Discobiker in freak accident
 

Discobikers.com is our website for our 4 month trip around europe(we took discosuits with us to bust out at weddings, parties...anything). My friend Damien Daniel some of you have corresponded with. 3 weeks ago we stopped at the top of a canyon in Durmitor Nat. park, Montenegro to take a photo. As Damien dismounted his bike, it toppled (the ground was uneven) and pushed him over a retaining wall and down a 40 metre cliff. Not straight down, rather he bounced off rocks all of the way down which ironically is what saved his life. By the time I reached the place he fell from, he was lying motionless at the bottom. I flagged down a car with 2 men who were champions that day, I don´t know what I would have done without them. After a few mintutes we saw an arm move and one of the guys found a safe-ish route down to where he lay conscious and lucid but in a state of shock and with obviously broken legs. There was little we could do besides keep Damien company and wait for the police and rescue team to arrive 40 minutes later. After an extremely difficult evacuation he was whisked away in the back of a car to the local hospital 30 minutes away where his clothes were cut off, the extent of his injuries revealed and packed straight into an ambulance 2 hours to the capital Podgorica where he went straight into 5 hours of emergency surgery and had a blood transfusion. His travel insurers were very helpful and got straight onto the case, and he was flown to Frankfurt the next day. He has since had another 15 hours of surgery on his legs, and operations on both shoulders. His fiance Hazel has been in Frankfurt for the last 2 weeks and he was flown home to Australia last night. His injuries include- multiple fractures of both legs, 3 fractured ribs, 2 stable thoracic vertebral fractures, non-displaced cheek fractures, dislocated left shoulder, both AC joints (shoulder)busted, torn cartilage in one knee, a floating bone chip in the other, both of which need surgery back in Australia. plus he was pretty bruised up, oh, and a dislocated finger which i reduced at the scene. On the positive side, his head and spine are ok and he should make a fullish recovery eventually, but will be in rehab for about 12 months. Thats my understanding of the injuries anyway, no doubt they can be elaborated on/updated later. He is alive only because he was wearing all of his protective riding gear when he fell, including his helmet which was absolutely trashed from connecting so many times with the rocks on the way down the cliff.
ps the bike, a 2002 BMW f650GS is in great condition in a garage in Montenegro(it didnt go over the cliff) and i suspect a great bargain can be obtained for anyone who wants to fly to Montenegro and ride it home, its kitted out for traveling with 2 metal mules

WOW! Such bad injuries just by getting "off" the bike.Hope he is ok in the end.

I'm sorry to hear about the accident, but relieved your friend should make a full recovery. It was fortunate he was wearing all his riding gear when he took the tumble.

My best thoughts for a speedy recovery.

Euan

Collection
 

Hi, I just read about the bike in Montenegro. Rather than a cheap bike I'd be prepared to go and collect it to take it to it's rightful owner if that's practical. Where would it need to be taken? Serious offer as I'm bored and could do with a bit of a journey. Linzi. In UK at moment.

Papers
 

I just thought that if a collection is agreed I'd have to collect the registration document and arrange or have insurance. Interested? Only a small amount to cover some of the travel expenses at most would be needed. I hate to see someone down and kicked. I can leave in a couple of hours and can afford a couple of weeks. Linzi.

best wishes
 

best wishes for a speedy recovery to damien. hope to hear it'll be ok in the end.

Thanks for your generous offer Linzi. Damien is from Australia, bought the bike for the trip and was going to sell it in the UK before he went home. In any case it will all have to wait until he is out of hospital and back into communicating with the world etc. He has other things on his mind for the minute. The bike is quite safe and secure. But...it would be an awesome trip- I know this cos Ive just done it myself to get back to the UK. Montenegro is a stunningly beautiful country (and great for riding), then along the Croatian coastal road then through the Alps.

