Dreaming of a motorcycle trip to distant climes? This section will help you to plan your trip, whether it's to the next state, country or all the way around the world! Start here!
The Achievable Dream 5-part series - the definitive video guide for planning your motorcycle adventure. Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
You could just get on a plane with your credit card and passport and buy or rent everything you need when you get there. That includes the bike, riding gear, etc. etc.
Gear Up! is a 2-DVD set, 6 hours! Which bike is right for me? How do I prepare the bike? What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers! "will save you a fortune!"See the trailer here!
So you've done it - got inspired, planned your trip, packed your stuff and you're on the road! This section is about staying healthy, happy and secure on your motorcycle adventure. And crossing borders, war zones or oceans!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Tire Changing!Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
With an HU blog, you'll get a lot more readers than in some obscure corner of the web, it's all set to go, no setup required, and it's free! Start your Travel Story Blog right now!
800+ HU Communities in over 115 countries! People who want to meet travellers - yes that's YOU - and can provide local assistance, and may be your new best friends!
Make a DifferenceTips on fundraising or donating time and energy to a cause.
After the big trip - Was the trip the best - or worst - thing you ever did?
Resources and Links
Horizons Unlimited Presents!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
"It has me all fired up to go out on my own adventure!" See the trailer here!
Meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or across Asia! They will encourage you, share their experiences and advice on how to do it!
We're not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown a hobby into a full time job and a labour of love.
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T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers
T-shirts Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest!
World Map Sticker for PanniersShow your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Travel BooksMotorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
Videos - Watch and Learn!
Horizons Unlimited presents!
Achievable Dream The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
"The series is 'free' because the tips and advice will save much more than you spend on buying the DVD's."
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I want to upgade the thermarest to the Exped mats and can't really decide between the down and synmat. The price difference is quite a bit and I don't really camp cold climates much. Nothing I can't do with the thermarest ultralight. But all the hype is on the downmat.
Obviously you're on the right track with the Exped - I really can't shout enough at how amazing they are.
On our trip to Russia I had a down mat and Patrick had the syn mat - the most obvious difference is the size - the syn mat was a little smaller and certainly looked easier to roll-up of a morning.
The other thing which I thought was good about the syn mat was the morning Patrick woke up in 2 inches of water in his tent - his mat dried very easily and didn't seem to be affected by it. My downmat also got 'damp' rather than wet - but it did dry out very well and very quickly.
I don't think there's a great deal between them and if I was faced with the choice now I still think I'd go with the down - but for no other reason that I quite like the idea of real down in my mat!
Here's a short review I did of the 7dlx a while ago
After reading the rave reviews on the internet, I was tempted towards the Synmat for a cold camping trip.
Now that I own it, I'm not so sure - for me it's just a furry lilo with a built-in pump. I can sleep OK on it, and sure it will smooth out any bumps in the ground, but it wasn't the sleeping revelation I was expecting. I'm still not sure it deserves a space in my panniers.
Has anybody tried two air mats strapped one on top of the other? I know air circulation might limit insulation but two Fat Airics from alpkit.com are more versatile than one expensive exped mat. Linzi.
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
I was going to get the Exped 9 (down) as well, but after trying it in the shop decided against it. I got the Thermarest instead. The reason was that it was a bit too high/thick, and my arms felt very uncomfortable on it (definitely not uncomfortale for the rest of my body). I'm fairly big, and lying on my back, my arms would slip off the sides the whole time. I know the thermarest is a similar width, but I never really noticed.
I also got the Thermarest at an excellent price of GBP38...., where the Exped was on sale at GBP89.
Will have to wait and see if its the right choice.
Alpkit.com just answered my question about two mats--too thick! But they used a closed cell mat and thick air mat on frozen ground and it worked well. Linzi.
Alpkit.com just answered my question about two mats--too thick! But they used a closed cell mat and thick air mat on frozen ground and it worked well. Linzi.
I've used a cheap closed cell mat with a 'Wee Airic' on top and it was toasty.
Wasn't frozen though, so maybe that doesn't count.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
The 9 mat is rather thick it has to be said - in fact when I started looking at mats my first thought was the 9 - but after speaking to Les at Traveldri Plus he suggested I didn't really need the 9, but the 7 would be more than sufficient.
