Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Tours
Tours Take a tour to get your feet wet, or when you just don't have the time to plan and organize it and ship the bike etc. NOTE: This forum is NOT for free advertising, but it IS for discussions by travellers on tours they have taken, or are interested in taking.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By ex-xt
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By Rondelli

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: In Ireland, Working to save for the next trip
Posts: 291
Need a support crew in South America for your tour?

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone is looking for a support truck / 4x4 driver, or even a whole support vehicle + driver as a package in South America over the next couple of years. If so, Please PM.


Thanks!
Merv.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2012
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 973
Haha and if someone does for africa i get a truck and take the job too
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Dec 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 4
Support Vehicle

Hello Mate,
I am from the UK and thinking of riding a bike from Alaska to Argentina. I was wondering if you managed to do the trip? I am considering paying for a tour to assist me and my girlfriend through the journey but its really expensive and I don't want to loose the wildness of the adventure with everything being too clinical (i.e. I want to camp not just hotels all the time). If you have done the trip then I would love to hear how you got on. If you haven't done the trip, maybe we could do something together. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards,
Charles
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Dec 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Hey Charlie,

Most commercial tours are regional, usually operate in one country, maybe two. There are several around S. America. Not sure you'll find a company to guide you from AK to Argie, but there are a few BIG outfits that combine several countries in one tour. As you found; very expensive. $$$$$

If I had to pick a tour leader, Jay would be the guy!
http://jamminglobal.com/peru

But you can certainly pick up smaller tours as you go, shorter and more reasonable in cost. Use your bike or theirs. Or join other travelers heading in same direction ... but they won't treat you as paying customers.

If you need help and want to save money, probably best to hire a single individual guide who would ride with you and handle details.

Would have to be a special person: fluent Spanish (Portuguese if including Brazil), good mechanic, know border issues, cover insurance, find camping and hotels and of course know all the spectacular areas to explore suited to your riding level.

Most tours maintain a FAST paced schedule, cover a lot of ground in short order. This is OK for some, not for all. Many horror stories about tours.

Also, in a tour group LOTS multiple screw ups are COMMON and can change the whole plot of your tour, NOT giving you what you've paid for.

With a ONE ON ONE guide it's all about YOU and what you want to do.
A big plus, IMHO.

But no one can ride the bike for you, nor make you well if you fall ill. So in the end, you still have to do a lot for yourself. Perhaps consider a smaller trip to start off, covering smaller area, shorter term?

I would break-up an Americas tour into 4 separate trips:
1st: AK and USA (allow 2 months, Summer)
2nd.: Mexico, Cent. America (2 months, Fall)
3rd: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru' Bolivia (2 months)
4th: Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay ect. ect. (2 months)

Good planning!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: france
Posts: 115
OK mOlly said everything
I have a little experience as I made the 2 kind of things
On BIG one on my own with 2 others, then one , then alone , very useful, full of adventures, meetings and so . IN 80 with a XT

one little one this november . Did not find riders OK for me in time . next I get some on HUBB .
SO I took a very good operator and start for the pistes ,a lot of pistes . BUT the others were younger, much more trained, and ths days were too long . FOR ME. I quit after 3 days !
But I learn a lot, re-gain confidence on trails , enjoyed the view , the mood the trip , also the part I made alone ;
There is anoter thing .
You said you gonna make this on duo ! this is another thing .
In all cases, train
yourself , any level will not be enough
with the bike
Increase your experience .
I will say make a little trip first , full luggage, and then reconsider everything .
And also it is gonna be very expensive in any case
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Dec 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 4
Hi Guys,
Firstly, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. Very sound advice indeed! What I may do is find a Spanish speaking guide or buddy up with someone here who can ride with me. I might also choose to go via a tour company for parts of the adventure! My big map is on its way so when it arrives, its going on the wall and the planning can start! Thanks again and I look forward to updating you all.
Cheers,
Charles
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Dec 2015
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Posts: 198
Charles,
My .wife and I did the trip the other way (Bottom to top) and met up with Merv, he's back in Ireland now (I think)
You don't need guides, learn some basic Spanish and get on the road, other travellers will help you and give you advice as you go.
I'm based in Scotland, happy to help with advice although its now 2 years out of date. PM me and we can exchange E mails if you like

Gino
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Dec 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Good advice there Gino.
On the road I always made a point to seek out and question other travelers ... especially those who'd just come from where I wanted to go. I learned SO MUCH.
Nothing like current info.

But one piece of advice .... always consider the SOURCE. There are a fair number of "nut jobs" out there travelling who's advice should be taken with a grain of Salt and vetted before acting upon.

This is rare, but incorrect or ill considered advice can really RUIN your whole day. If the person depensing advice does not speak local language ... use caution. Most likely they're full of crap.

But most times it's all good. Talk to locals as well. After all, it's their country.
But if they don't drive ... then could be they've rarely ventured beyond their local village. Truck drivers are good and bicyclists very good.

Go slow, little by little. Stay on the forums when you can. Ask questions!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: france
Posts: 115
Some more things /
1) if you have support or tour, there gonna be a window between you and the country . The people the way time passes here and there.
It might be boring sometimes and you lean 100 % on the "team"
2) Learn some words anyway, and some matter about the country . very useful
3) slower is better
__________________
"In a car you're always in a compartment, and because you're used to it you don't realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV." R. Pirsig
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Dec 2015
gR gR is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
Quote:
Originally Posted by charliesykes View Post
Hello Mate,
I am from the UK and thinking of riding a bike from Alaska to Argentina. I was wondering if you managed to do the trip? I am considering paying for a tour to assist me and my girlfriend through the journey but its really expensive and I don't want to loose the wildness of the adventure with everything being too clinical (i.e. I want to camp not just hotels all the time). If you have done the trip then I would love to hear how you got on. If you haven't done the trip, maybe we could do something together. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards,
Charles
When you get close to Bolivia give me a shout. I'm always up for a ride ... if Im in country when you roll through.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Dec 2015
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Posts: 198
Agreed , slower is better and cheaper, spend more time, learn about the people, so much more satisfying.
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
Ongoing blogs in South America scooper SOUTH AMERICA 79 26 Aug 2013 14:18
South america by boat from Europe 01/2013 Yannis Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 18 Oct 2012 18:45
Winter in South America 2012-2013 nanagosa4 Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 4 Aug 2012 14:26
My Top Rides of South America ReeceNZ SOUTH AMERICA 4 30 Jun 2012 14:42
Tour South America Sep 2012 vonfem Travellers Seeking Travellers 21 28 Jan 2012 20:51

 
 

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 15:19.