Return
 

Hi, the offer stays open. I have checked up on visas and it's quite simple. Good that it's safe and secure. I can go and get it for free as I'm sure the story would interest a magazine. You've got my e-mail address from your website. I'm likely to depart for Morocco in two weeks till about xmas but would be able to make the trip somehow/sometime. It is soul destroying to feel all is against you and uplifting to feel supported/understood/valued. Christ he was lucky in the fall though. Bad as it is it could have been much worse!!! Nae problem. Linzi.

now that really was a freak accident!
hope your buddy recovers ok from what sounds like a really nasty experience.

Wow, what a screwed up way to end a trip. I hope everything works out.

-Dave

Kudos to Linzi for such community-spirit - that's the HUBB working!:thumbup1:

Void
 

Thanks Pottsy, it's better if we all try and help, and there's no debt other than to help someone else when the opportunity comes along. Passing the favour rather than the buck!
An idea for Damien when he's a little better. Read Joe Simpson's book "Touching the Void". This is a really inspiring story of an incredible survival and recovery when a climb in Patagonia goes wrong. Incredible is appropriate! I broke my hip and a few other bits a few years ago and this book really impressed me, plus it's an excellent book in its own right. But I think it could help Damien. Linzi.

Battery?
 

If the bike is going to be left idle for past, say, 2 weeks it would be a godd idea to disconnect the battery ... might keep some more charge in it.

thanks
 

Linzi- its a great philosophy - karma, you reap what you sow, what goes around comes around, do unto others.... i believe they are all different ways of saying - be good and kind and the world will be a better place.

I will talk to Damien about the bike, he's back in Australia now, had a very brief chat to him this morning, he's not so doped up on morphine anymore. He's got alot on his mind, I suspect he'll be happy to deal with the bike later, there's a few logistical issues- rego, insurance etc.

Good idea re battery, i'll organise that. Thanks Frank.

Thanks everyone for your wishes and thoughts, I'll pass them on to Damien.

Sorn
 

Dear Fattony, just thought about the road tax situation assuming the bike is UK registered. You'll know of course the bike needs to be taxed and road legal or SORN and off road. If the road tax runs out overseas it is a bit of a risk to return to UK. ie it is simplest to get it back here and off road before the registration runs out. Beware the incompetent DVLA!
You're sure right about the beauty of Montenegro. I spent some time there in the communist days and it struck me as awesome. Linzi.

just checked the paperwork, tax runs out in 2 days :-(
guess i will SORN it now.

Tax
 

OK, now it's the road tax and MOT that limit the time. You can SORN it and save on paying road tax, taxing it later to ride it here but it can obviously only be MOT'd in UK. Linzi. ps, not an expert, rather a victim of DVLA!

therein lies a problem I suspect because you need an MOT to re-tax it, and the MOT expired on october 17th.

Mot
 

Hm, can you contact me by e-mail? Linzi.

Best wishes to Damien and respect to Linzi for his kind offer.

However, can I suggest an alternative. What about bringing the bike back to the UK and raffling it with the proceeds going to the owner, maybe at £10 a shot as I suspect both Damien and his family need the cash more than a bike right now. Nice gesture though.

BTW, if it still has some MoT left on it, applying for a tax disc through Website of the UK government : Directgov should be no problem. Most insurers will cover you 3rd Party on a bike not registered in your name providing you have the registered keepers permission to ride it. You'll have to check if this is still valid outside the UK though.

Best of luck.

Raffle
 

Hey Craig76, that's a good idea. I have a contact in Turkey who runs trucks around Europe and there's a likelihood of a super cheap berth for the bike that way. I'd need to move it to a place on his route out there. Linzi.

Transport
 

Craig76, well I haven't had an e-mail from Fattomy yet but have spoken to a friend and we've got a legitimate way of getting the bike to a cross channel ferry from where he can pick it up in a van. So Damien's property, but if the go ahead is given maybe it will be raffled, perhaps with a special livery to the panniers? At least a photo album to go with it. Where there's a will there's a way. Linzi.

