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 Tree5Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Folkestone, UK
Posts: 22
USA wandering

Hi all, I'm aiming to take a random ride around the States from June to December 2012. This will hopefully be the first of many journeys for me so i thought i'd dip my toe in the adventure biking water gently by taking a Harley and cruising the highway and byways.
I have no fixed timetable or route and only myself to please.
If anyone has any ideas on where i should visit or things that are must see, then i welcome your suggestions.
If anyone would like to meet up or ride with me, then i'd love to hear from you.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Mar 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
I have enough ideas about where you should visit or what you should see to last you a lifetime, or maybe two lifetimes. What I don't have is any faint clue what you like to do, see or experience. Without that, what's the use of my posting?

I'd also offer the standard suggestion that you go on line to ask specific questions, not "I'm going to America: what should I be sure to see?" Specific questions are far more likely to attract useful feedback.

Hope that's helpful. If not, please feel free to ignore.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: calgary canada
Posts: 126
Seems like you have the right idea with the random ride concept.
A little more info from you would get more details from others.

Being a Canadian niehbour I have visited the States many times and every where I go it is a fantastic experience. (the same can be said about riding in Canada)

Are you buying in the U.S.? My friends from Australia bought in Florida and said their research showed it as one of the easist states to buy and register in.
Just point the bike in 1 direction and then change directions as you talk to the people!

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ARGENTINA
Posts: 114
Hi Dave
I am going to Miami on May 2012, I buy a bike and hit Cayo West, say good bye to the commander Fidel and I am directing to Peace Arch on the Canadian- US border. Any way is for me okey. Do you think in 60 days trip we can to resolve the Malvinas-Falkland matter? It is a loke, Cheers
Raúl
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Mar 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Back in the Garage..regrouping.
Posts: 247
Quote:
Originally Posted by akceller8 View Post
Hi all, I'm aiming to take a random ride around the States from June to December 2012. This will hopefully be the first of many journeys for me so i thought i'd dip my toe in the adventure biking water gently by taking a Harley and cruising the highway and byways.
I have no fixed timetable or route and only myself to please.
If anyone has any ideas on where i should visit or things that are must see, then i welcome your suggestions.
If anyone would like to meet up or ride with me, then i'd love to hear from you.
You could look into doing some of the Trans America trail, Harley not the best bike for that though. If it's got to be a Harley though at least you will fit in with the rest and get a Harley discount at many motels.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Quote:
Originally Posted by akceller8 View Post
If anyone would like to meet up or ride with me, then i'd love to hear from you.
Hi Dave

I covered 26,000 miles (42,000 km) around N America on my own imported-exported bike in 2007-08.

Links to ROUTE MAPS: 2007 2008

As I live in Cornwall too, if you want to meet-up and have a chat, then just let me know.

Cheers

KEITH
.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Mar 2012
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
If you like camping you should visit some of the big national parks such as Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, etc. The American southwest is very scenic in many areas. You should take a ride through Monument Valley.

One place I really enjoyed visiting, yet almost no one seems to have heard of: Canyon de Chelly. Google it. It has some amazing views and there is a half-decent campground nearby
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Mar 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Back in the Garage..regrouping.
Posts: 247
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
If you like camping you should visit some of the big national parks such as Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, etc. The American southwest is very scenic in many areas. You should take a ride through Monument Valley.

One place I really enjoyed visiting, yet almost no one seems to have heard of: Canyon de Chelly. Google it. It has some amazing views and there is a half-decent campground nearby
Good comment - if you do that you can get an annual pass for about $90usd that covers all the great parks - it saves you loads. Ask for the annual pass at the first national park you enter.

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Mar 2012
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
Quote:
Originally Posted by twowheels03 View Post
Good comment - if you do that you can get an annual pass for about $90usd that covers all the great parks - it saves you loads. Ask for the annual pass at the first national park you enter.

Paul
You should get the National Parks pass but Monument Valley and
Canyon De Chelly are Tribal parks and not part of the National Parks system. Google them.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Mar 2012
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
Where to go and what to see, USA on a Harley........

