A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP ON A 125CC MOTORCYCLE? A JOURNEY NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED…..
Meet the awesome Jasmine Edmond who proved this summer that it can be done (albeit with a few trials, tribulations and lessons learned along the way!)
Check out her epic story - From break downs, fallen bikes and to wild camping and amazing landscapes, and hear about what she learned along her big adventure across the UK to the legendary North Coast 500 road in Scotland!
FOR YEARS I KNEW I WANTED TO RIDE…..
When I was in my teens my little brother and I promised each other that at some point we would get our motorcycles license together. At the time it felt imminent, but life had other plans. My career and a few major life changes brought me to the United Kingdom. Living the first couple years in Birmingham where my dream of getting a motorcycle was no longer just in the back of my mind. I told myself that once I moved to London that I would get my license. I moved to London, and a few months later covid pressed pause on the world and we went into lockdown. As we started coming out of lockdown, I met my partner. On our first date he picked me up on his motorcycle, a KTM 1290 Super Adventure and we rode around London. Out to Richmond and Kingston on the Thames for the sunset and then throughout the city streets of London. Riding past the city and all its landmarks beautifully lit up in the night.
It was that night riding pillion that I realised that I couldn’t wait any longer. He had opened my eyes to world of riding, and I could no longer turn away from it. With one ride I’d fallen in love with the freedom and exhilaration of riding a motorcycle… and it wasn’t even me in the driver’s seat. Shortly after I had booked and taken my CBT. I ordered my first bike and on November 26, 2020 my first 125cc motorcycle arrived!
A BRIGHT IDEA?
Shortly after I’d gotten the courage to start riding and somehow convinced one of my girlfriends, Dasha, to follow suit. We had come to the wild decision that if we were out of lockdown by June, we would attempt the NC500! We both needed a holiday, a break from the life of lockdown and getting lost in the highlands sounded like the perfect escape. From there we agreed on a route, and I started planning. I live in Bristol and Dasha lives in Birmingham. So, we would officially start off on our tour from the Midlands. We were both on L-Plates so that meant no motorways. Our first planned stop in Scotland was Loch Lomond. The route we decided to get to Loch Lomond included 430 miles over two days. Aiming for about 200 miles per day - not a small feat. From there we would make our way to Isle of Skye and then progress to the official start of the NC500, completing the route clockwise. Coming back down through Edinburgh and eventually making our way home. A route that we planned to achieve over two weeks from the middle to the end of June. For majority of the journey, we planned to wild camp, to allow us to really get lost in the surreal landscape of the highlands. The plan was set, we had researched on what luggage to get, and how to pack the bikes. We had our approximate stops planned out, as well as our backup stops, just in case we needed a break. All that was left now was to wait for the time to come to start our journey.
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”As the start of our adventure loomed, we both were wondering how crazy we were to attempt the NC500 on 125cc let alone with L-Plates.“
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June 18th arrived. I’d made my way to Birmingham the night before. I stopped at the Mutt dealership to get my bike serviced and ensure it was good to make the long journey. The bikes were packed, tents, sleeping bags and all. It was time for us to set-off on our adventure. We began our ride from Birmingham in the early afternoon once Dasha had finished work. It was raining. A consistent downpour. Really not a pleasant way to start off on our journey but we sucked it up donned our waterproofs and set out. In less than an hour our boots were soaked, and our gear was heavy with rain. We got stuck in detour after detour, and then the summer Friday traffic. It took us over an hour just to get out the city. It was beyond miserable. We pulled over to switch out our riding boots for our hiking boots. Just to have some dry feet. Though to be honest those eventually got soaked through as well, but we still pushed on. We finally started making some progress. We pulled over a second time at a petrol station next to the A38 just short of Derby to take a break from the rain and the constant wiping of our visors to be able to see the road.
“We were both on L-Plates so that meant no motorways.”
