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5 Mar 2009
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I wear specs and day -lenses. To be honest I hate wearing bins- they steam up, you can't wear sunnies with them (unless you have prescription sunnies), they get splattered with rain, fall off, get broken, sat on, and I totally agree with Alex on this one, definately uncomfortable under a helmet! Oh, and they interfere with my carefully created rugged adventurer look!
So most of the time I wear lenses. However, 3WB is right too, I always take my glasses with me because sometimes contacts are a pain, you can't be bothered putting them in, hurt your eyes after a long day etc. etc.
I have some excellent Oakley and Scott motocross goggles designed to go over specs. This way, I can wear lenses, but if I have to, I can wear my glasses under my goggles as well.
By the by, if you are heading through India/Nepal and have a relatively straightforward prescription, this is a great place to buy glasses. I got a great pair in Kathmandu for £5!
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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5 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
Isn't it simply easier to wear glasses? You'll need to carry glasses for days when your eyes get full of dirt and so on, so why not just go with them from the start?
Plan B to me would be to look into getting your eyes lasered and ditch the lenses that way.
Andy
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Hey Andy, yup, I do wear glasses as well, but for me, contacts provide a full unbroken focus vision and require less care while doing things (like taking a helmet on and off, etc.). And besides, having something sit on my nose gives me a bit of a headache after many hours, so it's not a long term solution.
But, you know, looking into getting laser done is a good option. I'm just myopic, and power is only -1.75 and -2.0, getting worse by about -0.25 each year. I'll look into laser (hoping my current insurance covers it).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit
BUT: what type do you wear? I wear rigid gas-permeables, and they shed grit easily and the bottle is tiny and lasts me about three months, and (opthamologists look away now) you can always "lick & spit" in an emergency.
I'd try and do a bit of a check online to see about availability in the countries you're going to - join CouchSurfing and you can ask people on there, it's a great way to check things like this. If not available why not send it ahead poste restante?
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I just wear soft lenses, monthly disposable. I've tired the rigid ones, but even over 2 weeks, I can't seem to get comfortable with them.
Good idea about asking about this on couch surfing and posting ahead. But, I think I'm not going to be on a rigid schedule, so I'm looking at a good long term solution. 
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5 Mar 2009
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick 58
For the more leasure aspect in hot climates check out Keen footwear US brand , avalable in UK at Cotswold camping.
Richard
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Hey Richard,
yeah, the Keen footwear looks like a great choice and toes can even be covered for a little extra protection.
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16 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammin
But, you know, looking into getting laser done is a good option. I'm just myopic, and power is only -1.75 and -2.0, getting worse by about -0.25 each year. I'll look into laser (hoping my current insurance covers it).
I just wear soft lenses, monthly disposable. I've tired the rigid ones, but even over 2 weeks, I can't seem to get comfortable with them.
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+1 on the Lasik surgery. I rode South America 2004-05 with contact lenses (and spare glasses). I brought a large bottle or two, but needed another in Argentina. It was quite difficult to find, even in larger cities.
Then dealing with contacts especially while camping, the weight of contact solution, the potential for losing something, the whole hassle -- not good.
Before leaving to ride Africa in 2008 I decided to have Lasik surgery. One of the best things I ever did. My vision actually improved vs. contacts. And zero hassles with contacts and solution and glasses and finding contact solution, which would have been even more problematic and time-consuming in Africa. Sweet!
FWIW ...
Mark
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17 Mar 2009
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Firstly, thanks for advice on "soap for all occasions". Will try it out (body, hair, shave, clothes) and see what happens.
Secondly, I have a couple of points below:
I recently discovered Daysoft disposable contact lenses and have found them to be very comfortable and ridiculously cheap! Have gander at their site here. I also take glases (and the prescription for both contacts and glasses - just in case). I find contacts give much better preriferal vision and you don't need to buy sunnies with prescription lenses.
For trekking I use hardy/trekking trainers (Merrel, North Face, Salomon, etc.). Have not found the need for walking books as these are generally up to the job. You can get them in sombre (smart-looking) colour schemes too so have a look around I guess.