He did point out that the 7 DLX was better to go for because it's both wider and longer than the standard - but still only 7cm deep - so still packs up much smaller than the 9.
And I can testify after taking it to Morocco and sleeping on it for a few weeks there and back, and then to Russia and doing the same - I've never had an uncomfortable sleep on the 7 DLX - and I'm rather large and have poky out hips. The DLX part of the equation is a must though - that extra width makes a hell of a difference.
and without going over the top on the recomendation front - Les at Travel Dri Plus - Traveldri-Plus - really is the place to get this kit from - give him a call and ignore the prices on the website - he'll do you a great deal and give you fantastic advice - I've never met anyone more knowlageable about this stuff and so consistenly spot on with his advice - even if that means you spending less money with him.
Got this last year. Is the best and most comfortable air matt I've ever had. Adjustable air from stiff to soft. Takes maybe 10-15 pumps with the supplied filler. Folds small - I just roll it and lay it into the duffle. Well worth the extra money! Younger people or those who tolerate a bit rougher night maybe won't value it as much as us older folks.
LIke Matt, I can't say enough good things about it.
New Downmat 7 short just arrived. Looks like a good upgrade with built in pump. Inflation so much easier and needs less space than previously. New fabrics and repair kit (did I mention 5 year guarantee, hope it's not needed). Nice and comfy so far but will post after some trials.
tmotten,
this reply is coming rather late so might not be any help at this point. Anyway, you received a lot of good guidance already.
I would just add that Exped is insistent that their DownMats must NEVER receive inflation by mouth. Moist air from your lungs must not enter the mat's down insulation. You shouldn't even top off the mat by mouth. That's why Exped has transitioned to Pump mats. If you are inclined to top off your mat's inflation by mouth from time to time, the DownMat is not for you.
Exped isn't in favor of their SynMats being inflated by mouth, either, but it isn't as big a deal as with the DownMats. You should be able to top off a SynMat by mouth rather than by flipping the mat over and using the built-in pump.
The DownMats have a significantly more impressive r-factor, but I'd side with the SynMat because of the convenience of by-mouth inflation.
I'd also go with the 7 instead of the 9. There is virtually no comfort difference, as far as I've been able to tell. The DLX is also the way to go - long and wide but still a reasonable packed size.
I've had a lot of experience with Exped mats as my company, Full Throttle Camping, carries them. Full Throttle Camping
Exped isn't in favor of their SynMats being inflated by mouth, either, but it isn't as big a deal as with the DownMats. You should be able to top off a SynMat by mouth rather than by flipping the mat over and using the built-in pump.
The original range of synmats had a binding inside them that quietly broke down if you topped up by blowing in them - bacteria in your breath according to Exped. The new model (this years) doesn't have that binding and Exped say it's perfectly safe to inflate with your breath, but still advise against it as you're introducing moisture to your sleeping mat.
Obviously you don't want to top up your downmat with your breath, down and moisture are not a happy pair.
If I was buying again I'd go for the synmat over the downmat and the model I got is perfect, even for a large gent like myself - the 7DLX
Thanks for the heads-up on your store FTCamping - always love to find another camping retailer for me to spend my hard earned cash with!
Another good place to grab this gear is TravelDri-Plus - Les carries the whole range and is always on the end of the phone to offer advice on which model will suit you best.
FTcamping: good luck with your venture. I'm sure no-one would mind if you added a link to your website as your signature.
I'll have an exped 7 dlx one day, though it is of course possible to get too obsessed with kit. Not that there's anything wrong with a bit of obsessing over kit.
For a laugh, I bought a balloonbed 2h from ebay for £10. Haven't tested it properly yet. Blowing it up is tricky. I can only just do it using my lungs rather than the little pump. I intend to see if I can add some sort of valve to each balloon. And if I'm feeling really bonkers, I may try putting some down from an old duvet into the balloons. Ahem.
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
, where the Exped was on sale at GBP89.
Looks like a good upgrade with built in pump. Inflation so much easier and needs less space than previously. New fabrics and repair kit (did I mention 5 year guarantee, hope it's not needed). Nice and comfy so far but will post after some trials.
Linear Mode