Sitrep
 

Hi folks, I just read elsewhere Grant saying we should keep mails public if possible for benefit of all. Quite right. So: Tony is back at work, the registration document and letter of permission to ride bike are en route from Australia. Thanks to information on HUBB I now know it is legal to ride the UK registered bike from Montenegro to UK while SORN registered, with no MOT or road tax. It is out of UK so none applies. It will be insured on my policy as a second bike and is registerd--all OK. Simple, I thought. Fly to Split, bus to bike and ride back. But, no winter flights to Split on easyjet as of yesterday! JUST too late. Onto moneysavingexpert.com and found a ticket to Dubrovnik which is even closer. Now need to find out what HRK 1,750 are worth in pounds! Ordered a Montenegro map 1:250,000 from stanfords and am hoping the electrically heated vest I ordered comes in time or I shall be one cool dude on the road! The intention is to for Tony and myself to write an article for a magazine and cover the trip costs and some of his costs at time of accident. This is the little we can do to help poor Damien. I hope we can get him a reasonable price for the bike. (wonder if I could do a bank job en route and buy it myself?) My back was giving me agony after working on my own bike's gearbox but it seems OK now so it's just a case of getting on the plane all kitted up, hugging a winter sleeping bag, bivi bag and map. Happy travels all, Linzi.

Update
 

I spoke to Damien again this morning. He is sounding more positive. Being back home has alot to do with it i think. Some of our good friends have been to visit him in the last week. It's a tough road ahead for him but he knows the worst is over. The infections in both ankles appear to be under control now. He is scheduled for surgery on both knees later this week. I'm in the process of putting together a small photo album for him to remind him of the awesone trip we had. After the accident I'd kind of forgotten about the rest of the trip until I started sorting through my photos.
The wheels are turning for the documents though I'm not sure if they're in the post yet.

Where's he at in Oz? If it's around Melbourne, I'll stop by in a couple weeks.

-Dave

Melbourne
 

Hi, I'll e-mail Tony as I don't know. It has only now dawned on me how bad his injuries are. He'd sure value a visit, I'm certain. I'm trying to offer a positive gesture to raise his spirits. Linzi.

where
 

Damien is in the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane

I've got a friend in Brisbane who told me to stop by, so I might swing by. If so, I'll bring him a dozen monkeys from India to cheer him up. He can arrange monkey knife fights.

-Dave

Visit
 

That's good news, cheer him up by all means but don't pull his leg! Linzi.

monkey knife fights
 

That would be great Dave, he loves monkey knife fights and I'm pretty sure the Wesley hospital has a special arena for monkey knife fights.As I recall, it's the only hospital in the Southern Hemisphere with such an arena.:thumbup1:

His address is
Damien Daniel
Room 1, ward IM
Wesley Private Hospital
Coronation Drive
Brisbane, QLD, 4000

Linzi- the documents are in the mail.

Time
 

Ace Tony, you mean in the mail to you or to me? If you want to send them to me, use recorded delivery. Also where are the keys, need I take a lock and chain and of course I need an exact location and contact details-as if you didn't realize! I can get a flight from Gatwick to Sofia most days of the week. Linzi.

I've got a lock up about 20 minutes from Brussels airport if it's of any use. The bike can be stored for free there over the winter if needed. There's a bike lift and plenty of tools on hand in case any work needs doing. It may solve any problems about shipping the bike non MOT'd and taxed into the UK. Let me know if it could be useful .

Thanks
 

Hi Gecko, Thanks for the offer. I can't speak for Tony and Damien but I think we'll take the bike straight to UK. I'm guessing Damien would want the money soon. It is all legal on the continent, on the ferry and in the dock area. If I phone a British BMW dealer from France I can book an MOT test and it is legal to ride to that test centre from the docks. Easy when you know how. One possibility is a BMW dealer in London who have an open day on 22 November when lots of possible buyers would be present. The bike would then be road legal for a test ride and ready to go.
My electrically heated vest and Montenegran map just arrived. It's all falling into place. Just need the pound to rise against the Euro! Linzi.

