2025: back on the motorcycle again!

[hayabusaTravels]

After a four-year forced break, I'm back on the motorcycle, very grateful and happy to be able to do so.
I had serious health problems that I overcame with great effort, and that's in addition to having to lose 36 kg (79.3 lbs). I'm excellent now and most importantly, able to ride the Hayabusa on long tours.
Sure, I've lost a lot of the confidence and skills I had in terms of motorcycle control, but what better way to get used to the motorcycle after a four-year break than a trip to Thassos (Greece) and explore the island for a few days? As I live in Bucharest Romania, that's a 1200 km (745 mi) straight, but of course we also did a few laps around the island, so this ride exceeded 1500 km (932 mi).

Then followed another 3000 km (1864 mi) trip on the route of North Macedonia and Albania, a tour from which we returned a few days ago. I really wanted to see Llogara Pass from Albania

Now, with your permission, I will detail these two tours, inviting you to also watch the videos posted on the main channel. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make videos exclusively in English because I filmed in 4K at 60 fps, in 10bit, and rendering a 15-minute video takes over 2 hours on the computer I currently own.So please turn on the automatic translation available on Youtube for each video by clicking on the settings wheel.

This season I'm filming with two Dji Action 4 cameras and a Dji Mini 4 Pro drone and recording the sound from the motorcycle separately with a double lavalier connected to a Zoom H1 recorder. For pictures and quick video we use our phones.

I'll start with a teaser and then post as often as time allows:

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

Welcome back @hayabusaTravels. Your tour stories are great. I am glad that you are doing well, touring, and sharing the tour with us.

 

[BigBSBusa]

Thanks for the vid and glad you overcame the health problems and riding again! Welcome back to the .org!

 

[Gen3lover]

Nice set up you have for video/audio.

 

[hayabusaTravels]

We set off from my parents house in Giurgiu Romania at around 9am (way too late, if you ask me, but it is what it is) and crossed Bulgaria in about 10 hours...
Long and frequent breaks, the key to great successes!

Arrived in Keramoti at around 6:45pm, got our tickets and boarded the ferryboat.
Ticket cost: €5/person and €6 for a motorbike.

We caught a gorgeous sunset on the boat on the way to the island where we arrived in the dark.
After another 50km (31 mi) to our accommodation, we finally arrived in Potos and checked into our room, after which we went out to have a gyros that we had been waiting for the whole way.
We walked a little further along the "merry street" and retired to rest.

We start the rounds the next day.
When you're on a motorcycle in Thassos, it's a must to do at least one complete round trip in both directions.

Fewer pictures were taken because I filmed knowing that there was a lot of rideing and crossing Bulgaria is such a long and boring ride. This season I crossed it four times...
In total, I did 570km (354mi), from my parents at the gate in Giurgiu to the hotel in Potos.

Video of the day:

 

[Bumblebee]

We set off from my parents house in Giurgiu Romania at around 9am (way too late, if you ask me, but it is what it is) and crossed Bulgaria in about 10 hours...
Long and frequent breaks, the key to great successes!

View attachment 1705170

View attachment 1705171

Arrived in Keramoti at around 6:45pm, got our tickets and boarded the ferryboat.
Ticket cost: €5/person and €6 for a motorbike.

View attachment 1705172

We caught a gorgeous sunset on the boat on the way to the island where we arrived in the dark.
After another 50km (31 mi) to our accommodation, we finally arrived in Potos and checked into our room, after which we went out to have a gyros that we had been waiting for the whole way.
We walked a little further along the "merry street" and retired to rest.

View attachment 1705173

View attachment 1705174

We start the rounds the next day.
When you're on a motorcycle in Thassos, it's a must to do at least one complete round trip in both directions.

Fewer pictures were taken because I filmed knowing that there was a lot of rideing and crossing Bulgaria is such a long and boring ride. This season I crossed it four times...
In total, I did 570km (354mi), from my parents at the gate in Giurgiu to the hotel in Potos.

Video of the day:

Looks like a great trip.......glad you are still out and about on the 'ol Hayabusa.......

 

[BigBSBusa]

Awesome! That gyro looks very filling. Enjoy the trip.

 

[hayabusaTravels]

Thank you all for your kind words.
Let's continue...
The next day, we're going to do another tour of the island, counterclockwise this time.
We have a few sights to visit so we'll go from GPS coordinates to GPS coordinates.

