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2 Aug 2007
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"I thought I'd try and see if there was a dictionary or encyclopaedia definition for 'adventure motorcycling' or 'adventure motorcyclist' but there doesn't appear to be one... so that got me to thinking... perhaps we should write up a definition for wikipedia?"
The Tao that has a name is not the Tao
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2 Aug 2007
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R.I.P.
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Time to move on.
and nothing at all to do with motorcycling. Why?
This largely BMW crowd
I would prefer to qualify as a Motorcycle Traveler.
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 06:47.
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2 Aug 2007
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Adventure Riding: TO BOLDLY GO............................
where other people already live.
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3 Aug 2007
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Unfortunately MollyDog, well said. I listen with envy to my Dad's motorcycle exploits when in the '40's, he and his friends toured around Europe and there was no one, and they camped in farmer's fields. Now the 'middle of nowhere' is becoming harder and harder to find. What I've learnt is anywhere there's a road, tourists are often right around the border... and alas, I'm one of them.
Lorraine
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3 Aug 2007
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Yes I see your point Patrick - it was actually Mr Simon who got me thinking about this, as half way through his book he raises the question himself - is he really doing this thing right by staying in hotels - he answers it pretty well - of course he bloody is!
For my part I've found myself getting more and more caught up in the preparation for the trip - I enjoy the prep as much as going - I love devouring all the books, the magazine articles, wandering around camping shops looking at the latest gadget... I'm not made of money but I have spent a fair bit of dosh on kit I'm sure I'll end up leaving at home next time.
It's also become a bit of a competition between riderssometimes I think... 'well I have the XDGHBNSISSS GPS system that integrates GHT with ITH and OWN and then calls my wife to get the coffee on when I'm back in the country'... and that makes me laugh - but I wonder if I'm any better sometimes.
The biggest adventure I've ever been on was when I was 14, 4 of us from school threw our tents and rucksacks on our back and disappeared into the Breacon Beacons for a fortnight - we didn't buy any food, drink or anything else whilst we were up there - we stayed away from any kind of civilisation and had an amazing time - we ate off the land, cleaned ourselves in rivers and spent our time just wandering in the middle of no-where....
Sometimes I think all I've done since then is to re-create that experience.
m
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3 Aug 2007
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If it feels adventurous?
Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine
Unfortunately MollyDog, well said. I listen with envy to my Dad's motorcycle exploits when in the '40's, he and his friends toured around Europe and there was no one, and they camped in farmer's fields. Now the 'middle of nowhere' is becoming harder and harder to find. What I've learnt is anywhere there's a road, tourists are often right around the border... and alas, I'm one of them.
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I've just finished reading Ella maillart's "Forbidden Journey" (recommended, by the way). As she set out she wrote home to say "don't expect to hear from us for six months, and don't worry until a year has passed". That is adventure, but it can no longer be done; there is nowhere in the world where you could be so isolated for so long.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcbf600
The biggest adventure I've ever been on was when I was 14, 4 of us from school threw our tents and rucksacks on our back and disappeared into the Breacon Beacons for a fortnight - we didn't buy any food, drink or anything else whilst we were up there - we stayed away from any kind of civilisation and had an amazing time - we ate off the land, cleaned ourselves in rivers and spent our time just wandering in the middle of no-where....
Sometimes I think all I've done since then is to re-create that experience.
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When I was still at school I went to the coast with friends several times, but I regard my first real trip as being a journey from Slough to Stafford to see Thin Lizzy. For the first time I was travelling alone and to an area I didn't know. On setting out I was apprehensive but excited, and on my return I felt I had grown by pushing my own comfort zone.
I know all I have done since then is trying to re-create that experience. The difference is that I am (much) older and (maybe slightly) wiser so my comfort zone has grown. Thus to get the same satisfaction I need to go further.
I am also aware that my children need a father more than I need that satisfaction, so I am no longer as adventurous. Perhaps that will change when they are both old enough to stand on their own two feet, or perhaps it won't.
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3 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I would prefer to qualify as a Motorcycle Traveler. Just trying to move on down the road.
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Nailed it... 100% spot on!!! 
Now I know I may get the boot for this.. But this weekend i realised that I am not a Motorcycle Traveler.. Just a traveler that prefers to do it by bike.. this is only because most of my travel has been on foot and I would prefer to travel by foot then not at all... I love overlanding.. and will do it anyway i can.. even by car/bus if i have too... So for me it is the Where and What not so much the how...
 please can i have my bike back now? 
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3 Aug 2007
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Xander,
Please leave your Africa Twin outside and your riding gear at the door, someone will be by to pick it up shortly. 
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3 Aug 2007
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3 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xander
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BUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
Ye Gods !
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Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
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3 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine
Unfortunately MollyDog, well said. I listen with envy to my Dad's motorcycle exploits when in the '40's, he and his friends toured around Europe and there was no one, and they camped in farmer's fields. Now the 'middle of nowhere' is becoming harder and harder to find. What I've learnt is anywhere there's a road, tourists are often right around the border... and alas, I'm one of them.
Lorraine
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Lorraine, don't forget that while others are talking about it you are out there doing it and being true to yourself, and were doing so before it started to become fashionable. While you may not get the public recognition that Ted (great bloke) and others get, you are no less worthy of respect - from me at least - for what it's worth!
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4 Aug 2007
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Ha, great subject for campfire talk....
I agree that it's a current marketing term. People are willing to spend money for what's perceived by others as adventure. I'm not sure what limits are possible. Probably the usual: Milk it until dry and then move on to something else.
Good rant, Patrick. 
Nice shorty comment, peter. With few exceptions, someone else has gone before. No, we aren't special.
I'll also agree with the 'being a traveler' comments.
Are you buying something, selling something, or doing what you do because it just plain gives you wood?
A mode of living, perhaps?
Some people are more curious than others, and they often look for things out of the norm.
A drink at Senor Frogs or a cold cerveza under a crappy palapa in a fishing village? Having choices are nice.
I don't disparage any person who seeks adventure in their own way.
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4 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
Are you buying something, selling something, or doing what you do because it just plain gives you wood?
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I find this can be very uncomfortable on the bike, unless of course that's the 'adventurer' part? 
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4 Aug 2007
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Should we have to drink our own urine, perform self-amputations, etc to qualify as an adventurist? Hah, i reckon if it's an adventure to you relative to your existing lifestyle then that's what counts. Why do we have to justify ourselves in order to please others? It's the old "i don't acknowledge scooterists on the road - they're not bikers" train-of-thought, if we use 2 (or 3) wheels to get around, having to cope with inclement weather/dopey tin-box drivers/iffy roads etc then we're all bikers.
PS. i'm not a scooterist, but i sure admire those i see buzzing along the motorway loaded up to the hilt to attend a rally on the other side of the country - at 40mph...
Just my two-penneth-worth!
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4 Aug 2007
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It is an interesting question, to me, if the ride excites you, then it is an adventure. Maybe too simplistic for some.
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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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