Itchy Boots

ITCHY BOOTS IS BACK!!!! After months of recovering from my accident, I am ready to hit the road again. And I will do it on a new motorcycle!! In this episode, I reveal the motorcycle that I will ride for my new adventures around the world

In the last episode I've introduced my new motorcycle, a 1987 Yamaha Tenere. This motorcycle is the same age as me! Although... this bike is far from the original version by now. In this video, Moritz will show you the ins and outs of this incredible and unique motorcycle.

For my 1987 Yamaha Tenere, I have an original Ohlin suspension that's already been around the world some 20 years ago. Better get that serviced! But on opening up - it was worse than we thought..

After testing my Yamaha Tenere 1VJ from 1987 with my luggage strapped on it, it turned out that the weight of my luggage pushed against the plastics, causing it to melt to the exhaust.. I need reinforcements! Luckily, Hannes (Moritz' son) and Robert are incredibly talented (their company is called Herbst Freitag) and they designed and manufactured something special for my bike..

It's the start, it's the start!! YES!! I am so happy to really begin this new journey, even though the onset reminds me a bit of my first day on the Patagonia to Alaska journey... Terrible weather slaps me in the face!

The second day on the road in Turkey and the weather has turned around for the better - as I ride through mountains, past lakes with flamingos and squeeze through little villages, I am clocking kilometer after kilometer on my 1987 XT600, and am getting to know my bike better by the kilometer!

In this episode, I am on my way to Konya, in Turkey. To get there, I have to cross a mountain range - while passing old roman structures like bridges and even an abandoned huge amphitheatre!

In this episode, I explore the city of Konya - home to the grave of the most read poet in the world: Rumi, or: Mevlana as he is known in Turkey. I visit Whirling Dervishes, devotees of Mevlana to watch how their ceremonies are being done and I ride around the city looking for... internet (that tends to happen when you upload a lot on YouTube!)

So much happened on this day exploring Turkey! From old civilizations from 7000 years B.C, till Roman jacuzzi's in volcanic craters, till getting lost in tunnels of a hidden city in the rocks - oh and some epic motorcycling in between! A day I will not forget very easily..

In this episode, I first check out Caravanserai Sultan Han, a fascination peek into history when traders stopped over here on their way between Asia en Europe on the Silk Road. Next, I'm headed into Cappadocia, a part of Turkey that I've visited before, but now I'm going to areas I didn't see last time. At the Ihlara valley gorge, I get chased by two big kangal dogs and try to escape via a single trail hugging the mountain and with sheer drops into the gorge..

In this episode, I explore a little more of the lesser known parts of Cappadocia. But when you ride offroad.. trouble will find you ( or is it just me??). Always.

In this episode, I am crossing a huge part of Turkey so I have a lot of distance to cover! After quickly covering some distance on paved roads, I take the last part of today's journey over small backroads through the mountains. But to my surprise, without any warning, they've dumped fresh tar on the road and I have no option than to ride through it..

In this episode, I ride my 1987 Yamaha Ténéré to the Black Sea coast of Turkey. I follow the course of the Euphrates river, but to do so, I have to enter one dark tunnel after the other, there is just no end to these tunnels...

In this episode I am leaving the Black Sea coast of Turkey and heading back into the mountains. And WOW - my mind is blown with these unpaved mountain passes. But are they dangerous?

In this episode, I am leaving Bayburt in Turkey and am full of plans. But the day turns out a little different than expected - I get to test my reserve on my bike and the weather plays some tricks on me...

It's time to get up and close with the most active volcano of Turkey, right on the northern shore of Lake Van - this place is not what I expected, that's for sure!

This is my last full ride in Turkey already, I can't believe how fast it has gone by. As I approach the border with Iraq, there are more and more checkpoints, something that will happen a lot more in the coming time.

In this episode, I am leaving Türkiye and cross the landborder into Iraqi-Kurdistan. This is my first time in Iraq and I can't wait to explore Kurdistan!

In this episode, I start from Duhok, close to the border with Türkiye and start exploring Kurdistan - in the north of Iraq.

