I did a very similar sort of trip back in 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We didn't do Italy, we headed for Bulgaria, travelled round the north coast of the Black Sea via Odessa and then up to St. Petersburg, crossed into Finland an on up to the Nordkapp and back through Norway, Sweden and Denmark. I'm sure you will also have a very enjoyable time on the road - it's a great route.

Good luck with the trip, ride safely and keep us posted with your progress. You might not have an XT anymore, but that really doesn't matter - we'll still be interested to see/hear what you get up to.

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