The pound rise against the Euro - HA!! who are you kidding :rofl: Sorry to be selfish but i want it to keep falling because I'm going to be back home in the UK this Christmas and it'll make a nice change for the UK to not feel sooooo expensive for a change :clap:
I'm about 2 1/2 hours from Calais so if you need a bolt hole on your mercy mission let me know - secure bike parking and a hot coffee and bed for the night if you need it
Ride safe. :mchappy:

Pit Stop
 

Hi Gecko, thanks that would be really nice. I'm going with a very warm down sleeping bag and a goretex bivi bag--Please don't rain the whole way! I intend to shower at truck stops en route. I actually prefer camping to hotels. Keep in touch I'd love to drop in. Oh yes--you tube and " comedians bank crisis". It's all clear now. Linzi.

Hi Linzi- there's a nice tent in the panniers too if it rains too much.

Thanks Gecko- as Linzi said, there seems to be a legal way of doing things, and the sooner it gets back and is sold the better.

Sale
 

Hi Tony, on the 22 November, South London Motorrad in Caterham are having an open day and it might be possible to get the little beemer to them for an MOT and on display for that day with 6 months road tax paid. I mentioned it to the manager so he's forewarned of the chance we'd ask him to display and store the bike. Seems like a good idea. Linzi.

I'm around on the 21st I'll PM you my mobile number - just let me know if you need a roof for the night.

Insurance
 

Hi Gecko, thanks. I of course have to wait for the docs to arrive from Oz then I'll shoot down to collect them from Isle of Wight and zip up to wait for a flight from Gatwick. I just reinsured my '79 Moto Guzzi for a bit less than £100 ( seems embarassing that it's regarded as so little a risk--it's a sports bike after all) Can ride any other bike also if in UK but I have to insure the Beemer separately to ride in EU! Doesn't matter that I can only ride one at a time. Can cancel policy on Beemer after 14 days and only pay £15 admin fee or go over 14 days and get 70% back. It cost £100 to cover. So the clock's ticking as I insured it from this Wed 12 Nov. Linzi.

I have nothing to do with this thread but just wanted to thank the involved people for giving me back some of my faith in other people in this world of growing corruption, war and terrorism.
Its fantastic to see total strangers helping others in need.
Keep up the good work. :)

Poul B-H

Pickup
 

Hi Poul, no problem, I've given up being eaten up by bad thoughts and just want to do my own thing. Whooppee though, Republicans are out.
Tony, as soon as the documents arrive I'd like to come down for them. There is a bus daily from Brighton at 0900. Arrive in Ryde at 1130. I can return at 1630. Flights from Gatwick will be 0600 next day. I'll bring photo copies of my passport and driving licence in the unlikely event of anything going wrong. I'll pack tonight to be ready. I think that's all. Linzi.

Insurance
 

Well it seems few if any UK insurers will give EU cover for any bike that isn't registered in the insurer's name. Fattony helped me out and I contacted : Stefan Knopf at knopftours@aol.com. He charges 50 Euros for 30 days EU wide insurance. He's sending out the documents, trusting me to send the money in return! Top Man. Anyone who can't get an extension on their green card can do the same, call Stefan.
I spent the day chasing an electrical earth in my Moto Guzzi Le Mans' loom. Between showers of rain and sheltering from the wind to use a gas soldering iron it took all day. Soon be able to deafen the neighbours again though.
Regards, Linzi.

Stefan at knopftours
 

Damien and I both had some green card insurance with Stefan. All my interactions with him have had positive outcomes.
He was the only insurer we could find who would insure Damien, an Australian resident wanting to ride a UK registered bike in Europe. He also does a good roadside recovery service.:scooter:

Gatwick
 

Hi all, didn't expect to continue this thread but: Today I set off by bus up to London Gatwick airport to go and collect Damien's bike and bring it back writing up the story for a magazine to cover the costs. Well. I hadn't reckoned on Britain's airport "security" measures. I got to the security check where all hand baggage is put on a conveyor belt. No problem. Waist coat too. No problem. Boots too. (odd) But no problem. Standing up again, they've got a problem with a crash helmet being a weapon. After discussion they OK the helmet. Their discussion not mine, I've not spoken yet. I then place the boomerang still bubble wrapped and packaged form e-bay delivery. You can't take that! It's a weapon! I reply that it's a toy. It's a weapon! It,s a present for some Montenegran kids. It's a weapon. I remove all my belongings from the belt with no further comment. I put on my boots again then decide a photo for the magazine might be relevant. Take the SLR from its bubble wrap cocoon, lens cover off, switch on, fiddle, adjust, aim. You guessed, no photo's. Security are called and demand my passport and boarding pass. I think I just blanked Mr David Sween. I returned to Easyjet's counter and when asked if I wanted to fly I said yes, if possible. Then I broke the boomerang in bubble wrap over my knee quite calmly and said now no weapon. Mr David Sween ( who one might suppose is listed on the BNP list) then declared me unfit to fly due to anger. So that's how I managed to be able to eat the sandwiches I left in my fridge-I returned home! Some people seem to still like the UK, personally I don't. Am I alone in thinking it silly for anyone to suspect a terrorist would be dressed in bike leathers, carrying a Hi Viz jacket and various clumsy bags and bum bags? Would he, if he meant to use a boomerang, place it on the conveyor belt? Well, I am now heavily out of pocket, over my overdraght limit, owe one week's rent but---shall set off again in about a week. That leaves a stress-inducing copy deadline but it can still be done. Now I've got time to practise using the SLR and finding out exactly how to digitize and post the photos. I've taken more than ten breaths but I still would be obliged if anyone would seek out Mr David Sween and break his knees or tear off his balls or somesuch. Am I joking? You judge that! Linzi.

And I felt bad that I'm not in Australia long enough to make it to Brisbane.

Better
 

That's a pity, Tony told me that Damien's got all his bones in the right position, as he put it. Now for the skin grafts. Jeeze. Sometimes these things happen to the wrong people. Linzi.

Not exactly your average stereotypical terrorist. Seriously though, that is shocking.

I flew from Newcastle to Stansted last year. It was lashing down with rain so grabbed the only waterproof jacket I owned at that time, you guessed it, my textile bike jacket. You should have seen the queue at security while they searched the pockets (must be at least 10) and queried whether or not to cut the lining and armour open!

No no no ..
 

Demarcation mate.
Only baggage handlers are allowed to break passengers luggage.. it is in the fine print.

-----------------------
Good luck on the next atempt.
Edit - oh distant memories...
There area at least two types of boomerangs - returning and killing. Killing ones are heavier and don't return. Returning ones are 'sporting equipment' .. not meant to be a weapon. In the same way that a pen is not meant to be a weapon .. but you could use it as a weapon.

Boomerang

Returning
 

Hi Frank, thanks. I worked out it was actually an immigration officer. I have noticed over the years they are humourless on duty and zero tolernce enthusiasts. Still, this was out of order. A couple approached me out of the blue as I waited for my bag and saying they had witnessed it, said it was appalling. I have thought and actually one thing this guy acheived was to leave his post for 10 minutes over a detail of insignificance. I also feel the press has led to them watching tourists rather than for terrorists. I was treated very differently when an army officer and that should not be the case. Us and them! I'll put everything in the hold next time but it is impossible to think how to reply if approached or spoken to. Still it gave me time to try shooting several rolls of film and that paid dividends. Finally it was a timely turn around. The magazine editor e-mailed with a pathetic financial offer and didn't even answer Tony's query about payment. We're going to write for a different magazine so I'l more than get my money back in a way. Linzi.

I find it best to say nothing. If it is really really needed .. say as little as possible, and in 'official terms'. No jokes, no humour, no added information. Just answer the base question truthfully but minimally.
Sometimes a gesture of 'I don't know' works well - palms outwards - shrug shoulders and a blank look on the face. Conveys helplessness and ignorance, most people then try to help rather than hinder. At least the next question might give a clue as to the 'correct answer'.

Agreed
 

Yes Frank I agree but for those not experienced with UK entry I'd say our customs and immigration officials are very hard to please. "Yes Sir, No Sir, Three Bags Full Sir". I'm going by Heathrow next time incase the same guy does it again at Gatwick. I'll be very observant of the Serbian immigration officials as a comparison. Linzi.