In this video, I am riding in the North of Iraq, in Kurdistan and even though I made a promise to myself not to go offroad in Iraq - this canyon was too hard to resist..

In this episode, I make my way to Erbil, Iraq. This is the capital of Kurdistan and I make my way through the busy city (and many street markets!) to find the motorcycle district, because I need to sort out a little problem before I can continue on!

This day did not go according to plan. After breakfast, I walked down and saw that only my motorcycle cover remained and my motorcycle was gone. Stolen. This was not how I thought this day in Erbil, Iraq, would go..

My motorcycle got stolen in Erbil, Iraq, and when I found it back - all the wiring was cut. I thought I fixed it the day before, but even though I am very eager to leave the following morning, getting the motorcycle started is more complicated that I thought.. On top of that - I completely lost my voice :(

After getting sick and having my motorcycle stolen, I am not on top of my game and I start making mistakes.. crucial mistakes.

In this episode, I am leaving Kurdistan, and to continue further into Iraq, I need to make a small detour to Iran, so I can get a visa on arrival for Federal Iraq. This Iraq-Iran border is not what I expected though...

In this episode, I cover 250 kilometers in Iran and try to leave Iran and enter Iraq. But things turn out differently when the stamp in my Carnet de Passage is the wrong one and customs doesn't let me leave Iran..

In this episode, Mohammed and I finally manage to get me across the border into Iraq. I can stay with him and his mom, but first, we need to get to his house. In the dark, on a motorcycle without any lights. Good thing he knows a good mechanic!

In this episode, Mohammed, the guy who helped me across the border into Iraq, is showing me around Jassan. Next we ride into the mountains where Saddam Hussein was hiding from the Americans, but first, the police take me to the police station.

In this episode, I ride from Jassan, at the border of Iraq and Iran, to Iraq's capital city Baghdad. Here I meet up with Aya, who I already met in Kurdistan, and she shows me around Baghdad. If you are planning to visit Baghdad yourself (or other parts of Iraq), she can organize everything for you! Find here on instagram:

In this episode, I leave Baghdad, Iraq and ride south. Towards the ancient Babylon, and Saddam Hussein's old palace that overlooks it. But this day does not go smoothly, as a large nail punctures my rear tire.

In this episode, I leave Al Najaf and cross through the heart of ancient Mesopotamia. The cradle of civilization, where the first writing originated. The site of Uruk is historically very important, and I am amazed that I am the only visitor there. The ziggurat of Ur is just as impressive and I end a long day in Nasriyah.

In this episode, I explore the largest wetlands of Iraq, a place in between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers - a place many believe was the place of the biblical Garden of Eden. Many thanks to Abu Haider, for showing me this magical place.

In this episode, I am leaving Iraq! I'm crossing the border into Kuwait, to ride to Kuwait City. There I can finally go to a good motorcycle workshop and have a new wiring loom fitted on my bike!

In this episode, I am leaving Kuwait and crossing another border into Saudi Arabia. That means that I won't have to do any border crossings in a while because this country is HUGE! I can't wait to get into the desert and try out my new knobbly tires, but first.. let's try and get across this border.

This episode is my first full day of riding in Saudi Arabia. I can't wait to ride dirt so I head straight for the desert. Even though this isn't the most scenic part of desert in Saudi Arabia, I am loving the feeling of dirt under the tires! When I stop to check up on my water bag, I realize I stopped just in front of soft, deep sand: a mistake..

In this episode, I am trying to find my way around a large dune field in Saudi Arabia but things don't go according to plan. A silly bike drop leads to another silly thing - my water bag getting caught between my chain and wheel..

In this episode, I am riding to Hail, in Saudi Arabia. This country is one big playground for off-road desert riding, with tracks EVERYWHERE.

In this episode, I am leaving Hail and I have a big day planned with lots of desert riding. The day starts off well, riding through a beautiful gorge but soon turns into a nightmare in a wadi...

