive, we see that in the direction of Syracuse is rain. As we have seen, rain starts to fall as the sun set as well. We considerably slowed down due to rain and poor visibility. Across the northern entrance we drove towards the town and enter the immense traffic that moves slower than the average human walking (people returning from work probably). After a while, we enter the town and quickly find our hotel. We arrive at the hotel, unpack, wash and change into "normal clothes". At Syracuse we came around 19:30 (a few minutes after the plan) and we planned that after arrival, we were going to see the city.
We are ready, let's go. After a short conversation with the receptionist, he tells us that he was in Dubrovnik, and praises him. We are very pleased, however, that our culture and legacy is worth something in the world. We crossed 650 km that day, but again we sit on the bike and ride to Ortygia for sightseeing and dinner. Ortigia, the old part of Syracuse is one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily and (to us) very similar to Dubrovnik, but buildings are larger and more ornate. It is end of the season, so there are not many tourists around, we walk around the city. Must visit on Sicily!
Unlike street, restaurants are full. After looking for a free place (all full), we dine at a restaurant Basirico where the food was excellent, and we were not wrong in our plan.
After dinner we drove trough Ortigia once more to visualize it better, and return to the hotel to rest.
The first day we drove for more than 8 hours (11:00 total) but due to regular stops for shorter and longer rests we felt no problems from driving, or pain and stiffness from continuous sitting. The bike fully justified it's comfort. Regardless of the rain and intense water our communication held on with no problem. On a couple of occasions weather was bad, but our rain suits did their job as well as boots. We were not rushing anywhere, since we planned to ride with much lower average speed, and in the end we came within a few minutes of our plan.
Slowly we realize addiction of many bikers.

route for the day

near Bari

rain


meet Alex


first stop Palagiano


near Pizzo looking back at clouds


Sicily


waiting in line


Yo' Adrian we did it


near Catania last stop


Street in Siracuse


Santa Lucia


Duomo Siracuse


Archimedes fountain


something to drink


something to eat


and this too


to be continued...

part.6 Another life

23.10.2015.
After a good rest and breakfast at around 10:00 we are ready for the next venture. Plan is a tour of Siracuse, Noto, Ragusa and Pozzallo where we catch a ferry to Malta. Once again we're going to Ortigia to film it during riding (around the city). After a short drive we enter the motorway under construction and go to Noto. We enter the city and drive through the narrow streets and stop in the center. Before our sightseeing we have a coffee in front of the cathedral. Noto in our opinion is one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily, if not the most, in one word, impressive. The beautiful buildings, churches, streets, everything .... While walking street musician is playing the tune from The Godfather movie to our delight. Inside the cathedral are the remains of a wooden planks, found after a shipwreck near with quote from Pope Francis "Who cries for these people". That impressed us very deep, and returned us to the harsh reality of our lives. After Noto we go in Ragusa. Ragusa is a special city for us because we come from Ragusa (historical name of Dubrovnik). We visit the old town of Ragusa Ibla, which is along the Noto and Modica (among other cities) also on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites as well as our Dubrovnik, but due some abandoned walls and facade it's not as imposing as Noto. In Ragusa we walk through the city center, and we go to restaurant Trattoria La Bettola, where we eat excellent food. After lunch, coffee on the Piazza Duomo and we try our first canolli on the road. We laze in the sun. We drove once more around Ragusa to film it like Syracuse. Final photographs and it's time to go. We drive to Pozzallo to leave the bike and catch the ferry to Malta. Weather is warm, sunny with scattered clouds, very nice. In Pozzallo we come much earlier and wait for the opening of the parking lot for our bike. We sit on the shore and enjoy. Before the trip we booked parking for bike while we are in Malta. In Malta trafic is on "opposite" side and prices for transport for bike are quite large, so it is not worth it because Malta is well connected with local bus lines, and not large (but with 400,000 inhabitants plus tourists). We even read that Malta was planning to change traffic rule to European way, but due to a possible invasion of a large number of tourists with vehicles they feared from total traffic chaos and finally gave up. We did not want to indulge in such an adventure although I think it would not be much of a problem. Bike is sleeping in Italy, because it is much easier. We left our bike and took our stuff and the first time we use backpacks (we bought another one in Ragusa), because we will need them in Malta. We walk up to Pozzallo to lose some time while waiting for the boat. With Pozzallo we are not overly impressed, not at all. Empty small (new) town that has a promenade and a large sandy beach, and is likely to get crowded with tourists during summer. We had a coffee and went back to the port.
Our ship is entering the port.
Jean de la Vallette is the fastest catamaran ship in the Mediterranean sea (we read that on board) and it takes him less than two hours to Malta which is 50 Nautical miles (or 90 km) away.Pretty fast for a boat that carries passengers and vehicles. The interior deck on a ship looks much like the tourist cruiser ships, shiny, clean and well equipped. You have the small sofas, plane seats, whichever you prefer, a glass front deck gives the impression of being in a spaceship (a joke, but similar). You have small bars and shops on it as well. After loading the last passengers and vehicles we are free to go. The ship starts to accelerate and is confirming the title for the speed. In front of us, tens of ships sailing in the dark, and in the moonlight you can see outlines of ships and navigation lights. The ship changes course, but very slowly until we pass by each other. After a while people are sleeping, and in the distance the you can see the lights from Malta. We are approaching Valletta. We look at illuminated stone walls from harbor, very impressive buildings built for defensive purposes during history. Line Valletta Pozzallo from Virtu Ferries leaves at 19:00 but because of bad weather that day we departed at 21:00 and arrived much later (huge waves on Malta). We exit the ship and take a taxi ride to the hotel located in Sliema, the neighboring town to Valletta. As the taxi drive us we see a lot of people, restaurants, bars and streets, all full. Unlike Sicily where there are not so many people, you feel like you're in London. We settle in the hotel and briefly go out for a quick orientation.
Here we had the worst accommodation on the entire trip.

route for the day

Noto

Noto street

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Noto

Ragusa

Ragusa

Ragusa

Pozzallo harbor

Towards Malta

Pozzallo in the distance

San Giovanni

Jean de la Valletta

Inside boat



to be continued...