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We stood there. Under the cover of the petrol station and looked at each other. Did we make a mistake attempting this? Should we have waited till we were fully licensed, on bigger bikes with more experience riding? We both knew that if we had to endure two weeks of this type of weather that we were going to be miserable. Dasha pulled out some chocolate, we ate a few squares laughed at how crazy we were, and both agreed that we weren’t ready to give up!
We hopped back on our bikes and continued in the pouring rain. Pushing to continue to make progress. We rode for a couple more hours before pulling into a Starbucks. We grabbed a few snacks and some hot chocolate. We laughed at how ridiculous we looked. Wringing out our clothes, gloves and gear. Watching the water just pour out. But at least we were still laughing. Most likely because we were over tired, cold and wet and had been pushed to our limits. We sat on the sofas figuring out where we were going to spend our first night. We were both ready to almost call it quits for the day and knew we weren’t going to make it to our original stop of Carleigh, just shy of the Scottish border. We decided to aim for north of Leeds. Just over an hour away. Slightly warmed up and with the rain finally starting to ease off we began the last bit of our journey for the day. Reaching our destination, a Premier Inn, the rain had finally stopped, and the sun had come out. We were riding through the countryside. Watching the sun set over the rolling hills as we made the way to our hotel. It was the perfect end to a miserable day. We knew we had made the right decision to not turn around. To brave the rain and continue. This by far was the hardest day of our journey. Being on a motorcycle means that you have no relief from the elements which can make it very dismal at times. After enduring the constant driving rain, we knew that if we could make it through this, we would be okay.
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“We also learnt our first lesson. Invest in waterproof boots and waterproof socks.”
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The second day of our journey was off to a much better start. We had dried out overnight and the sun was shining. Having not made it as far as originally planned on our first day, only 135 miles in comparison to just over the 200 miles we intended, we aimed to make up the lost miles that day and get to Loch Lomond as originally planned. This meant a daunting 295 miles by the time we included a few detours. My phone had gotten wet in the rain on the first day and didn’t look like it was going to make it, resulting in us making a detour for a phone to get me through the trip. But with the sun shining our excitement had been rekindled and we now could laugh at how miserable our first day on the road had been. It was a long day but completing the 295 miles, crossing the UK-Scotland border and arriving in Loch Lomond confirmed that we were more than capable of making this journey.
From there on our adventure really kicked into gear. We rode from Loch Lomond to Ben Nevis through Glen Coe on the A82. Passing through the mountains. It was surreal to say the least. I’d driven this route in a car a few months earlier on my way to Isle of Skye. It was nothing in comparison to how it felt riding along this route on my motorcycle. I don’t think I’d ever experienced pure joy until this moment. It’s completely different to driving a car. I’ve endured more than my fair share of road trips. But in a car, for me a road trip was always about the destination, I hated the long drives of being stuck in a vehicle. This was not true on a bike. For me a road trip on a motorcycle is about the journey rather than the destination. I love riding. I already knew this. But this was the moment I knew that this was now an important part of my life.
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“The exhilaration you have going through bends, the scenery, the smells, all of it is almost beyond comprehension. It made me feel alive in a way I’d never felt before. “
Our journey progressed from Ben Nevis. Taking our time to ride the coastline enjoying the views and the winding road before hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Skye. We raced the clock knowing that we were barely going to make the last ferry of the day having gotten caught up in the roads we were riding. As we pulled into the line for the ferry, we lined up behind about 10 other riders. All men and all with much bigger bikes than our little 125cc with L-Plates. Our eyes were peeled to the bikes that we were dreaming of purchasing once we have achieved our full licenses and feeling only slightly intimidated by the obvious weathered riders. Our ferry docked in the Isle of Skye. We had dinner and then settled into our tent for the night with the Bla Bheinn mountain looming over us. This is where I learned my second lesson. Make sure your parked bike is 100% stable. We had parked our bikes next to the tent. I’d precariously parked mine. It wasn’t as stable as it could have been. In the morning when I was packing up the bike it tipped over cracking the mirror. Luckily there was no detrimental damage to the bike, but I would not be making that same mistake again!
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“ This is where I learned my second lesson. Make sure your parked bike is 100% stable.”.”