Finally, can anyone suggest some good internal bags for my Alpos 38 ltr and 41 ltr hard luggage? I don't want bags that fill the whole boxes but ones I can use to segment my kit. (e.g. books/maps, electricals, toiletries + medical, paperwork, camp-cooking kit, etc.) I'll probably keep clothes, tent and bedding in 100ltr duffel on back of bike so trying to find smaller, dividing bags for boxes. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ollie
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17 Mar 2009
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lenses
I always take disposable day and night week lenses (J&J acuview) while traveling and keep them in for 7 days. Even in dry desert climates no problems whatsoever. Need 52 sets for a whole year and in principle you don't need fluids but I take one 100 ml bottle of fluid just in case. All fits in a lunch box. The less you have to poke your fingers in your eyes, the less risk of infections etc. I am also considering laser correction for the next trip because it will hopefully be a trip for several years
Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
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17 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by criboun
Finally, can anyone suggest some good internal bags for my Alpos 38 ltr and 41 ltr hard luggage? I don't want bags that fill the whole boxes but ones I can use to segment my kit. (e.g. books/maps, electricals, toiletries + medical, paperwork, camp-cooking kit, etc.)
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It might not be the best looking but I make them myself, then I can get them in the size I like and the cost is low.
There are two on the top of this picture and one beside the water-canister.
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17 Mar 2009
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by criboun
Finally, can anyone suggest some good internal bags for my Alpos 38 ltr and 41 ltr hard luggage? I don't want bags that fill the whole boxes but ones I can use to segment my kit. (e.g. books/maps, electricals, toiletries + medical, paperwork, camp-cooking kit, etc.) I'll probably keep clothes, tent and bedding in 100ltr duffel on back of bike so trying to find smaller, dividing bags for boxes. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ollie
Greasy Sprocket
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I've been looking for the same thing. Google "packing cube".
Just haven't found any the size I want at a price I'm willing to pay.
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17 Mar 2009
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Thanks guys. I'll have a look around (much easier now I know the term "packing cube") and may even get the old sewing machine out!
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17 Mar 2009
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by criboun
I recently discovered Daysoft disposable contact lenses and have found them to be very comfortable and ridiculously cheap! Have gander at their site here.
Finally, can anyone suggest some good internal bags for my Alpos 38 ltr and 41 ltr hard luggage? I don't want bags that fill the whole boxes but ones I can use to segment my kit. (e.g. books/maps, electricals, toiletries + medical, paperwork, camp-cooking kit, etc.) I'll probably keep clothes, tent and bedding in 100ltr duffel on back of bike so trying to find smaller, dividing bags for boxes. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ollie
Greasy Sprocket |
Quote:
Originally Posted by noel di pietro
The less you have to poke your fingers in your eyes, the less risk of infections etc. I am also considering laser correction for the next trip because it will hopefully be a trip for several years
Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl |
Thanx for the tips on weekly lenses. Yeah, less poking the better
Regarding packing cubes, I found these last year for my Alaska trip and I highly recommend them for arranging stuff in panniers:
ebags.com
 
They're really cheap and come in all sorts of sizes and colors. Pretty durable too. Not sure about UK/EU shipping, but look into it. They don't have rigid sides, but that sort of helps them fit and squish a bit in the panniers. I used one for clothes, tools, food, etc. 
Oh and can someone recommend an all purpose soap that can be found state-side?
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17 Mar 2009
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For seperating all your kit, could you not just scavenge any bags you have from around your house?
They are likely to be such an odd assortment that it is easy to tell at a glance, exactly what is in them.
I did this and as an example, I ended up with;
1st Aid kit in an Alpinestars glove bag,
Wash kit in a DPM ammo pouch,
Maps and baccy in an old black Ortlieb,
Writing equipment in a green plastic sack that 5.56 ammo comes in.
That is obviously just an example of what I found around my gaff to use, but it worked for me, I could just dive into my duffle and find exactly what I wanted through feel or sight. So it works in the dark too!
I also vote for Altbergs.
Joel
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17 Mar 2009
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
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Quote:
Originally Posted by criboun
Finally, can anyone suggest some good internal bags for my Alpos 38 ltr and 41 ltr hard luggage? I don't want bags that fill the whole boxes but ones I can use to segment my kit. (e.g. books/maps, electricals, toiletries + medical, paperwork, camp-cooking kit, etc.) I'll probably keep clothes, tent and bedding in 100ltr duffel on back of bike so trying to find smaller, dividing bags for boxes. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Ollie
Greasy Sprocket |
Great source of cheap but good kit try Alpkit:
Dry bags:
Airlok XT dry bags - Alpkit Shop
And ordinary stuff sacs. The set of four for £6.50 is a bargain:
Apollo II bags - Alpkit Shop
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*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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17 Mar 2009
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Location: USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdy
For seperating all your kit, could you not just scavenge any bags you have from around your house?
They are likely to be such an odd assortment
Joel
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With my OCD?? No chance. Has to be a colour-matched set, perfect fit with all straight edges aligned........
Unfortunately, I'm serious.
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17 Mar 2009
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exped
Brought some of these, £15 for 4, roll top and waterproof. 
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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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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