This is part 2 of what happened when I tried to pass through a wadi close to Hail, in Saudi Arabia. Things didn't go according to plan, but leave it up to the Saudi people to make sure you will be fine!

In this episode, I am attempting to leave Hail for the second time, but again - the desert surprises me and I have to change my plans..

In this episode, I ride to AlUla - one of the most scenic towns and areas I've ever seen in my life. But besides stunning scenery and some of the best sand riding I've done so far, I ride to Hegra. And Hegra, quite frankly, absolutely blew my mind...

Welcome to paradise... As I leave Al Ula in Saudi Arabia, I head north - right into paradise and the most beautiful wadi I have ever seen...

In this episode, I am leaving Al Disah and I am making my way across the mountains to the Red Sea town Al Wajh. After tonnes of adventures in Saudi Arabia already, I am hoping for an easy ride!

In this episode, I am riding to Medinah, but things take a turn for the worse already within a minute of leaving. Thinking I have had the worst behind me, I continue on, not knowing what is waiting for me...

In the second part of my episode in which I try to reach Madinah and I don't know what is going on with this day. My gear shifter is destroyed, which takes some work in the mountains and just when I think I'm back on track - I come across a real plague!! And then I haven't even gotten close to Madinah..

In this episode, I am leaving Madinah quickly. This just wasn't the place for me and I decide to move on: to Jeddah. And wow, what a difference!! (Also, Frankie gets some TLC!)

In this episode, I am trying to make my way to Al Bahah, high up in the mountains of Saudi Arabia. But things don't quite go as I'd hoped. A roadblock sends me back towards Mecca, for an enormous detour, that forces me to stay the night in Taif. When I continue again, the ride is spectacular, but I also realize that life on the road can be dangerous, always.

In this episode, I start riding from the high mountains in Al Bahah, at about 2400 meters elevation and after a visit to the amazing Thee Ain village, I descend down to the coast to meet my friends Sandra & Fiona from @advtravelbug again.

In this episode, I am trying to make it Jizan, in the south of Saudi Arabia, because my motorcycle needs a small service. With 180 kilometers to go still, my motorcycle decides that enough is enough...

After being so close to the border with Yemen, I decided to go. But I cannot go on my own motorcycle, they won't allow me to enter with it. The only option is to fly to Yemen, and start looking for a motorcycle there...

In this episode, I explore more of Yemen and my guide Kais, organized a motorcycle for me! That means, I am riding the magical Wadi Doan in Yemen on a motorcycle - I did not think this was going to happen!

In this episode, I am exploring the incredible Hadramaut region - on a motorcycle! Wadi Doan is one of the most magical places I've ever been to, and it's a totally different world from what most think Yemen is like.

In this episode, I am traveling to Mukalla, Yemen. This port city is about a 3 hour drive from Wadi Doan and I have to hop into a car for that stretch. In Mukalla, my local guide tries to arrange me another motorcycle, but when we can't find a motorcycle to borrow/rent, there is only one option left!

My flight with Yemenia Airways got cancelled - I get the impression that's quite normal for them. So it seems that I am not leaving Yemen just yet...

I am leaving mainland Yemen (this time for real!) and catching a flight to Socotra, an island that's part of Yemen. The only motorcycles available here are the same ones I rode on Mainland Yemen, so it's time to hop on one and start exploring the island!

In this episode, I explore more of Socotra, Yemen. This island has some fantastic off-roading, but unfortunately, the only motorbikes available, are 150cc Chinese road bikes... Let's see if I can get up this mountain on this thing!

In this episode, I am pushing myself and this little 150cc road bike to our limits. This bike is not built to ride through sand, and that's exactly what I'll be doing...

In this episode, I travel to another world. Another planet. Or at least, that's how it feels like. There is no other place like this anywhere in the world. These trees do not grow anywhere in the world. An unforgettable day, exploring a forest that is so ancient, we don't even know how old exactly...

In this episode, I meet the caveman of Socotra and he shows how easily he catches all sorts of marine life to eat and survive in the cave.