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Our journey continued. Touring the Isle of Skye for another couple days and then heading back to the mainland to officially start the NC500. Our first day of the NC500 included the daunting Bealach na Bà pass. The Bealach na Bà is a curvy mountainous road located in the Applecross peninsula of the Highlands. This twisting, single-track mountain road is the third highest road in Scotland rising to 2,054ft above the sea level. Comparable to the great mountain passes in the Alps, you endure very tight hairpin bends which switch back and forth up the hillside, with gradients approaching 20%. With all that in mind, the day we attempted Bealach Na Ba visibility was minimal, barely being able to see a few feet ahead of us. Soon as we started our ride up, we were quickly swallowed up by the clouds and mist, putting our very limited riding skills to the test. It was very slow going and when we finally reached the top of the pass, we couldn’t see a thing. It was an experience to say the least.
Our journey now takes us to our third lesson and our first major setback. Making our way to Ullapool. Dasha riding in front, said she was starting to lose power. Eventually we pulled over. We were in the middle of nowhere along the A832 and her bike wouldn’t re-start. We tried bump starting the bike and checking to see if there was anything obviously wrong. Obviously forgetting the most obvious. Eventually she admitted defeat and we called a tow truck. At this point, considering our location, we were very lucky we had cell phone service. In less than an hour a tow truck had arrived. The bike was loaded, and we backtracked to Locharron to meet the bike and figure out our next move. Dasha was advised to have the bike sent back home and to continue the journey in a rental car. Not wanting to cut the trip short she agreed. Disappointed but glad to at least get back on the road. Upon returning to Birmingham at the end of the trip Dasha discovered she had ceased the engine due to not checking her oil.
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“So, the third lesson… CHECK CHECK CHECK YOUR OIL! Do not underestimate the importance of your pre-ride checks. It can literally mean the life or death of your bike and you also just want to ensure your safety as a rider as well.”
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The next morning Dasha picked up her rental, and we were back on the road working our way along the NC500 route. A couple days later we made it to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and for me another milestone achieved on my bike. From there we moved on to John O’Groats, a bucket list item for most who don’t realise that Dunnet Head is the actual northern point of the UK. At this point it felt like our adventure was slowly coming to an end as we started heading south. Taking our journey through the famous Loch Ness, Inverness and then down to Edinburgh. Here is where Dasha continued, having to get back to Birmingham to return her rental and deal with her broken motorcycle and leaving me to complete the rest of the journey on my own. I spent an extra night in Edinburgh enjoying the sites. Then slowly started making my way back down to Bristol over a few days. Taking my time riding through Northumberland National Park, North Pennines AONB, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Peak District. All of which are amazing areas to ride through. Then finally arriving home in Bristol. Just over two weeks after setting off, approximately 2100 miles and successfully completing my first motorcycle tour.
So what was the hardest part of roadtripping on a 125cc motorcycle?
Now having had time to reflect on our adventure I can honestly say that completing this type of trip on a 125cc and with L plates was an amazing experience. Yes, you won’t be the fastest riders on the road and other motorcyclists and vehicles will pass you. You being able to pass other vehicles is generally not going to be a possibility. You won’t be able to go more than 50 mph uphill, which if you are in a 70-mph zone can get a bit frustrating. But you will learn and experience so much more than just riding locally. And really, with the landscapes you are riding through, would you want to speed to the point of where you aren’t enjoying the beauty of your surroundings? On our journey we met tons of other riders, majority of whom have been riding for years. Judging from their stories most of them had at some point made the same mistakes as us. Many of them, although weathered riders, had dropped their bikes, stalled and forgot to do maintenance checks. Really, we weren’t that much different to other riders despite our small engines and limited riding skills, which of course can only be improved with time and miles. But the kindness and the support that other riders gave us was tremendous. Knowing that we had a community that no doubt would have our backs while on the road is unbelievable.
