My first trip to Europe was backpacking in 1973, mainly trains and hitchhiking. Half way through my 6-month trip I purchased a 5-speed 50cc moped in southern Spain. Eventually rode it up through France and Switzerland, up to Munich, over to Paris, Normandy and gave it to a young man in London.
Back then there were no cell phones and hardly any phone service even from hotels. Had to go to the local phone service building in town. My first 1/2 hour call to home cost me close to $100. Thereafter I stayed in touch mostly by writing to my family. I used to sign my letters and posts cards "Moto-Charlie"
I've used that name since I started my Alps tour business 22 years ago.
When I got back to America my first bike here in the States was a Honda 350, purchased in 1974. I got a vanity plate "MOTO" for the Honda and have had it on every bike ever since.
In 1985 I flew my Moto Guzzi over to Europe for a 6-week Alps ride. "Moto" is Italian for motorcycle (which I didn't realize at the time). My American Guzzi with "Moto" on the license plate always drew a crowd and comments from bikers and non-bikers alike. Met some interesting characters.