Sanity Check

[Van Isle]

Hi all. First post here. Just informed the boss that I will be submitting my resignation effective in ~ 6 months. My goal is to start out in a RTW in about 10 months. I'll be selling the house, the car, the truck, etc and outfitting the '03 f650GS.

I would appreciate some confirmation that my planning is not all haywire, that there are no huge holes. Thanks in advance, more to follow ;-)

Depart Victoria, BC, Canada ~11 Sep 07. Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec for Ushuaia down the west side of S.A.
Jan '08 to Buenos Aires for shipping and flight to South Africa.
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr to head towards Tangier, route to be determined (and flexible)
May, June, July, Aug, Sep 08 Europe, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Vladivostok
Sep/Oct 08 Japan to California, and north to home, or where ever.

The key is to be in Ushuaia for New Year's, and back home for ~12-14 months later (because of $$ budget restraints).

I understand that you can always spend more time in a given place, and that this planned itinerary may be a little tight for some, but is it a relatively comfortable plan that avoids the worst of the weather where possible?
I wish to spend time in the hard to get to places, whereas I won't spend sight seeing time in easy to get to places, like Europe, USA, Japan. My offroad experience and skill level on my bike is pretty good, and I have lots of miles and long days (time and mileage) in the saddle.

Thanks all.

Mitch

[Van Isle]

Okay...

am I to assume that silence means good idea, or a nutters one? Thanks for any help you all can give, even if it's just a confirmation or "no idea".


Mitch

[Lone Rider]

Just do it.
Great plan.
It's kinda why we're all here, you know?

[loxsmith]

I'm jealous, just go for it you lucky bastard! It's all in the planning eh! Sorry I can't offer advice as I am yet to cover any of the territory you mention. Although Vancouver Island was a great ride, but you already know that! Don't worry more replies will be along soon.
Enjoy the trip

Glen

[Frank Warner]

On a week or even a three week trip you can do 'long dyas in the saddle'. Forget that when on a RTW trip. You need to be alert and good to see the sights, respond to everything and take it all in. Short hops - short days are the key to seeing things and being relaxed.

God rested on the seventh day and so should you. Washing, shopping, bike maintance all need to be done .. so resting may not be the right word!

As for the route .. and plan .. well it is open enough. Plan on changing it as things go along and you'll be fine.

[Van Isle]

Thanks much for all the replies. I do intend to take it easy. I guess it's just hard to articulate what "easy" means, and for which stages and days. I appreciate all the advice and encouragement.

VI

PS my HU DVD is in the mail...maybe I'll have less questions, maybe more after viewing it! After being on the road for a while I'll be giving back answers, experience and advice, but until then: learn learn learn!

[Chris D (Newcastle NSW)]

Mitch,

Without planning we cannot formulate the dream, the trick is to know when to stop planning.

Have you read any worthwhile trip blogs? I am interested to do some more planning just for the moment. I can send you the location of blogs if you need some.

Chris

[Van Isle]

Chris,
thanks a bunch. I've dissected a few: Striking Viking, Hard Way Home, Audrey And Ekkes Home Page, World Rider, amongst others. I agree with you on the over-planning, and it's nice to get a reminder every now and then to keep it real and simple. Pls post up or PM a few others that you have found useful.

Mitch

[Chris D (Newcastle NSW)]

Mitch,

There is one site that has so much detail it takes weeks to read it all. For you the travel parts in Africa, the Russian Far East and Siberia as well as Mongolia could be of interest but now a few years old, have a look at:

http://overland.dreamers1.com/index.html

It's Geoff Kingsmill's story of both Africa in the late 90's and his Russia trip 2003(?). It takes a little to find all the info but it really is all there. He travels by Land Cruiser but you will get the drift.

All the best.

Chris

[Del Boy]

Hi Mitch,

I'm planning my RTW for next year, starting in Canada. From October-December I should be making my way through Central America so, judging by your timings and with any luck, our paths should cross!

Two web/blogsites I can recommend are:- Richard Lindley's blog in the Traveller's Stories section of this site and 2ridetheworld.com!

Good Luck and All the Best.
Derek