Hello from Bristol - UK

[Greasy Biker]

Hi, I've just joined the HUBB, so thought it polite to write a line or two to introduce myself,

I have been riding for a few years now, including around seven years as a Despatch Rider in the London/Thames Valley area. I also managed to work my way up the ladder to road-race at National level in this country during the 1980's, competing on a TZ250, before a heavy accident at Donington Park ended my racing aspirations

For most of my life I've been riding and tinkering with Japanese machinery, but up until a couple of years ago had only ever riden in the UK - although I've driven a variety of 4x4's in Europe and North East Africa.

I work offshore in the commercial diving industry (Life Support Technician - LST) and benefit from getting decent breaks at home, in between trips offshore. A couple of years ago I bought a second-hand '07 BMW 1200GS Adventure, with the main objective of making a few trips into Europe, and maybe a little further afield.

I have had a couple of 10-day/2500 mile trips into Western Europe, using a combination of camping, B&B's and hotels, but I'm now starting to seriously think about going a little further.

Later this year I'm planing a trip to Syria, & if time permits I'd love to extend the trip down into Jordan, so that I can visit Petra.

I completed the BMW Off Road Skills Level I course a couple of weeks ago (I'm still aching!), and also did my I.A.M. course last year, figuring that I finally need to do something in my old age that might rein-in my 'Urban Riding Technique' that evolved on the streets of London many moons ago. I am pleased to say that the I.A.M. worked it's magic on me, and I'm a reformed character now (honest!).

I have made a few mod's to the GS; a full Akropovic 'shot-gun' exhaust system, K&N filter and a Power Commander III, I've two custom maps installed that are switchable on the move - so I've a choice of a genuine 50mpg+ on decent fuel (although it's not too smooth around town), and less mpg, but more omph on the second curve - giving around 42mpg on a run. I had the 'economical' curve set up to get maximum range for when I'm travelling longer distances oversea's - once I'm on my way I hate having to stop for anything - that's the DR in me I'm afraid

A couple of other mod's include an additional power socket for charging my 'mobile and other electrical items, plus some after-market steering lock-stop limiters - rumour is the BMW stock items arn't up to much - although that Level 1 course with the BMW ORS proved otherwise!

Soo, right now I'm planning to head for Syria - a dash down through Eastern Europe & Turkey. I can set aside around three-and-a-half weeks for this one at the moment, which I know is pretty tight - and means I'll have to miss on some of the sites that are a must-do, but I'd still like to make the trip - do people reckon it's do-able - UK to Petra, and back via Palmyra and one or two others in three-and-a-half weeks?

Cheers,


GB

p.s. I've just ordered the 94-litre double-hull expedition fuel tank, lined with a bullet-proof keeev'lar bladder, and filled with 'Explo-Safe' - just in case I take any incoming rounds on my way to Starbucks.....

[Knight of the Holy Graal]

Hello, welcome to the HUBB!!

[TurboCharger]

Originally Posted by Greasy Biker

Soo, right now I'm planning to head for Syria - a dash down through Eastern Europe & Turkey. I can set aside around three-and-a-half weeks for this one at the moment, which I know is pretty tight - and means I'll have to miss on some of the sites that are a must-do, but I'd still like to make the trip - do people reckon it's do-able - UK to Petra, and back via Palmyra and one or two others in three-and-a-half weeks?

to the HUBB.

I think that 25 day or there abouts will mean a lot of hard riding and you won't really have any margin if something goes wrong.

I would suggest having a look at taking a ferry from possibly Italy to Turkey on the way there or on the way back from Israel to Italy via Cyprus to cut down on time and milage, and it should allow you with more time in Syria and Jordan.

ferrylines.com: Europe's Ferry Booking Portal Has most routes through the Med.

[Fantastic Mister Fox]

Welcome to the Hubb!

[Greasy Biker]

Originally Posted by TurboCharger

to the HUBB.

I think that 25 day or there abouts will mean a lot of hard riding and you won't really have any margin if something goes wrong.

I would suggest having a look at taking a ferry from possibly Italy to Turkey on the way there or on the way back from Israel to Italy via Cyprus to cut down on time and milage, and it should allow you with more time in Syria and Jordan.

ferrylines.com: Europe's Ferry Booking Portal Has most routes through the Med.

Hi TurboCharger, and thanks for the heads-up. I've had a look at the ferry timetable - and think I have a cunning plan.....

GB