In this last episode in Yemen, I get an incredible surprise as I take a small boat to a deserted beach. I have seen these marine creatures before, but NEVER in such numbers.. what an absolute unforgettable goodbye to this island..

After my journey through Yemen, I've returned to Saudi Arabia, to continue my journey there on "Frankie", my 1987 Yamaha XT600z. When I left my motorcycle here, I thought everything was running well, but after a 140 kilometer ride - trouble finds me again..

In this episode, I am finally really leaving Jizan, and head towards the mountains at the border with Yemen. On the way, I get stopped by a few men from the Qahtani tribe who decide I should be wearing a knife around a belt too!

In this episode, I am riding the long, long stretch to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It's about 1000 kilometers, right on the edge of the Empty Quarter - a large part of the world where there is nothing but sand dunes. But besides endless kilometers of sand, dunes and more desert - there are interesting places to find too, if you look carefully..

In this episode, I explore the capital city of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh. I immediately am reminded why I don't like to ride a motorcycle in cities, and prefer the desert: TRAFFIC! Traffic in Riyadh is brutal and I spend a big chunk of this day stuck in traffic jams unfortunately. When I want to visit the Sky Bridge, I have two hours to kill before it opens, and going back into traffic is not very appealing. I decide to spend my time in a different way...

In this episode, I am suffering through the long final stretch to Dubai. That means I've reached a big milestone, the first leg of this journey to Japan is COMPLETED! Before I start the next part of my ride to Japan, I am leaving Frankie here for a little bit, while I go on a book tour through England, Wales and Scotland!!

Frankie and I are back on the road to Japan together!! I am so excited for this next leg of the journey, which begins in.. Pakistan! I'm off to a pretty tricky start with getting Frankie into the country though...

In this episode, I am trying to make my way through the heart of Pakistan to the North, as quickly as possible. Why? Because of the heat wave that's hitting Pakistan and is still on the rise, growing hotter every single day. Riding in 46 degrees Celsius is something I've never done before and hope to never have to do again!

In this episode, I am trying to make it to Lahore, the capital of Punjab. It's nearly 400 kilometers, a distance that's easy for me to cover in one day in normal circumstances. But with a different police escort every 5 minutes, and an ongoing heatwave, it's a race against the clock..

From one big city in Pakistan to the next - but, it will be the last big city before I finally reach the mountains of Pakistan! Islamabad is already at about 500 meters elevation, so that means that it's a little bit cooler. Add to that all the greenery, and this city is already my favorite place in Pakistan so far!

In this episode, I am finally heading to the mountains, over the Karakoram Highway. This means that I am entering the Pakistani administered part of Kashmir, and security levels are high here. It doesn't take long before I am getting a police escort.

This is part two of a very long day as I am heading north in Pakistan, in Pakistan administered Kashmir. I have lost count of the number of different police escorts I got this day - but from now on, I won't get any police escorts any longer.

I am heading further north into Pakistan and this time, I won't have a police escort. The Karakoram Highway starts in the rolling green hills and slowly climbs to higher and higher elevations. The crazy trucks, broken roads and waterfalls make this one of the most treacherous roads I've ever ridden...

In this episode, I am riding to Skardu, a small town in the north of Pakistan. This place is one of the highest cold deserts in the world and the landscape is just.. unreal.

In this episode, I am first exploring Skardu valley and then head towards Hunza valley. But on the way, I ride higher up into the mountains, to look for miners of gemstones. I've already noticed people looking for gold in the rivers, and I've heard there are high quality gemstones in the mountains too. To reach the miners is not as easy as it sounds though...

In this episode, I ride to Chapursan valley in Pakistan, a place with Wakhi villages, right at the border with Afghanistan. I continue far into the valley in search of Yak, and get invited to an unexpected tea party..

I am heading to a very remote little village in the mountains of Pakistan - but this road is not meant for two-way traffic and I almost get pushed over the edge...

In this episode, I am riding back towards Hunza valley, but not before trying to reach a sketchy suspension bridge and an incredible glacier. This ride marks the end of this part of Pakistan - I am preparing to head west..

