3 min readfrom travel

Impulsive, weird ideas can often result in great memories. We accomplished our goal of getting to London, UK, on our 50cc scooters, packed with camping gear. It was a wonderful, slow nine-day trip, with nice greenlanes, some off-roading, and a lot of small roads with bends and stunning views.

Our take

Impulsive adventures often lead to unforgettable memories, and our journey to London on 50cc scooters was no exception! Over nine slow-paced days, we soaked in stunning views, lush green lanes, and charming backroads, all while camping and exploring. From riding through picturesque tulip fields to navigating challenges like flooded bridges, every moment was an epic experience. We embraced spontaneity, met friendly locals, and discovered the joy of simple travel.
Impulsive, weird ideas can often result in great memories. We accomplished our goal of getting to London, UK, on our 50cc scooters, packed with camping gear. It was a wonderful, slow nine-day trip, with nice greenlanes, some off-roading, and a lot of small roads with bends and stunning views.

When it comes to travel, embracing the spontaneous and the unconventional can lead to some of the most memorable experiences. The recent adventure of riding 50cc scooters from Holland to London, as shared in a Reddit post, exemplifies this beautifully. Packed with camping gear and a spirit of adventure, the journey unfolded over nine days filled with unexpected challenges and delightful surprises. The riders navigated stunning landscapes, from vibrant tulip fields to the engineering marvel of the Maeslantkering, while encountering the charm of small-town life and the warmth of local communities. This narrative resonates with anyone who has pondered the joys of travel, especially for those seeking inspiration for their own adventures. For more tips on trip planning, check out Trying to narrow down my itinerary of European/UK cities to visit and Do you need parents permission to travel as a minor?.

The essence of this journey lies in its simplicity and spontaneity. With no rigid itinerary or booked accommodations, the riders embraced the unpredictable nature of travel. This approach not only allowed them to adapt to circumstances—like navigating flooded roads and encountering friendly locals—but also created space for unexpected connections and experiences. In a world increasingly dominated by meticulously planned vacations and luxury travel, this story serves as a refreshing reminder that joy often lies in the unplanned moments. It’s a call to adventure for those who might be overwhelmed by the pressure of organizing the "perfect" trip. As the riders discovered, sometimes the best memories are made when you throw caution to the wind and allow yourself to explore freely.

Moreover, the camaraderie experienced during this journey highlights the importance of community in travel. The riders received help from strangers during a mechanical issue, showcasing the kindness and solidarity often found on the road. This sense of connection is a vital aspect of travel that can easily be overlooked, especially for those who tend to travel solo or in isolation. Engaging with locals not only enriches the journey but also creates lasting memories that transcend the experience itself. For anyone considering a trip, the notion that you are part of a larger community of travelers and adventurers can be incredibly empowering. This sentiment aligns perfectly with the ethos of travel shared in the article, encouraging readers to embrace their adventures, big or small.

As we reflect on this adventure, it’s essential to recognize the growing trend toward experiential travel among younger generations. With the rise of social media and the desire for authentic experiences, many are seeking out unique and relatable stories—like the one shared by the scooter riders. This shift is evident in the increasing popularity of offbeat travel experiences and the appeal of slower, more immersive journeys. The joy of travel is no longer solely about the destination; it’s equally about the experiences, challenges, and connections made along the way. As we look forward, it’s exciting to ponder what new adventures await those willing to step outside their comfort zones. What impulsive and weird ideas might inspire the next generation of travelers?

In essence, the story of riding scooters to London captures the heart of adventure and the beauty of spontaneity. It challenges us to rethink our travel routines and encourages us to embrace the unexpected, reminding us that the journey itself is often just as important as where we end up. So, let’s dream big, gather our squad, and set out on our next epic adventure!

Impulsive, weird ideas can often result in great memories. We accomplished our goal of getting to London, UK, on our 50cc scooters, packed with camping gear. It was a wonderful, slow nine-day trip, with nice greenlanes, some off-roading, and a lot of small roads with bends and stunning views.

We rode two of the cheapest secondhand scoots we could find..

We drove 250 km to Hook from Holland. On the way, we passed beautiful tulip fields, heather fields with wonderful purple heath, and some small forests.

We went to see one of the masterpieces of Dutch engineering, the Maeslantkering, a construction to seal off the literal ocean from flowing in during tides.

Than took the ferry to Harwich, from there planning to get to London.

We drove only backroads and encountered a few closed roads, but we managed to ride on them, ignoring the signs.

One bridge was flooded, and we drove through 30 cm (1 foot) of water. We carried both scooters one by one over a ditch due to construction, but all turned out fine.

Riding in the hills was a challenge on the steep parts; we could not stop, and we rode at a top speed of 15 kph (9 mph) uphill. We held up quite a bit of traffic, but everyone was friendly and laughed when they passed us.

It was a nice change of pace compared to riding a big adventure bike. With only a top speed of 50 kph (28 mph), you have a lot of time to look around and see so much.

We have seen a lot of wildlife: squirrels, foxes, pheasants, peacocks, hares, bunnies and even a deer early in the morning.

In the evening at the pubs we had a great time with the locals, and often they had to ask if we didn't mean motorcycles instead of mopeds.

Not a single bad word or a wrong experience; I can recommend this to any one, just go out and stop overthinking. We had one stalled isseu with a scoot, and within 15min multiple folks asked us and offered help.

We tried not overthinking things, no routes planned, no booked places to sleep, only goal was to get to Londen, see the big ben and get back.

The weather was a lot better than expected. We had a 15-minute downpour and two 5-minute drizzles. The nights were a tad cold, around freezing, but it was great. In London, we spent two nights at a hotel. The rest we camped

Like the late legendary vespa rider Giorgio Bettinelli wrote.

"When breakdowns happen, you wait. Someone comes, someone helps. A car, a truck, a camel. An hour, a day. Someone comes, someone helps."

This man rode 250.000km trough 134countties on Vespa scooter.

These nine days were great, and we got inspiration to go on much longer trips with this way of travel.

Long read, no potato or dog tax.

Wish you all well!

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