Think about doing it on the installment plan. Ride for a couple of months then store somewhere and return the next year. Unless you are one of the fortunate ones who can travel for a year or two.

Make sure you have the Pacific Northwest on the list. I am in SW Washington be sure to stop in as we always have a place to camp and sometimes a bed. Then we can talk about what to see in the area and maybe I can escape for a day or two and ride with you.

You will always be welcome at HOG gatherings around the country. I would suggest you check for web sites. When you get a rough time table and plan let me know and I will check to see what is going on around here then.

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Mar 2012
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
Well there are tons to see and do given the time start in the north and work to the south.

To help start you off get this, think it still free Request a Map
If it is not still a good place to find some good roades to drive.
Get this pass America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This is a $80 pass good at parks U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America list all the parks where they are the rules and all the other little bits. Some parks fill up fast with campers and you may have to camp outside the park.

As what to see?
The big citys of the North East usa.
DC
The Smithsonian
The grate lakes.
Cape cod
Amish counrty
the Florida keys
kennedy space center
New Orleans
serpent mound state memorial
mall of america
the grand canyon
Tombstone, AZ
The redwoods
just to name a few

Places to just ride to and around? All in what you like. We have arctic to tropic.
I like the Pacific coast highway and the lost cost in California.
The lonely desert rides out to southern Utah Arizona Navada and New Mexico.
The roads and pass in parts of California and Colorado.

Some places I want to take more time in.
The Appalachians and Around the south East (little red neck I know)
The Forida Keys

What I do not like riding? The center Of the USA. Not much to see dull roads, nice people just a bit dull.

Roads to take there is a list around on the hubb But I can not find it. But here is a start MotorcycleRoads.US - Great Motorcycle Roads in the US and in California http://www.pashnit.com/motoroads.htm

But along with this I will put in. Route 66 (I dont like most of it) There is 101 and 1 making up the Pacific coast highway, Deals gap the dragons tail, the loneliest road in america highway 50. I have not done the gap but seen what over powered bike will do with a under skilled rider so I will pass.

One of the best ways to see the USA and find all the cool little areas is just to ask. When you get gass or food gust ask the people. There are grate little roads, odd ball things to see, and grate over looks all over.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holywood
Posts: 33
Hi,
Maybe you can help me!
I am doing a "shake down" trip round Europe this summer and then starting RTW Oct.
I looked at the options of South to Africa, or shipping west to souhern states of USA (via Canada as initial import point).
But, my shipper said not to bother unless I had a Carnet, as the regulations for registering, taxing and insuring were a killer.
As I was loooking at the costs for a Carnet for the Africa option, I asked the RAC about one for the USA. They said that as one was not required there, they do not issue one!
So, just curious how you got on with that side of things.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but hope you can help.
William.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Quote:
Originally Posted by UlsterRTW View Post
Hi,
Maybe you can help me!
I am doing a "shake down" trip round Europe this summer and then starting RTW Oct.
I looked at the options of South to Africa, or shipping west to souhern states of USA (via Canada as initial import point).
But, my shipper said not to bother unless I had a Carnet, as the regulations for registering, taxing and insuring were a killer.
As I was loooking at the costs for a Carnet for the Africa option, I asked the RAC about one for the USA. They said that as one was not required there, they do not issue one!
So, just curious how you got on with that side of things.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, but hope you can help.
William.
No Carnet rquired , it's not difficult answered i think most of your questions in your othere post http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ver-15-a-62862
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Tremont, IL
Posts: 54
I'm located in Central Illinois. If you come thru Chicago or St. Louis, make sure to let me know. I'm half-way between the two cities.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 37
Gotta be The Blue Ridge Parkway followed by The Tail of The Dragon. Great Roads
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
Buying a bike in the USA by foreigner then travelling to South America Spacemonkey Trip Paperwork 10 18 Feb 2012 07:30
Europe - USA - Horror shipping company or bad luck? pweigand Trip Transport 5 20 Jan 2012 20:32
Help - USA insurance for Europe citizens pweigand Trip Paperwork 2 20 Oct 2011 17:41

 
 

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 16:20.