A beautiful day with 22°C (71,6°F) and a full tank! It's 10 am and we're going for a walk... What more could you want?

First stop: Limenaria!
Limenaria is the second largest town on the island of Thassos, picturesquely situated on the southwest coast, offering a splendid view of Mount Athos. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its vibrant promenade, lined with tavernas and shops, that runs along the coast. Although the beach in the town can be pebbly, Limenaria serves as a great base for exploring the many beautiful beaches nearby, as well as enjoying the lively atmosphere.
We stop at a roadside terrace and while Kitty drinks a coffee, I take a drone around the area:

From here we leave for Trypiti beach...
I wasn't really sure about the access road to get there, but I calmed down when I got closer and saw that it was easy to get in...
A bit of sand in the parking lot but that's ok... I park and start flying:

We then go to a "viewpoint" located a bit further ahead. I found it mentioned on Google Maps and it seemed interesting to me. I found a sign that said Platanes Beach Skala Marines and if you get there, please look to see if my HayabusaTravels sticker is still there!

Next stop: Skala Marion!
Skala Marion (or Skala Maries) is a another picturesque and peaceful fishing village located on the west coast of the island of Thassos. It is known for its authentic atmosphere, with traditional houses and a small port area. Visitors especially appreciate the small, fine-sand beaches nearby, which offer a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.

Here I wanted to sit on a terrace and put some "stuff" on charge. We planned for a long day and it's good to charge the camera/drone batteries whenever you have the opportunity for a longer break.
As a side note, the 3 drone batteries are not enough for such a day.

We continue our tour and arrive at Skala Prinos.
Skala Prinos is famous as the second port on the island, providing a connection to the city of Kavala on the mainland. Although it is an area with port activity, the resort is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, fine sandy beaches, gentle entrance to the water and rich vegetation, especially in the Dassilio area. It is an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxing holiday, and is also a useful starting point for exploring the island.

We didn’t stay too long because the wind was already too strong to fly the drone, so we took a few pictures and left.

We are already starting to approach the main port of Thassos and we decided to stop once more at another "viewpoint":

And here we are in Thassos Port where we stopped to eat something.
I take advantage of the opportunity and take some shots with the drone:

Here is the footage so far:

Now we have to return to Potos, continuing our tour of the island.
The first stop will be at Sotirelis, that olive oil factory, but I didn't take any pictures because I was filming (video below).
We then head to Golden Beach, which was also the last stop of the day. It was already late and getting dark.

Golden Beach is one of the longest and most popular beaches on the island of Thassos, extending between the villages of Skala Panagia and Skala Potamia.
The beach was deserted as expected in such a wind, but I still feel good seeing it again after so many years.

We hardly persuaded ourselves to leave, more convinced by the late hour and the reality that the sun was starting to prepare for sunset and from here we still had 50 km to go to our accommodation in Potos. We took one more picture in the parking lot and that's it, we left:

We still had a few more sights to visit but we didn't have time so they will be left for next time.
I would have liked to visit Aliki too: ancient marble quarry, Marble beach, but also Giola which I visited in 2017, also with this motorcycle. But then there was no paved road all the way down and we had to leave the motorcycle on the main road.

Here is part two, the continuation of the day:

And let's not forget, here are some images from Potos, where we stayed:

 

[Bumblebee]

Thank you all for your kind words.
Let's continue...
The next day, we're going to do another tour of the island, counterclockwise this time.
We have a few sights to visit so we'll go from GPS coordinates to GPS coordinates.

A beautiful day with 22°C (71,6°F) and a full tank! It's 10 am and we're going for a walk... What more could you want?

First stop: Limenaria!
Limenaria is the second largest town on the island of Thassos, picturesquely situated on the southwest coast, offering a splendid view of Mount Athos. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its vibrant promenade, lined with tavernas and shops, that runs along the coast. Although the beach in the town can be pebbly, Limenaria serves as a great base for exploring the many beautiful beaches nearby, as well as enjoying the lively atmosphere.
We stop at a roadside terrace and while Kitty drinks a coffee, I take a drone around the area:

View attachment 1705315

View attachment 1705316

From here we leave for Trypiti beach...
I wasn't really sure about the access road to get there, but I calmed down when I got closer and saw that it was easy to get in...
A bit of sand in the parking lot but that's ok... I park and start flying:

View attachment 1705317

View attachment 1705318

View attachment 1705319

We then go to a "viewpoint" located a bit further ahead. I found it mentioned on Google Maps and it seemed interesting to me. I found a sign that said Platanes Beach Skala Marines and if you get there, please look to see if my HayabusaTravels sticker is still there!

