First post, might as well start in the bar with introductions.

[fredsuleman]

Greetings all. Allow me to introduce ourselves. Taz and Joel we are. We have been lurking about Horizons for some time in preparation of the big trip. Final preparations are being made, leaving the first of May. IF all goes according to plan and allowing for war, pestilence, famine, stupidity, George W and Murphy's law, the next 2 to 3 years will see us around the world.

Neophytes we are, but not totally green. We did a several week trip to Mexico last year which was a successful venture, although cut short because I had to have surgery on my aching, aging, abused knee. We have backpacked for many months in both Central and South America and got tired of riding the buses and not being able to go where we really wanted to go, hence the motorcycles. We ran into a group of long distance motorcycle riders in the south of Chile in 2004 and the motorcycle idea took hold.

Here is a link to a short write-up I did on that Mexico trip if you are interested.

Ninja250 Riders Club :: View topic - Mexico via Ninjas

We did attend an HU meeting last year in Nelson, BC, met many interesting people and learned a great deal. We are looking forward to being a member of this interesting community of bikers. Maybe we will see some of you along the way.

We ride Kawasaki Ninja 250s. Is that laughter I hear? So be it. I don't mind providing a bit of levity for my fellow human beings. The bikes are heavily modified for long distances, including upgraded suspension and carrying capacity. Great bikes actually, light, maneuverable, bone simple to work on and 70 miles to the gallon (thats a lot of kilometers per liter, but do not ask me to convert that, I am a yank after all). These bikes have been around in a basically unchanged design for 20 years, dirt cheap to purchase and parts are cheap. An odd choice, perhaps, but my wife says I am odd as well. Off the tarmac will be a bit of a problem though.

At any rate, the basic plan is to start in Canada, to Alaska, south to Mexico and Central America by October and on to SA, all in good time. No rush, no time limit, no specific destination. Not sure if we will go east from Buenos Aires to South Africa or west from Santiago to New Zealand. We will cross that ocean when the time comes.

Cheers.

[garrydymond]

I don't see anything wrong with a 250 Ninja. You should have a great time. If you want to come to Mex City send me a PM we have had a few travellers stay with us in the last 2 years and we try to give everybody a good time. Good luck and safe travels

[MountainMan]

Welcome aboard, glad to have your humorous writing and Ninja moped contributing to the site.

I'm in Vancouver for the next few days as well if you are around for a and a chat. Love to hear about the upcoming trip.

Cheers.

[Chris D (Newcastle NSW)]

Taz and Joel,

All the best for your change of life style (it is not really a "trip" after all).

In my opinion it does not matter how you go, just that you go slow enough to enjoy the journey and smell them roses.

I have met crazy Italians here in the outback with 1960 style motor scooters, they were having a ball and then there was the group with vintage 1920 cars towing old camping trailers in the desert country west of Alice Spriings. When they broke down they pulled up and fixed it there on the spot.

You will have a great time I am sure.

If you intend to make it over the Tasman to Oz drop a line and I will do my best to assist ann_chrisATbigpondDOTcom

Cheers and happy travels.

[Caminando]

Those bikes are fine - you will not hear laughter here - have a great trip and - welcome.........