In this episode, I want to ride my motorcycle from Gilgit, to the Kalash valleys in the west of Pakistan. It's 400 kilometers and I hope to ride this in one day. But nothing goes to plan this day...

In this episode, I start early morning just before Shandur Pass. The pass takes hours to cross, the conditions are more muddy and icy then I expected and I have to be very careful here. This day is still not over..

In this episode, I finally reach the Kalash valleys, after a 400 kilometer long, hard, rocky and tough journey through the mountains of Pakistan. See for yourself - was it all worth it?

In this episode, I am exploring two of the Kalash valleys. First on foot, to meet some locals, and in the afternoon on my motorbike, riding together with Engineer - the owner of the guesthouse where I am staying.

In this episode I am riding from the Kalash valley to Peshawar, Pakistan. In this part of Pakistan, because of the close proximity of the Afghanistan border, it is mandatory to travel with a police escort. The anti-terrorism units are very experienced with escorts and they are fast and efficient but the closer I get to Peshawar, the shorter the escorts are and the more I start worrying about arriving in the dark..

In this episode, I am leaving Pakistan and take the Torkham border to Afghanistan. This border is often referred to as the most dangerous land border in the world and I have to go with a police escort.

In this episode, I am entering Afghanistan. In 2021, when US forces left Afghanistan, it was immediately taken over by Taliban. Once again, Afghan women are not allowed to travel solo, let alone on a motorcycle. Because I am a foreigner, they will let me.

In this episode, I ride from Jalalabad to Kabul. I know that every roadblock is controlled by Taliban, but I have to on my guard as some people dress as civilian, but are still Taliban.

In this episode, I am riding to Bamyan, the most impressive pre-islamic buddha site in Afghanistan, until the Taliban blew up the incredible buddha statures with explosives in 2001.

In this episode, I decide to ride 260 kilometers straight across the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan. I was hoping that the first part would still be paved, but the road immediately turns into an unpaved track and the day turns out to be filled with Taliban encounters that I was hoping to avoid on this route.

This is the second part of my ride across the Hindu Kush mountains that turned out to be a lot more challenging than I thought. The scenery is incredible, but every time when I don't expect it, I run into more heavily armed Taliban.

This is the final part of my 260 kilometer off-road ride through the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and late in the afternoon, as I pass a village, Taliban stops me. They tell me it's dangerous there and they will escort me. We barely make it 5 kilometers out of town before the chain of the motorcycle of the Taliban breaks. What follows next are some of the craziest events of all my travels.

In this episode, I am riding to Kunduz, my final destination in Afghanistan before I try to cross the border into Tajikistan. Kunduz turns out to be full of Taliban everywhere.

In this episode, I am leaving Afghanistan. This border crossing is a crucial one, as I worry the Taliban will see me as a journalist at the last moment. When they search my bags and find all my cameras, microphones and my drone - it takes everything to stay calm.

After making it out of Afghanistan, I appreciate the freedom and luxury of Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe even more. It's time to get everything ready for the next leg of this journey, that means: motorcycle maintenance, getting permits, extending the temporary import, stock up on cash and supplies and.. enjoy good food and coffee, since I won't get that for a while after this..

I have my two permits, and I am ready to go! Leaving Dushanbe and onwards toward the Pamir mountains. I'm taking a different route than I did in 2019 when I was here the first time round and I can't wait to hit the mountains!

In this episode, I am riding to Roshan, which is the gateway to the Bartang valley in Tajikistan. After crossing a 3300 meter mountain pass, I stop to get some water and when I leave - I make the biggest mistake so far in my travels..

In this episode, I am entering Bartang valley - the hardest route to cross Tajikistan in the direction of Kyrgyzstan. The reason for this route to be so hard: the raging and unpredictable Bartang river...

In this episode, the river at Basid in Bartang valley has gotten completely out of control and nobody can cross any longer. While I am contemplating what to do - I get the best message I could have hoped for...

Some years the river is bigger than others, but this year, there is so much glacier runoff that the Bartang river is eating up the road on many places in the valley. Luckily, the locals are here to help me guide through some of the crossing, and on top of that, I have another wedding to crash!