View attachment 1705323

View attachment 1705320

View attachment 1705321

View attachment 1705322

Next stop: Skala Marion!
Skala Marion (or Skala Maries) is a another picturesque and peaceful fishing village located on the west coast of the island of Thassos. It is known for its authentic atmosphere, with traditional houses and a small port area. Visitors especially appreciate the small, fine-sand beaches nearby, which offer a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.

Here I wanted to sit on a terrace and put some "stuff" on charge. We planned for a long day and it's good to charge the camera/drone batteries whenever you have the opportunity for a longer break.
As a side note, the 3 drone batteries are not enough for such a day.

View attachment 1705324

View attachment 1705325

View attachment 1705326

View attachment 1705327

We continue our tour and arrive at Skala Prinos.
Skala Prinos is famous as the second port on the island, providing a connection to the city of Kavala on the mainland. Although it is an area with port activity, the resort is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, fine sandy beaches, gentle entrance to the water and rich vegetation, especially in the Dassilio area. It is an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxing holiday, and is also a useful starting point for exploring the island.

We didn’t stay too long because the wind was already too strong to fly the drone, so we took a few pictures and left.

View attachment 1705328

View attachment 1705329

View attachment 1705330

We are already starting to approach the main port of Thassos and we decided to stop once more at another "viewpoint":

View attachment 1705331
And here we are in Thassos Port where we stopped to eat something.
I take advantage of the opportunity and take some shots with the drone:

View attachment 1705332

View attachment 1705333

View attachment 1705334

Here is the footage so far:

Now we have to return to Potos, continuing our tour of the island.
The first stop will be at Sotirelis, that olive oil factory, but I didn't take any pictures because I was filming (video below).
We then head to Golden Beach, which was also the last stop of the day. It was already late and getting dark.

View attachment 1705335

View attachment 1705336

Golden Beach is one of the longest and most popular beaches on the island of Thassos, extending between the villages of Skala Panagia and Skala Potamia.
The beach was deserted as expected in such a wind, but I still feel good seeing it again after so many years.

View attachment 1705337

View attachment 1705338

We hardly persuaded ourselves to leave, more convinced by the late hour and the reality that the sun was starting to prepare for sunset and from here we still had 50 km to go to our accommodation in Potos. We took one more picture in the parking lot and that's it, we left:

View attachment 1705339

We still had a few more sights to visit but we didn't have time so they will be left for next time.
I would have liked to visit Aliki too: ancient marble quarry, Marble beach, but also Giola which I visited in 2017, also with this motorcycle. But then there was no paved road all the way down and we had to leave the motorcycle on the main road.

Here is part two, the continuation of the day:

And let's not forget, here are some images from Potos, where we stayed:

View attachment 1705340

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View attachment 1705342

Awesome pictures........you need to follow @pashnit 's example and start a tour company......

 

[jwcfbd]

Looks like a great trip. Welcome back.

 

[hayabusaTravels]

@Bumblebee
The idea is not bad at all, but I think I lack a lot of experience. I'm scared of having to take responsibility for a group of people, even if they are friends at first! I still need some experience traveling alone (with my wife) and it will definitely require a completely different approach if we are talking about paying clients.

Thank you, jwcfbd!

 

[Bumblebee]

@Bumblebee
The idea is not bad at all, but I think I lack a lot of experience. I'm scared of having to take responsibility for a group of people, even if they are friends at first! I still need some experience traveling alone (with my wife) and it will definitely require a completely different approach if we are talking about paying clients.

Thank you, jwcfbd!

.....at least you take us and You Tube viewers along so that's a good thing......

We enjoy your adventures.

 

[hayabusaTravels]

Thank you!
Can't wait to show you all the Macedonia - Albania trip we just came back from a week ago. I was just looking over some pictures from the trip and man, let me tell you, there are like paintings to hang on the wall.

 

[hayabusaTravels]

Now the time for going home is upon us.

First we have to get to the port to take the ferry to the mainland.

