RTW, Long way round, 2009, Anyone?
 

Hey There,
I'm interested in doing a RTW trip in 2009. With the intention of going the long way from the UK through Africa, across to South America, up to Alaska and returning through the Asias and Europe and not in a rush. I've previously ridden around Europe, South Africa, Morocco, India, Nepal and up to the Arctic Circle and have always wanted to do 'The Big One' but work, money and life commitments have always got in the way.
Does anyone else have the same or a similar idea as I would welcome to travel with another person or small group. As that would make life that little easier for such a long haul. My bike of choice is a Yamaha XT600 or 660 ('KISS' -Keep it Simple, Stupid!) but the choice of bike could change if it's the odd one out. I'm looking pretty soon.
I'm 35, ex-British Army and a hostile enviroments bodyguard (big sandy place, :palm: often in the news) for the last 4 years and as a trauma medic which is very useful for bike spills! Also qual'd in tropical and remote medicine, even emergency dentistry! amongst other useful skills and some not so useful. I'm very good at navigation whether urban, rural, GPS or map. Know the basic mechanics of a bike in servicing and maintainance and speak basic French, German and Spanish with a touch of Arabic.
I'm a reasonably experienced traveller whether working or for fun and consider the RTW long way, to be the pinnacle as climbing Everest is for the Mountaineer. Also seeing the world famous sites along the way. I'm not shy of outdoor living but definatly won't be going too skint to get a decent bed on a crap day. So if there's anyone out there who fancies the trip of a lifetime, male or female or would appreciate a medic to tag along then let me know your plans. geoffshing@hotmail.com

Hi Geoff
When do you plan to be on the Argentina - Alaska leg?

Timings
 

Hey buddy,
Timings will be fluid and due to the start dates (spring/summer '09?) and the duration of the leg through Africa of 3 months approx. As it's going to be a world trip then timings will have to be flexible, sorry I can't answer any more solidly than that mate.

OK - I'll be going at snail's pace and I reckon you'll catch me up by about Guatemala! Gimme a shout when you hit (approx) Ecuador and we'll see where we are.

ps - Don't miss Nile Special beer in Uganda!

Cheers mate,
 

Will do!
Read your blog, chuckle, chuckle, chuckle, althought the pic about the AK bullet avoidance doesn't work here too well in Iraq. Shoot back and run like buggery is our preference! Keep up the blog and I'll see where you are for a meet!

Geoff

I've just bought an XT600 with the aim of doing pretty much the same route as you but with one major difference - I'm planning on doing it the other way round. Current plan is to leave May 2009, take 3 months heading east through the 'Stans and Mongolia to Vladivostok, then 8-9 months for the Americas and 6 months for Africa.
Doing it this way seemed to avoid the worst extremes of temperature and rainy seasons, though I would be open to persuasion to doing it the other way round.

David

Same time in Africa
 

Hi Geoff

We will be leaving the UK around that time to do our African leg. We are starting in South Korea/Eastern Russia on 02 July.

We are travelling in a fourby though...might cramp your style a bit...:innocent:
If not, we can catch up closer to the time...

Planning on at least 6 months through Africa...

Date brought forward..October' 08
 

Hey folks,
After looking into it and the route through Africa then I've brought the date forward to October '08.
' Dave L'.. I'm looking forward to meeting up with you in London and discuss ideas, routes etc.
Anyone else going that way RTW around the same dates?

Hi Geoff,
I'm considering pretty much the same trip, altough Africa is still raising worries considering my lack of experience, but from Spring 2009 as you originally planned. If you (re)change your mind, let me know.
Nico.

Geoff- Like Nico said above, if you change back your dates let me know as well. I'm doing contracting work in Kuwait right now squirrelling money away to RTW the first half of '09. I was going to start in California and do the reverse of what you're talking about but starting in the UK would make it more interesting. Let me know. -Shane

Hey Geoff,

If you revert to early '09 instead of Oct 08 PM me, that's the time i'm riding from England to Cape Town via Syria, Jordan, on an XT600E. From thereon, I'm off to Oz rather than SAm. A mate of mine in Big Daddy (very similar background to you) might be along too.

All the best and good luck,
Disco