Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Now Alberta, Canada! (originally the Netherlands)
Posts: 276
Trip planning N=>S America

Hello All,

I have a luxury problem...

We (my girlfriend and myself, both driving Africa Twins) planned to leave from Europe to Siberia, and planned to leave the 11th of March 2011 from The Netherlands.
My employer stated 'it is stupid to do that, as I can ship my bike for free to Canada in one of their containers'... wow! Nice idea.

I know the 11th of March (still our start date, as we are homeless already and both unemployed from the 1st of March) is a bit chilly in Canada, but I have a proper backup plan for this. The whole shipment seems to be arranged, as is the insurance for both bikes. (500 US per foreign registered bike, 6 months. is that okay?)
What about rainy seasons, I read a lot of difference in opinions as always. (not as much as about tyres ;-))
Our idea was to spend about two months in US/CAN, and then cross the border to Mexico. Two months Mexico, and then further down. This would mean we leave Mexico end of July or something, which means we travel through Central America in the peak rainy season?
The other plan is to stay 4-5 months in N-A, but I just think further south is more interesting and affordable. (have travelled the USA some years ago already)

What is your experience with the rainy season? Is it hardcore terrible, hard to drive on Michelin Anakees? Or is it just raining some days and not too busy with tourists these months ;-) ?

Looking forward to your replies!

I do have a website (party in English, mostly in Dutch) Far Away From Flakkee. You might recognize us from the HU-DVD's
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Dec 2010
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
Yes, Canada is still pretty cold in March. But if you stay on the west coast it's much milder. I live on the west coast and bike year round, except for a week or two where there's ice and snow on the road. That usually happens between November and February. The rest of Canada can see pretty much any kind of conditions in March.

I was in Central America and Mexico from March to May this year. The rainy season was starting to creep in towards the end of my trip. Most of the time the rains came in the afternoon but there were also occasional days of full time rain throughout the day. The afternoon rains were pretty much all of the torrential type, often with thunder and lightening for extra fun.

The rainy season will cause problems if you're planning on riding off pavement. And there will of course be more landslides and road closures. But if you're in no rush, I see no real reason not to go if that's the time you have. I found the rains quite refreshing and cooling.

An upside to the rainy season is that there will be fewer tourists and thus better deals to be had in many places.


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Planning for a Trip Peckham BMW Tech 1 16 Feb 2010 02:22
Planning my first trip. Hi-Lux? Chewie2112 4 wheel Overland Travel 13 6 Nov 2009 07:36
Confused, planning a trip The Raven Route Planning 6 16 Aug 2009 21:09
Planning RTW trip brfoster Route Planning 0 2 Jun 2008 00:46

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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.

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.

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

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:40.