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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
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



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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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first taste for traveling
I have just been reading a thread on the HUBB about Kudu that you posted back in 2006, and am thinking of going on one of there expeditions (the London to Mongolia one) and am interested in people's opinions of this or other such companies.

just to fill you in on my situation...

I have been thinking about a tour for ages, but am not exactly the most organised (in terms of planning) of people and my thinking was that an organised trip, could be a good first step into long distance adventureish motorcycling, especially as I would otherwise be planning a solo trip. Following this if i wanted to continue I would hope I would be more prepared for the solo travel.

I do realise there are the obvious drawbacks to this sort of trip, including a loss of flexibility and that they may need to push on due to time constraints and it is bound to cost more than if I were to do it myself.

I currently ride a 98 Fazer, which I could either raise up a little and fit some crash protection or rent one of their bikes.

any advice or thoughts on the idea and your impressions of such tour operators would be greatfuly received.

cheers

Ed
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  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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also... if you think this thread would fit better elsewhere, than where should I post it???
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  #3  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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I don't think there's anything wrong with these tours if it helps you get started.

Your first big trip is daunting and doing it with an organized tour takes all the hassle out of it.

Personally, I don't do them as they are expensive and I actually enjoy the planning and working towards "leaving day" but everyone is different.

Don't be ashamed by doing a tour. Your no less of a biker for it..

If I could afford one, Id probably do one. You will meet loads of people and get to just relax and think about riding
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  #4  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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You've hit on the advantages of an organise trip. You pay someone to deal with all the hassle and split the cost with a group of other riders.

The disadvantages are that they set the pace, decide where you can go when, where you'll stay, when you'll eat and so on. You've also got all the usual hassles of dealing with large group (there is always one rider who thinks it's a GP, another you wouldn't trust to go to a supermarket in Leeds and buy milk without some major disaster and another who'll take three hours to fill up. Sometimes you can combine all this in one rider!). Finally, you'll be treated like a tourist by the locals, they won't talk to you they'll be used to dealing with the guides and view you as trade.

I'd do a shorter organised trip first. Try a week in Morocco, it's less cash and you'll be able to make an informed decision about which advantages outweigh which disadvantages for you.

Andy
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  #5  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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I totally agree with threewheel.

For my first international trip, last year I joined an organized group that rode from china to munich. I hadn't been on a bike too much at that point and was worried about the logistics, border crossings, etc.

while i'm glad i went on the trip, i will never do an organized tour again for the reasons outlined by threewheel--it is just not for me--it was too organized and the group dynamics were a pain. for me, half the fun of taking a moto trip is where to spend the next night, and meeting new people all the time.

other people, including you, might like the structure and convenience of organized trips, and that's fine. if you have the time and money to do a long trip now, why not go to see how you like it, but you could probably also figure it out by going on a shorter trip like threewheel says.
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  #6  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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cheers for the reply's.

I really am torn about whether to do this or not. My work are re-organising this year and it seemd like the perfect time to take a trip, I just think I am running out of time to do it this year.

so much to do and so little time!!!

I need to pull my finger out and stop faffing about (which I am famed for if I have the chance to).

Any recommendations on short trips / companies is still appreciated to others reading this thread
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  #7  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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I agree with 3wb too. While there's nothing wrong with doing an organised trip, I'd far rather do it for myself: I reckon that's half the fun. It turns a holiday into an adventure!

Would thoroughly recommend Morocco. Well within the abilities of most first timers. Very little to organise in the way of paperwork (no carnet, most insurance companies will cover you on a green card, little to no language difficulties, culture set up for tourists and travellers) in fact, if you made a few calls this afternoon, you could be on your way on Saturday. There are lots and lots of great tracks to explore and the further south/east you get and into the fringes of the Sahara, the more of an adventure it feels. In your position, I would go and buy Chris Scott's 'Sahara Overland', fit your Fazer with some dual-sport style tyres and go.

Whatever you go with, have fun.

MAtt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #8  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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cheers Mat,

i think I can feel my arse actually getting into gear.
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  #9  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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Hi, too late I'm sure---you've already gone. But I was just going to suggest you could pick up a copy of The Book in London as you sweep by towards Dover. You could read a bit at a time each night and on longish straits ferry. Linzi.
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  #10  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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ShepEd, I think your perfect balance would to try and befriend and hook up experienced traveller or two and go for a short trip with them.

It won't cost you a thing and you will learn from them in a more 1-1 way and you will also develop your own travelling style at the same time. Theres plenty of hubbers out there who would love nothing better than show you the ropes.

Once you get going, you will probably kick yourself for worrying as its really a piece of piss and all in your mind anyway.

Check out the "travellers seeking travellers" section and join the party..
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  #11  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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great idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
ShepEd, I think your perfect balance would to try and befriend and hook up experienced traveller or two and go for a short trip with them.

It won't cost you a thing and you will learn from them in a more 1-1 way and you will also develop your own travelling style at the same time. Theres plenty of hubbers out there who would love nothing better than show you the ropes.

Once you get going, you will probably kick yourself for worrying as its really a piece of piss and all in your mind anyway.

Check out the "travellers seeking travellers" section and join the party..
i think this is a great idea and as ted mentions will cost you nothing! just a small trip into europe for a few days even will open your eyes and you'll realise there's nothing to worry about. there are lots of people doing short trips and am sure someone will take you along. most of all good luck with whatever you choose as it wont stop there!
on your way back you'll be planning your next trip!!
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  #12  
Old 27 Feb 2009
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cheers Fellas,

top advice. and yes, such a massive head thing. mine has certainly struggled to wrap itsefl around the whole issue.

I will certainly have a look into that. Its a bloody good idea, and I didnt realise there was such an awesome community of bikers out there. it is really quite heart warming

cheers All
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  #13  
Old 1 Mar 2009
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cheers for the message Linzi...

it would not let me reply, but hopefully will now I have posted this.
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