In this episode, I am riding to Gudara, the last village in Bartang valley. After this village, it's 140 kilometers to the next village, climbing up to the plateau at 4000 meters. So I decide to take a rest in Gudara, stay with the locals, and mentally prepare for what's ahead of me.

In this episode, it's finally there - the last stretch through Bartang Valley. There are three river crossings but the first one is by far the most dangerous. The Bartang river has completely swallowed the road...

This is part 2 of getting across the serious rivers in Bartang valley. With the help of two locals, Amros and Hamed, I make it through, but then the real challenge begins: getting up to the plateau at 4000 meters elevation..

This is part 3 of my ride out of Bartang valley and across a long stretch of desert high desert to lake Karakul in Tajikistan. Will I finally make it out?!

In this episode, I cross the border and leave Tajikistan. After the usual border shenanigans, my ride in Kyrgyzstan starts. I already had quite some bad petrol but this last fill up, was the last straw so it seems...

In this episode, I leave Osh. This is my second time in Kyrgyzstan, the first time was with Basanti in 2019. Back then, because of a worn steering head bearing ánd because the Pamir in Tajikistan had been so challenging, I stayed on tarmac and rode straight to Bishkek and left Kyrgyzstan. This time though, I plan to actually see the country and explore the mountains. The first mountain pass I take, turns out to be.. well, challenging in another way!

In this episode, I am riding to Son Kul lake, a high altitude alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. I am blown away by the vastness of the mountains and grasslands and just when I am walking towards the lake - I end up in a very unexpected situation...

In this episode, I am riding to Son Kul lake, which is another high alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. But for some strange reason, my fuel is boiling inside the tank and exploding out when I remove the tank cap. This happened for the first time in Bartang valley, Tajikistan - and now it's happening again..

I am on my way to Karakol, on lake Ysul-Kul, but to get there, I have to cross the high mountain range that surrounds the lake. Arabel pass is at about 3800 meters altitude, which my bike can handle in theory.. but it because an entirely different story if the last section to the climb is very steep... But before I even reach the pass, I am facing dozens of water crossings...

This is part 2 of my ride to Karakol, over Arabel pass and now the steep part begins, with multiple hairpins to reach the top. Given how much trouble I had in Bartang valley, I am nervous about this one..

In this episode, I ride alongside Lake Isyl-kul in Kyrgyzstan and attend a yurt festival in a small village at the lake. There is a competition for who can build the fastest yurt, there is traditional food, traditional music, but moreover, I get to see real Kyrgyz eagle hunters, their dogs, their horses and their incredible skill!

In this episode, I am riding close to lake Isyl-kul in Kyrgyzstan, on my way to another festival! But before I reach Tamchy, I ride through one of the most stunning canyons I've ever ridden through: the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers.

In this episode, I ride to Kel Suu - a place high up in the mountains, at 3500 meters elevation. The ride itself is already incredible, but once I change my motorbike for horseback, the real magic begins..

In this episode, I ride closer to the border with China, and visit a 15th century caravanserai - a place where travelers on the ancient Silk Road used to rest. Now, 600 years later, I travel those same paths..

In this episode, I am riding to the Kyrgyzstan-China border. I am a little in a hurry because I am meeting with Bing, who is waiting for me on the Chinese side of the border. But something is going on at the border because the line of people waiting on the Kyrgyzstan side is over 20 kilometers long...

This is part 2 of my land border crossing from Kyrgyzstan into China. After finalizing the formalities in Kyrgyzstan, I am now entering China, where immigration and customs procedures begin. It's mandatory to cross China with a guide, so for this journey through china, I won't be traveling solo, but with Mr. Bing. Without him it's not even possible to buy petrol, as you need to scan your Chinese ID card for that!

In this episode, I get my Chinese drivers license and temporary license plate and get to explore Kashgar - an ancient city on the old Silk Road.

