Hello from Scotland

[Scotty229]

Hi everyone,

my name is Scott and i live in Scotland, i've been looking around the site for a while and i've decided to sign up (finally!)
A little bit about me: i'm 21 and i'm an apprentice at an offshore engineering company, this time next year i will be finished my apprenticeship and a fully qualified draughtsman with 6 years on the job experience under my belt

But, i'm starting to get sick of how repetative day to day life is becoming, get up, go to work, come home, go to sleep, get up,go to work,come home, blah blah blah.....you get the idea! so i've decided that next year i'm going to take 6 months to a year off just to pack up and go somewhere (preferably round the world) being 21 i can do my bike test as a direct access course (a week of learning, test on the last day, then in theory jump on any bike you want) that is planned for may/june time, then i'll be motorbike hunting, i was thinking of a BMW F650GS Dakar (if i can find one) or a 650 transalp, whatever bike i end up with i will upgrade the rear shock, new springs in the front shock then load it up with some panniers, and start buying gear as and when i can afford it over a year, the good thing about living in the north of scotland is i have the highlands as a testing ground! meaning i can just leave work on a friday night and go wherever i want, stop wherever i want to camp (wild camping is legal in Scotland if you act responsibly and keep the countryside tidy) then pack up and go home!

well, sorry for rambling on a bit! but thats my little story!

Scotty

P.S. i'll apologise in advance for the many stupid/blindingly obvious questions i'll be asking while on the forum!

[Knight of the Holy Graal]

Hello, Scott, nice to read these thoughts of yours!

Welcome to the HUBB and all the best for your fantastic plans!

[dave ett]

Hi Scott,

Good that you've noticed the grind of normal life so soon! A life of empty pockets and memories awaits...

[TurboCharger]

to the HUBB.

You've definitely come to the right place to help with your 6mth trip!

Just incase it helps the search on here doesn't work very well (it's a known issues) so instead you can search using google and specify HU as the site.

ie. in google type:

<search string> site:.horizonsunlimited.com

This will return only relevant search results from HU. Of course it works if you change it for other sites as well.

Here is an example:

Let me google that for you

Enjoy!

[geoffshing]

Hey Scott,

Well done on taking the plunge and signing up, you could also sign up for the Scotland Community too where you'll meet some like minded and very helpful folks who'll happily help you out with advice etc and even meet up for s.

6 monther RTW... first trip? love your ambition for the first adventure!

Have fun!

[Chizz]

Welcome on board Scott - If you can bring your test forward by a few weeks you can see that there is a mini meet in Cannich on 13th May - If not you could always get the train through to Inverness and maybe someone will give you a lift in.

Worth thinking about -last year there were folks there with a
wealth of experience. Check Hubb under meetings


Chizz (Bruce)

[oothef]

A bike, a tent and a sleeping bag and you can take off any time, not just friday night. All the rest is stuff you'll gain with experience, don't get wrapped up in the trappings......(There's public toilets, cafes, pubs, shops for miles around)
Beam me up..
Oh, welcome aboard

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by oothef

A bike, a tent and a sleeping bag and you can take off any time, not just friday night. All the rest is stuff you'll gain with experience, don't get wrapped up in the trappings......
Beam me up..
Oh, welcome aboard

Well said that man Ooty!

Yes Scott, never mind all the bullocks, equipment etc - just go....it's the real and only way to do it IMO. I did the "saddle up and go" thingy for many many years in the Highlands on atrocious bikes and it was great....

[Milimut1]

Hey Scott welcome from fellow northeners, we are based in Stoney. Number 2 son is going thru his test in a couple of weeks if he can pass his theory. Bikes, travel living life to the full wish I had done that at your age.

Good luck with your test and travel plans and if you need any help give us a shout there are a few of us hanging about here and lots of bike knowledge.

[Rory799]

Hi Scott,
Wish you well with yer test.
If your heart is into bikeing /overlanding get yer arse down to Cannich.
It dosent matter how you get there ( non bikers buy the first round).
Once there, you will meet people with a wealth of information and experiance.
And I'm afraid a few piss heads aswell (so I've heard) !!!

Rory

[Em and Hame]

Scotty,

If you fancy a and a blether regarding bike travel and prep, we're just to the South of Inverbervie. Drop us an e-mail or PM.

Cheers, Hamish

[mrsibanda]

Hi Scott

Welcome! I'm a newbie on the forum too, and work in Aberdeen. I envy your travel plans - all the best with your test etc! A friend from work and I are off to Fort William and back on Saturday - so when you've got your bike get in touch if you're looking for people to ride with.

Cheers, Rory