Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
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 Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Oct 2012
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
UK based riders for Elephant Rally 2013?

Is anyone thinking of doing the Elephant Treffen in 2013?
I believe the dates for the Solla meet are (1-3/2/2013).
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
I'm planning on going to the Solla version (isn't there another one at the Nurburgring a couple of weeks later?)

Unless you're planning on walking there though the bike I'm using is likely to be the slowest thing on the road - my schedule is 2 1/2 days each way and that's being optimistic. Might be worth keeping in touch so you can give me a tow when you see me at the side of the road
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Oct 2012
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
Hi.
Lol, yeah, towing no problem.
I believe the Nurburgring one is from the 15-17/2/2013.
It's the Solla meet I'm thinking of.
Will keep in touch mate.
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Oct 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
I'm planning on going to the Solla version (isn't there another one at the Nurburgring a couple of weeks later?)

Unless you're planning on walking there though the bike I'm using is likely to be the slowest thing on the road - my schedule is 2 1/2 days each way and that's being optimistic. Might be worth keeping in touch so you can give me a tow when you see me at the side of the road


What are you planning on using?
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
This -





Old 70's Suzuki 125 smoker. 60mph flat out but 100mpg appeals to my bank balance. Someone gave it to me a couple of months back and I thought it would be perfect with a few mods. I'm hoping I won't go fast enough to get cold
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
I did it this year and walking is fast enough to get cold , great fun though .
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
I would have to say that the other advantage of a smaller, older bike is the narrow tyres and the fact that picking it up is a heck of a lot easier. You'll be thankful for that chain cover too.

Any plans for the electrics? I assume it has a kick starter, but if it's 6 volts you'll want everything to be like new and well greased up.

Most years the road from the autobahn to Solla is covered until they clear it for the day visitors on the Saturday. The outfits of course win for carrying capacity and stability, but I'll take this Suzuki over some of the fat tyred solo's you'll see. Twenty miles out, darkness falling, a mix of fresh snow and frozen slush on the road, a 1200cc touring bike two up is not the weapon of choice. We saw plenty turn back or resort to walking alongside, which having ridden all the boring Autobahn stuff is a real shame.

That said, coming back in 2010 I came through a blizzard near Frankfurt that was so bad the trucks had stopped because they didn't have enough traction to take any hill and the cars (and me on the outfit) were playing follow the lights in front at walking pace. If you meet this on any solo I'm afraid stopping and waiting is the only option.

Enjoy.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
I would have to say that the other advantage of a smaller, older bike is the narrow tyres and the fact that picking it up is a heck of a lot easier. You'll be thankful for that chain cover too.

Any plans for the electrics? I assume it has a kick starter, but if it's 6 volts you'll want everything to be like new and well greased up.



Andy
Apart from the fact that it didn't cost me anything so removing the tax disc for refund purposes is about the limit of my financial commitment, you're exactly right about the other stuff. Narrow tyres, chain case and about 85kg total weight (+camping stuff) are all ticks in the right boxes as is virtually nothing to bend when it falls over.

Down side is 6v electrics and a really sh1t headlight. Checking all the wiring connections if where I'm at with it now, but there's not much I can do to improve the headlight beyond changing to a 6v qh bulb. I've got a couple of 1500 lumen bicycle lights en route from China atm that run off lithium batteries and I was going to relay them into the lighting circuit. A couple of hours each and I can recharge them overnight in a hotel, along with phone, ipod, sat nav etc. 6v is a real pain.

I know what you mean about the weather turning really bad and stopping traffic on the autobahn. My very first trip abroad (many years ago!) we were coming back from Innsbruck in early Jan in a van towing a caravan and on a "minor" autobahn heading for Luxembourg. About 2.00am I handed over to my co driver and lay down to get some sleep. 2 mins later we started to climb a slight hill and about 1 min after that we were sliding backwards down the same hill on sheet ice. We had to jackknife the caravan into the ditch at the edge of the carriageway to stop us. Good job it was hired!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
Suzuki Student

Love the bike, hope it goes well and you have a great time! Your very brave, or what's the other thing...................my wife says I'm.............naw, it's gone!