In this episode, I ride together with Bing to Yecheng. Fuelling up in this province of China is not easy. As a foreigner, I can't get fuel at all, since you only are granted access to the petrol station with a Chinese ID card and after scanning your face and license plate number. This region has so many interesting villages though and exploring the country side was suprising in so many ways!

In this episode, I am riding deeper into Xinjiang province in China, together with a local: Bing. The day ends at a foodmarket which.. well, I hope you can handle!

In this episode, I ride with Bing through the Taklamakan desert, the largest desert of China. There is only one small town, right in the middle, because there is oil/gas hidden kilometers below the sand surface.

In this episode, Bing (my Chinese guide) and I are in Tazhong, a tiny settlement in the middle of the Taklamakan desert. A sandstorm hits town and everything looks different..

In this episode, Bing (my tour guide) and I ride from Kuqa, through the TianShan mountains to a small place called Nalati. We follow a famous route, called Duku road and it's very difficult to get a permit as a foreigner to be allowed to come here...

In this episode, Bing (my guide) and I continue through the snowy Tianshan mountains. It's getting proper cold now! When we reach the next town, both are motorcycles are up for a tyre change, but things don't go according to plan...

In this episode, Bing (my guide) and I ride from Kuitun to Turpan in Xinjiang province, China. There we start our search to the hidden entrances of thousand year old tunnels..

In this episode, Bing and I explore centuries old caves, tucked away in a small canyon in a desert oasis.

In this episode, I am riding on Mars (according to the Chinese that is). Regardless of what you call this place, it is definitely out of this world!!

As this journey through China progresses, I keep on thinking I've seen it all. But each day seems to be full of surprises, and this one is no different. Don't forget to watch until the end, it will be worth your while ha-ha!

In this episode, I'm riding very close to the border with Mongolia and security is very strict here.

After an amazing time in China, I am leaving it for Mongolia. In China I had to hire a guide, Bing, and it was amazing to get to so many insights into this country and because of him I saw some incredible places. But, I am a solo traveler, so I'm also very excited to continue my solo journey!!

In this episode, I am riding my first full day in Mongolia and that turns out to be much harder than I thought. There is snow at high altitudes, it's extremely windy, cold and I am struggling to keep going..

In this episode, I ride to Ulaangom. To me, it looks like a logical route, connecting the southwest of Mongolia to the northwest. But it turns out that this entire 250 kilometer stretch is unpaved and EMPTY. Not the place to get into trouble..

The petrol in Mongolia smells funny, and it's not long before it starts to give me issues..

In this episode, I'm heading further east into Mongolia, on my way to Ulaanbataar. But three hundred kilometers in, I misjudge a pool of mud and I have to suffer.

First my bike started shutting down because of bad fuel, then I got stuck in the pit of doom, and now a flat tyre. Am I cursed or what?!

This is an important milestone for me: reaching Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. I was keeping my fingers crossed this day, hoping for a day without any problems (unlike the three episodes before this, when I had fuel problems, a mudpit of doom and a flat tyre)...

In this episode, I am revealing what I've secretly been doing the previous months behind the scenes!!

After a long winter hibernation in Mongolia, I return to my XT600z from 1987: Frankie. But will she start? The problems were stacking up; blown rear suspension, insane oil consumption, wiring mishaps.. This is not going to be easy.

I am back on the road, continuing my journey to Japan! Moritz, who built my motorcycle and is on a holiday in Mongolia, helped to get my bike ready again and we go for a little ride together before going on our own journeys. But the rain from the day before changed everything...

I'm finally leaving Ulaanbaatar and it's time to go straight south to the Gobi desert! The last, vast, desolate desert on this journey to Japan, I am beyond stoked!

In this episode, I'm going back up north a bit because I absolutely don't want to miss this place in Mongolia

I'm riding to Orkhon valley, staying with locals. In the evening, they bring back the yak and they do this on motorcycles, so I join them to help. But things don't quite go according to plan...

In this episode, I'm leaving the green Orkhon valley and head south, to the Gobi desert. But at the last town before I head into the desert, I realize something important. Without this, it's too dangerous to go alone to such a remote part of Mongolia.