Normally during foreign motorcycle expeditions, we have to first get out of the island by ferry. Because the ride is smooth, we are in the port before the scheduled time. We get in a queue and slowly ride towards check-in gates. One by one we pass the guard, who sometimes stops someone randomly for a luggage check. Oh, for what we were meticulous packing and clogging every free space in a bags since everything will have to be removed!
Fortunately, the customs officer only puts a card with pictures in front of us, asking if we have any of the items shown. Well, the machete would not fit in our luggage.
The drawing also shows other tools and knives, but I hope our sheath knife does not count. We deny and the customs officer lets us go without looking into the panniers. We still have time, so we use it to chat with others waiting. A lot of people ask us about motorbikes, their handling on different surfaces, or the planned time and route of our journey. Well, our bags are not the smallest, so they certainly attract attention. Waiting for the ferry. Oh, they call the first bikers on board!
We ride in and find parallel lines at a distance of about half a meter from each other where we can park motorcycles. We do not fit between other motorbikes, so surprised workers redirect us to the end of the deck, where we have designated space only for ourselves. For transport, it is recommended to put the motorcycles on a center stand, which our motorcycles do not have. The ferry crossing runs smoothly, the motorbikes are in one piece, so we leave Calais in France and head south.
During the first days, we will cover as long distance as possible to be able to slow down later and peacefully enjoy specific places, their atmosphere and landscapes. That is why today and probably tomorrow going through France we will stop only for meals. We rush forward! We cover km when the butts already feel the distance and this is only the first day! Our KTMs are Enduro motorcycles, where you rather stand during off-road riding. And since the seat is rarely used, the manufacturer did not care about making it comfortable.