We arrive at the port just 10 minutes before the ferry leaves and quickly board. Cost 16 euros: 5 euros/person and another 6 euros for the motorbike.

After 30 minutes we are in Keramoti and we sit on a terrace, having a coffee, contemplating the long road we have to travel.
We decide to stop again in Veliko, Kitty doesn't want us to go straight home.

I turn off the cameras until we reach Makaza.
Makaza is the border area between Bulgaria and Greece, an exceptionally beautiful and well-maintained road. Wide turns, hilly scenery but also some tunnels...

Having left Keramoti, we felt a little more at ease knowing that we would be stopping in Veliko for a night, thus the 500+ km was transformed into 380 km, a distance that, although not negligible, is preferable to avoid driving at night through Bulgaria. We have driven the same route at night before, but in October and it was not pleasant at all.

It was clear that we would arrive in Veliko in the evening so we kept a leisurely pace, without stress. It is much better when you do not have to rush.

We arrived in Veliko in the evening and went straight to Hotel Real where we found a double room for 45 euros/night. A bit pricey but at least we have a private parking and a somewhat modern room, with a lot of peace, located on the main street.

The next morning we left for home and that's how my little motorcycle re-acclimatization ride went.

To us, Thassos is a close location, handy so to speak, just right for either re-familiarizing yourself with the motorcycle after a break or why not, to escape for a few days from the daily stress.

Now I'm going to take a short break from posting and editing and will be back with the next trip: Macedonia and Albania from which we just returned a week ago...
Stay tuned... and thanks for your attention and viewing!
Good luck and health!

 

[Bumblebee]

Now the time for going home is upon us.

View attachment 1705397


First we have to get to the port to take the ferry to the mainland.

View attachment 1705398

View attachment 1705405

We arrive at the port just 10 minutes before the ferry leaves and quickly board. Cost 16 euros: 5 euros/person and another 6 euros for the motorbike.

View attachment 1705399

View attachment 1705400

After 30 minutes we are in Keramoti and we sit on a terrace, having a coffee, contemplating the long road we have to travel.
We decide to stop again in Veliko, Kitty doesn't want us to go straight home.

View attachment 1705401

I turn off the cameras until we reach Makaza.
Makaza is the border area between Bulgaria and Greece, an exceptionally beautiful and well-maintained road. Wide turns, hilly scenery but also some tunnels...

View attachment 1705402

View attachment 1705403

Having left Keramoti, we felt a little more at ease knowing that we would be stopping in Veliko for a night, thus the 500+ km was transformed into 380 km, a distance that, although not negligible, is preferable to avoid driving at night through Bulgaria. We have driven the same route at night before, but in October and it was not pleasant at all.

View attachment 1705404

It was clear that we would arrive in Veliko in the evening so we kept a leisurely pace, without stress. It is much better when you do not have to rush.

We arrived in Veliko in the evening and went straight to Hotel Real where we found a double room for 45 euros/night. A bit pricey but at least we have a private parking and a somewhat modern room, with a lot of peace, located on the main street.

View attachment 1705407

View attachment 1705406

View attachment 1705408

The next morning we left for home and that's how my little motorcycle re-acclimatization ride went.

To us, Thassos is a close location, handy so to speak, just right for either re-familiarizing yourself with the motorcycle after a break or why not, to escape for a few days from the daily stress.

Now I'm going to take a short break from posting and editing and will be back with the next trip: Macedonia and Albania from which we just returned a week ago...
Stay tuned... and thanks for your attention and viewing!
Good luck and health!

Have you had any issues with the bike during these trips?

Have you found many language barriers along your way or do you (or Kitty) speak multiple languages?

 

[hayabusaTravels]

No bike issues at all, but then again I did a proper service before the trip. Changed EVERYTHING, from spark plugs to tires.
As for the other question, we both speak and write english good enough to make conversations. And there's always "sign language", meaning mimeing the thing or action we mean/need.
For complicated actions or locations, I have a picture in my phone that I take prior and keep just in case.
For example, in Albania I need a small allen key as the fork ram mount for the GPS holder got loose. Had a picture of that key and also the place on my motorcycle where the key was needed.
'cause of course I'm gonna forget some things home... every fricking trip!!!
If I search for a specific land mark, I always have a picture of it just in case the GPS unit decideds to F me up...