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PLANNING FOR A BIG TRIP
If you do decide to attempt a trip on a 125cc, make sure to plan it out properly and leave an ample amount of time. If the GPS says four hours add another two hours for stops to enjoy the views and to adjust for the slightly slower pace of your 125cc. While I was creating our route, we aimed for a maximum of 150 miles of riding per day but tried to keep it closer to 100 miles. Adding up to 2000 miles for the entire journey over a 2-week period. We tried to stick to B roads or roads that would give us the best views and rides. We didn’t want to be rushed and we wanted to enjoy the views, stop and see the sites, and just be tourists.
In addition to that, the weather isn’t always going to be ideal, and some days of riding realistically aren’t going to be as fun. There’s the potential for it to be wet, cold and miserable. At one point we even had a bit of snow. These days we had many more stops for coffee just to sit inside and warm up, which added on extra time to our planned journey that day. For the most part we did wild camp, but for days where the weather really wasn’t cooperating, we booked hostels and Airbnb’s last minute. A real mattress and a hot shower will do wonders when the weather is miserable.
When it comes to traveling there is always the risk of something going wrong. I find that the best approach is to accept it and make the best of the situation but to also be prepared. Take your bike in for a service to ensure it’s in tip top shape for such a big journey. Bring a tire patch kit and small tool kit to be able to deal with small issues yourself. Ensure your insurance will cover breakdown, transporting your bike, and a replacement vehicle. When Dasha’s bike ceased we could have just called it quits, but we discussed her options with the tow trucker and came to the decision for her to hire a car that was covered with her insurance, and from there we continued our journey. In any situation it’s how you deal with it and whether or not you decide to make the best of it. Just because there are issues doesn’t mean it has to end or ruin the trip.
Overall, you must remember, it’s an adventure and you need to take the good and the obstacles as it comes. Just be prepared, don’t overthink it and have fun. Yes, you are on a 125cc but that shouldn’t be a reason for holding you back from adventures. If anything, use it as an introduction to bigger and better motorcycle tours to come.
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“Just take your time, enjoy the journey and get lost in the adventure that you are on!”
MY PACKING LIST
When it came to deciding what to bring, I did read quite a few blogs and what their packing lists included. Many of them it seemed were taking an entire workshop with them. Being on smaller bikes it did mean our space was limited and we didn’t want them getting too heavy. Instead we prepared for the more likely events. We took a tire patch kit and a small tool kit. There are plenty of petrol stations and a few maintenance shops on the route but generally if you do any major damage to your bike, you will be in a similar situation to Dasha and will either have to call it quits or switch to a rental car.
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RIDING GEAR
Riding jacket
Riding trousers (Dasha and I both wear Pando Motto UH2 leggings under our jeans so when not riding we just removed the Pando’s) Saved having to take extra sets of trousers specifically for off the bike)
Riding Helmet
Riding gloves (2 pairs)
Riding boots
Waterproofs
Bike cover
Disc lock
Tire patch kit
Small tool kit
Heated grips (I had installed these months before our trip and Dasha got them installed the day before we left but on cold days for us this made all the distance for keeping us going)
Helmet Bluetooth communication systems (We specifically used the Cardo BlackTalk Bold)
Neck buff
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CLOTHES
Jumpers (x2)
T-shirts/tank tops (5x)
Socks
Under wear
Bathing suit
Leggings (for hikes and off the bike)
Hiking boots (we both decided these were unnecessary, this trip ended up being more about the rides then hiking. We did go on a few small trails, but the boots weren’t necessary and just took up extra space)
Toiletries
Toothpastes
Toothbrush
Towel (quick dry)
Wet wipes
Soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Etc.
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CAMPING
Sleeping bag
Sleeping matt
Tent (one for the both of us)
Midge spray (DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE MIDGES)
Cooking equipment (we packed limited cooking equipment knowing we were going to find places to eat along the route rather then cook ourselves)
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WHAT I WISH I’D PACKED
Waterproof riding boots
Waterproof socks
Base layers – It ended up being colder than I expected for the end of June
Extra oil for the bikes
Waterproof phone case
Duct tape – it works for everything