Best of luck!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Oct 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
[QUOTE=backofbeyond;396947]and about 85kg total weight (+camping stuff)Quote A couple of hours each and I can recharge them overnight in a hotel, QUOTE]


A bit of a contradiction here, so is it camping or hotel?
So which Elephant are you going to, is it the 'original one'? I don't like planning in advance but could well be interested, would use either a 500 Enfield or YBR125 and don't mind what low end speed is used.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
[QUOTE=palace15;397013]
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
and about 85kg total weight (+camping stuff)Quote A couple of hours each and I can recharge them overnight in a hotel, QUOTE]


A bit of a contradiction here, so is it camping or hotel?
So which Elephant are you going to, is it the 'original one'? I don't like planning in advance but could well be interested, would use either a 500 Enfield or YBR125 and don't mind what low end speed is used.
Two Elephants is starting to get a bit confusing - a bit like some 70's bands breaking up with each member then claiming their new group is the spirit of the original. I'm heading for the Solla meeting near Passau at the start of Feb. According to Google it's a bit over 750 miles e/w for me (630 ish from Calais) so on the Suzuki I'm going to need two overnight stops each way. They are going to be in cheepy hotels. The camping kicks in for the time I'm there - either two or three nights (haven't decided yet).

Last time we went on a small bikes (TS100 Suzuki, DT125 Yam etc) we camped the whole way and I caught flu (the real thing, not wimpy man-flu) on the return trip. I spent 10 days in bed and really thought the end was nigh. Once bitten, twice shy and all that so Etap or whatever they're called this week (Ibis Budget?) will get my en route euros. Plus I can charge everything up. I've used these kinds of hotels a lot and only partially trust them to hold a room reservation. Three or four times over the years I've turned up a bit later than planned and found they've given the room to someone else so now I'll phone to confirm if I'm going to be late. That's ok in France as I speak good French but ordering is the limit of my German and trying to find the hotel phone number in the dark at the side of the autobahn with numb fingers and frozen brain isn't easy. The camping option might then be the only alternative.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Oct 2012
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
Sounds like a good move.
I was thinking of F1/Etap hotels, for two nights aiming for Nurenberg/Regensburg on the last night of travel.
Regensburg is the closest (110km total, 80km of Autobahn) so depending on the conditions would make a good step off to the rally and hopefully give a daylight arrival time.
Do people fancy a meet up? Either at the rally or some point before?
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by djorob View Post
Sounds like a good move.
I was thinking of F1/Etap hotels, for two nights aiming for Nurenberg/Regensburg on the last night of travel.
Regensburg is the closest (110km total, 80km of Autobahn) so depending on the conditions would make a good step off to the rally and hopefully give a daylight arrival time.
Do people fancy a meet up? Either at the rally or some point before?
Dave.
Good plan. The Etap is OK in a trading estate sort of way and you are up next day and only an hour or two away from the site.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,102
When I was looking at routing to Solla a couple of weeks ago I'd loosely decided that my 1st overnight would be at Aachen on the Belgian/German border and the next one at Regensburg. Now I'm starting to wonder whether it'll be full up with snow on their boots bikers .

There's only a few F1's in Germany (presumably the Germans are rich enough not to have to sink that low!) and none of them work for my likely daily progress, so I need to find a few more cheepie chains to check out nearer the time just in case. Are there any German chains equivalent to Etap? Hopefully one that has a better restaurant chain than Courtpaille attached.

We should keep this thread live and update it with travel plans and timetables nearer the time. Be good to roll into the Regensburg Etap and recognise some of the bikes parked there. Whatever you're on it'll be better than the Bloop so maybe the local pikeys'll take yours first.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: kent
Posts: 11
Hi

Sorry for being stupid but u got any info on this rally i might be up for it

I have Googled it but just found people talking about it
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
KTM Adventure Rally 2012 Capo Sakke Europe 6 21 Jul 2012 07:21
Rally Around the World First-Leg Ride - Nasvhville TN - Sat July 28, 2012 Bradthompson59 Motorcycle Events around the world 0 6 Jul 2012 21:49
KTM Adventure Rally 2012 Capo Sakke Motorcycle Events around the world 0 1 Apr 2012 07:49

 
 

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 00:44.