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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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2012
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Vince Austin
I believe that Mr Austin runs basic tours sleeping rough etc. Anyone ever tried this? I think it costs around 2000 pounds?

Also has anyone tried his handmade overalls, coming in at just under 100pounds?

This guy is living the dream, making his living from travel biking.
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  #2  
Old 7 Oct 2012
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Yep.
Hi, you're correct but....He's Mr Austin Vince. Or Austin, if you meet him. Not tried overall myself though. Lindsay.
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Old 7 Oct 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Puhlir View Post
I believe that Mr Austin runs basic tours sleeping rough etc. Anyone ever tried this? I think it costs around 2000 pounds?

Also has anyone tried his handmade overalls, coming in at just under 100pounds?

This guy is living the dream, making his living from travel biking.
Overalls - Austin Vince

I think you will find they start at £170
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  #4  
Old 7 Oct 2012
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Why pay £2k when it's free to do it yourself And for a tenner buy some plain overalls on ebay and stick some gaffer tape on them!!
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  #5  
Old 7 Oct 2012
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"£2000?" I thought "That's a bit steep." But then I read it trails all across Europe and everything, well most things are provided and I thought "the guy has to make a living, so if people are willing to pay then why not?"

I wouldn't, if I wanted to I'd do it myself, but I'm sure some people would.
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Old 7 Oct 2012
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Some like a guide - makes a safety net for them. And it is an easy introduction for them onto this type of touring. Having had the experience they might move onto solo touring

As for overalls... some time ago I tried them (no not Austins). They are good in terms of social acceptance, as you arrive dirty they think it is ok because they are overalls.... You can fit them up with plastic armor. Washing them ... well they are like jeans but worse = take for ever to dry, just ware them damp (unless your are in a damp climate). White ones may be more visible, but they stain over time ... mine have gone orangeish where the dirt hits them and in place where I grind the dirt in.
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Old 8 Oct 2012
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Trip.
The usual comments apply to any organized trip except one with Austin. Surely it would be hilarious fun all the way. Heck, it would be worth paying to have a pint in a pub with him.
Such a trip would be like no other in many ways and Austin would not run a trip which, unlike all the others, removed the adventure from it. I can't imagine he could put up with a boring trip himself.
It would be a really memorable trip to have your own, plus his, views on what is seen. Memories are what it's about.

Lindsay.
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Old 8 Oct 2012
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Yes it would be like The Famous Five Ride Motorbikes. Swashbuckling adventure, and as jolly as you like. Has anyone done one of these thrilling japes?

Is credit available in these troubled times? Living the dream and riding the freedom highway is certainly not cheap, but to meet true travellers like Vince and share campfire chat is well worth a lot of money.
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Old 8 Oct 2012
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I'm not sure why the negative comments about guided tours. I've done a couple in the past (Mexico, India) and although I prefer touring solo, I can certainly see why someone with more money than time would take one.
In the US in particular, many folks only get a couple weeks vacation a year, and they'd rather spend more money upfront so that they can spend their time riding and less coordinating.
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Old 9 Oct 2012
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Adventure.
Hi, negative simply because people paying for a guided tour are paying to avoid anything unexpected happening or anything going wrong.....ie they pay to not have an adventure. Lindsay.
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Old 9 Oct 2012
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Originally Posted by Linzi View Post
...Heck, it would be worth paying to have a pint in a pub with him.

Lindsay.
Does he know this?

Austin!! Austin!!

You've been missing a trick all these years, forget adventure touring and romping round the Pyrenees, people will pay to spend the evening down your local with you.


















... I know I would, too.
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Old 9 Oct 2012
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So far, no-one has said theyve done these tours. One bloke has said its unadventurous, even feeble. Surely not.

I saw Vince at the Welsh Touratech event some time ago and he´d set up his raincovers in the carpark there. It looked really rufty tufty so I was annoyed at all the people who just walked past oblivious.

Is this the kind of bold thing to expect on his tours? It seems to be really at the cutting edge of ´muscle travel´. I read his book Mondo Enduro and I thought....mmmm..I'm up for that.

I may have to take the plunge and sign up before finding anyone who paid out for this romp.
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Old 9 Oct 2012
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Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
I'm not sure why the negative comments about guided tours.
:confused1:

What negative comments?

All I see is a choice that can be made - between some organization (time table, route etc) and guide of your trip, and one you do yourself.

Both kinds have advantages and disadvantages. Like that pint in a pub, you have a few choices of pub and beverage.
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Old 10 Oct 2012
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Originally Posted by Dick Puhlir View Post
Yes it would be like The Famous Five Ride Motorbikes. Swashbuckling adventure, and as jolly as you like. Has anyone done one of these thrilling japes? ..............
Famous Five books.
Cor, I grew up reading these books although must have missed the ride motorbikes one.
Haven't done an Austin Vince tour either so not much use really I'm afraid.
But thanks for the memories Dick.
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  #15  
Old 11 Oct 2012
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Met Austin this weekend top bloke, hay we all have to make a living.
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