BTW: this is were the Garmin 396 LMTS took me in Macedonia instead of taking me to the hotel in Kumanovo:

When I get to that video and story I'm seriously thinking of nameing it "F**ck Garmin"!

 

[Bumblebee]

No bike issues at all, but then again I did a proper service before the trip. Changed EVERYTHING, from spark plugs to tires.
As for the other question, we both speak and write english good enough to make conversations. And there's always "sign language", meaning mimeing the thing or action we mean/need.
For complicated actions or locations, I have a picture in my phone that I take prior and keep just in case.
For example, in Albania I need a small allen key as the fork ram mount for the GPS holder got loose. Had a picture of that key and also the place on my motorcycle where the key was needed.
'cause of course I'm gonna forget some things home... every fricking trip!!!
If I search for a specific land mark, I always have a picture of it just in case the GPS unit decideds to F me up...

BTW: this is were the Garmin 396 LMTS took me in Macedonia instead of taking me to the hotel in Kumanovo:

View attachment 1705413

When I get to that video and story I'm seriously thinking of nameing it "F**ck Garmin"!

I can get a translator app for my phone.....I've always thought that if I ever travel, I would use this app...

It's good to hear you haven't had any issues with your bike especially since you are riding two up with luggage and sometimes fuel can be dodgy.....

That last couple of pictures reminds me of a friend of mine whose Garmin GPS took his wife down a logging road.....and there was no cell coverage so she could call him.....he said she eventually turned around and went back to the highway but her new SUV was a ball of mud when she got home.....

 

[hayabusaTravels]

No need for apps because that requires internet connection. People undersand the basics.
Of course you're gonna encounter funny situations when speaking to people, as I did in a restaurant in Macedonia when I wanted to ask to not put any extra salt in my food. I kept saying "no salt","no sol" and seeing they don't understand I saw a shelf near with various products for sale (chips, biscuits, etc.) and I took a bag, found on it where it says how much salt it contains, kept my finger on that word and kept saying "no salt, no salt" while shaking my head side-to-side. Gotta get pretty creative with this things!
And what do you know, head shaking side-to-side is used by them to express "yes". This is the opposite of the gesture's meaning in most of the world. Nevertheless they understoond my small demand after all.

As for the GPS... yeah. I really, but really want to discuss with a Garmin tech manager. I sure have some things to say to him!

The algorith is plain stupid. In Byala for example, it wanted to go around the entire city, while that city is just a straight line with no stop lights and is like not more the 2km (1. something miles) and you're out... Basically is a straight line that ends with a roundabout while the houses are side to side. Good thing I know that city. Imagine the locations/rutes I don't know.

Speaking of the mud:

 

[georgiabusa_05]

Thank you for posting up your trip. I really enjoy you trips and the pictures you post of another part of the world.

 

[Bumblebee]

No need for apps because that requires internet connection. People undersand the basics.
Of course you're gonna encounter funny situations when speaking to people, as I did in a restaurant in Macedonia when I wanted to ask to not put any extra salt in my food. I kept saying "no salt","no sol" and seeing they don't understand I saw a shelf near with various products for sale (chips, biscuits, etc.) and I took a bag, found on it where it says how much salt it contains, kept my finger on that word and kept saying "no salt, no salt" while shaking my head side-to-side. Gotta get pretty creative with this things!
And what do you know, head shaking side-to-side is used by them to express "yes". This is the opposite of the gesture's meaning in most of the world. Nevertheless they understoond my small demand after all.

As for the GPS... yeah. I really, but really want to discuss with a Garmin tech manager. I sure have some things to say to him!

The algorith is plain stupid. In Byala for example, it wanted to go around the entire city, while that city is just a straight line with no stop lights and is like not more the 2km (1. something miles) and you're out... Basically is a straight line that ends with a roundabout while the houses are side to side. Good thing I know that city. Imagine the locations/rutes I don't know.

Speaking of the mud:

View attachment 1705414

The app works off your cell phone...no internet connection required...

A neighbor recently returned from a trip to Spain and said they used this app and were really impressed with it...

I like it when my troops tried to communicate with someone by saying it louder in English...I told them that the people don't understand loud English either........I also laughed one time when one of my guys was trying to explain something in some sort of pigeon language only to have the person ask him what he wanted in perfect English....it turned out he was an ex-pat.......we all laughed at that one....

GPS can be a good tool but I always do a map recce before going somewhere to get the lay of the land first...