Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,231
In our "Achievable Dream" DVD and lecture we give on how to ride around the world we tell people that the number one phrase that we get from people on the road is:

"We just sent another box of shit we thought we needed home"

Everyone does it, we've even done it ourselves.

Tip - after two weeks, remove the top layer of stuff you're using in the saddlebags and send the bottom layer home.

Tip before you leave - look at everything, and if you're not really using it daily, leave it. (Except medical - and that you can probably cut way down to crash meds only - there are stores out there for the rest.)

Understand the difference between WANTS and NEEDS. You WANT all the toys and fun stuff, but you don't NEED it.

Have a great trip whatever you take!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
but that requires faith Grant!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
In our "Achievable Dream" DVD and lecture we give on how to ride around the world we tell people that the number one phrase that we get from people on the road is:

"We just sent another box of shit we thought we needed home"

Everyone does it, we've even done it ourselves.

Tip - after two weeks, remove the top layer of stuff you're using in the saddlebags and send the bottom layer home.

Tip before you leave - look at everything, and if you're not really using it daily, leave it. (Except medical - and that you can probably cut way down to crash meds only - there are stores out there for the rest.)

Understand the difference between WANTS and NEEDS. You WANT all the toys and fun stuff, but you don't NEED it.

Have a great trip whatever you take!
That requires Faith! Faith in themselves, something a lot of people don't have! Some people rely on 'stuff' and possessions to feel 'comfortable'. As if 'Comfortable' is surrounded by piles of crap they really don't need, and they certainly wont be 'comfortable' lugging an extra 10 kilos of crap through mud and bog and it gets boring after a while packing all those 'comforts' away each morning! ( Right Grant?) As you said, if you don't use it, post it home or give it to someone who will appreciate it ( or wonder what the hell it it?)
The simple way is always the best way. Travel Light, the less 'Stuff' you have to worry about the more you can enjoy your Journey.
Look at Ray Mears, a Rucksack, Tarp, hammock, Knife, little else......

Light...... is Right.

Martyn

P.S. Does the fact your a Moderator stop you having a bet on the fate of the Guitar then?
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 1 Jan 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
For a year in Africa I had this (beside a tent and a sleepingbag):
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 1 Jan 2008
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker View Post
I fixed the above to make it read correctly Matt! Tadah!!
Here it is the ultimate in lightweight gear...... Yes, it's the Titanium Guitar..

Remember the above posted by Mike? well if it Titanium, its not cheap, but its metal so he can still stamp on it, fold it in half and use it as a side-stand puck!


Martyn
Cheeky bugger!
__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Wow!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
For a year in Africa I had this (beside a tent and a sleepingbag):

How the Hell did you carry that Log??????

Hope your reading this Mike, this is for a YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not 3 MONTHS!

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Norway (for the moment!)
Posts: 61
ahhh bugger....

hahahah man, how much this has made me laugh...
thank you guys for all your kind/funny words of wisdom...
i know that you guys are going to be right, that i will no doubt throw half this stuff away but i have to still give it a go..dont I ? isnt that what learning the hard way is all about...heck its been like that the whole way for me...learning to ride, fix bikes, build websites all in 3 and a bit months...im not going to stop learning the hard way now...
well, its off to bed now for an early start tommorrow morn for the adventure of a lifetime..
lets hope the guitar keeps itself tuned and the neck brace keeps my neck on my head
thanks for all the help, advice and laughs!!!
mike
__________________
"JTTE, Father and son, 20,000km and 85 days - 2008"
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Thumbs up Glad you got a sense of humour about it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeb8man View Post
hahahah man, how much this has made me laugh...
thank you guys for all your kind/funny words of wisdom...
i know that you guys are going to be right, that i will no doubt throw half this stuff away but i have to still give it a go..dont I ? isnt that what learning the hard way is all about...heck its been like that the whole way for me...learning to ride, fix bikes, build websites all in 3 and a bit months...im not going to stop learning the hard way now...
well, its off to bed now for an early start tommorrow morn for the adventure of a lifetime..
lets hope the guitar keeps itself tuned and the neck brace keeps my neck on my head
thanks for all the help, advice and laughs!!!
mike
Dude, are you gonna have a bet on the life of the guitar then, or what??
maybe your old man can give me some 'inside' info on what your patience levels are like?

Best wishes! Bon Voyage! Have a Blast, Dudes!

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Norway (for the moment!)
Posts: 61
all the way dude...

its going all the way...ill bring it back in pieces if i have to...
no, really i dont know...im not a betting man but i hope it makes it all the way...would be great to jam with some locals along the way...
thanks again martyn
chow
__________________
"JTTE, Father and son, 20,000km and 85 days - 2008"
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
Video!

Mike, you gotta do a song for the Video on your site!
although I haven't seen any Videos yet.....

You could call it, considering the amount your carrying " The STRONG way round!"

Bon Voyage

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 1 Jan 2008
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Mike, you are half way there with having a sense of humour! If you lose anything don't lose that

Can you get a drum kit on as well...anywhere? Your trip song could then be the old McCartney/wings song 'Band on the run' although Martynbiker and I know a fellow hubber that may like to join you(in a sidecar?) He was 4 days a little banned but thats an infraction inducing story...sorry uzi.

Have a great trip you deserve it.........
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.

Last edited by palace15; 1 Jan 2008 at 21:01. Reason: spelling misht
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 1 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
oh boy oh boy.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ede View Post
Mike, you are half way there with having a sense of humour! If you lose anything don't lose that

Can you get a drum kit on as well...anywhere? Your trip song could then be the old McCartney/wings song 'Band on the run' although Martynbiker and I know a fellow hubber that may like to join you(in a sidecar?) He was 4 days a little banned but thats an infraction inducing story...sorry uzi.

Have a great trip you deserve it.........
Its a good job that he who caminadonotbenamed isnt talking to us or we would be in trouble again!

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 8 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Norway (for the moment!)
Posts: 61
we're alive...

hey guys,

hahah man the comments are awesome...dont worry as soon as we get the video cam we are waiting on then a song will be the first video for you chaps!!
the guitar is still on board and in once piece....
martyn- thanks for the email and for the laughs again..
new photos and our daily blog has just been all updated and running so you guys can check it out...
cheers from Vryheid in KZN (south africa)
mike
__________________
"JTTE, Father and son, 20,000km and 85 days - 2008"
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 15 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
Guitar on a bike.......You make joke!

Mike,

Mmmm, you do sound like a Kaburu mate. I hope your trip goes well and you get to enjoy it. Still can't see why you asked the question about luggage though if your not going to listen to any advice from people who have done it?

This thread has been good for me though, I have learnt what not to try and carry with me and have already got rid of "stuff" that I am carrying. Thanks for the advice guys I have learnt a lot as well as getting rid of my hard luggage!

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 27 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Norway (for the moment!)
Posts: 61
Made it!

Hey guys,

Well, after 20,000km and 85 days on the road...we have made it home...
And with my guitar in one piece!!! hahahah and the harmonica made it too!! heheh
And you were all right...we ended up sending back two boxes full of stuff...so yes you were right and we were wrong...BUT...i now know for next time...
I hope you managed to catch a few stories or photos from our trip through South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Namaibia and back home...
Anyway, thanks for the laughs and advice...
Now to just plan a west coast trip with the mother...hmmm somehow think this might take a little harder work...
mike
__________________
"JTTE, Father and son, 20,000km and 85 days - 2008"
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 27 Mar 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Would be interesting to know

....have you got a list of what you sent home? Would be interesting to all comers to this thread I think
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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


 
 

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 05:06.