Offer to help with the sale of the bike?
 

Hi Damien, Tony and Linzi

Just finished the chapter in Mike Carter's "Uneasy Rider" called "The Land of the Giants" which covers Montenegro and decided that it is a place I must visit, after he described the scenery so vividly and even if it's just to see the second tallest race of people in the World, after the Watutsi of Burundi!

As a bike dealer in North Oxfordshire, I would like to help by offering a free ad on the Biketrader website to assist in moving the bike on to it's new owner, which shouldn't be to long with 09 just round the corner.

January is surprisingly busy (lots of Christmas gift money and work bonuses) and as an optomist, I feel that any normal person feeling depressed about the credit crunch, will just say "Sod it all, I'm going to buy a bike!" Have to think like that, as business is dire at the moment.

Just found this great site, via Mike Carter's amusing book and look forward to offering beer, tea, help, advice and accomodation to other touring bikers when needed and as a payback for all the good turns done for me in the past.

Damien, once you've recovered, you and your mates are welcome anytime and we can pop down to my local for a pint of warm beer or perhaps we can nip down to Munich for the 2009 Octoberfest for a stein or three!

Get well soon mate :mchappy: (I hate these things, but this little fellow looked like it was made for us!) and hope I can be a useful part in what will soon, I'm sure, be just a distant memory.

Good luck with your trip Linzi and hope you get through the stress barrier at the airport this time. Please feel free to get in touch if you need any help and ride safe.

Cheers


Chris

Thanks for that offer Chris, that would be helpful.

Damien is making good progress. All his surgery is finished now and he hopes to be using a walking frame to put some weight on his feet by xmas.

I heard from Rade (my new friend and keeper of the bike in Montenegro) that Lindsay made it there. That was a week ago, I haven't heard anything since.

Montenegro is an exceptionally beautiful place. Durmitor Nat Pk is stunning and is superb for biking. I'm going back in May to visit Rade and see more of the place.

I have written an article about the accident for Motorcycle Sport and Leisure. It should be out in the next edition.

Tony

Great News
 

Hi Tony

Nice to hear from you and glad to hear that all is on the way up for Damien, as something that simple could have happened to any of us and there for the grace of God, etc, etc. The only challenge for adventurous people is handling the boredom whilst recuperating, but he can always put that time to good use and learn how to speak Montenegrian!

Can't believe that you can see the whole saga unfold via this site and look forward to hearing how Linzi got on when he returns. "What a Guy!" (Red Dwarf, Ace Rimmer episode)

Be more then happy to help with the sale and if you are in the UK before your next trip back to that area, please feel free to get in touch.

Cheers


Chris

I live on the :palm:Isle of Wight:palm: ha ha

Lindsay's trip sure will be frosty:freezing: (i love those things!!)

Isle of Bloody Wight!
 

:oops2: What Aussie in his right mind would end up on the IOW?

Only kidding, as I like the place and went to the Towrags Trike Rally at the Speedway Stadium near Ryde. Good laugh and went on a 4 seater Wing, with the family.

I could get to like these things. :wave:

Cheers


Chris

insane
 

Obviously I'm not in my right mind. I haven't "ended up" here, I'm just here for a period. Long story, involving a girl of course, came back to the UK to be with her, 2 days later she says sorry about dragging you to the other side of the world but it turns out I dont love you afetr all. sorry bout that.:censored:.
Life goes on and is very good. I have a good job and a great lifestyle here with lots of European travel opportunities (incl my 4 month bike trip). I'll stay for another year then head to south america for a couple of years.

Any news?
 

Hi Tony

Sorry to hear of your tale of woe and didn't mean to be flippant about your reasons for living on the IOW.

Wondered if you had any updates, as it's all gone a bit quiet. Has Linzi arrived back with the bike? How is Damien doing?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Chris

Hey no worries Chris, i can laugh about it now:thumbup1: The IOW is an unusual place to be living for sure! I just re-read my post and it sounds really serious but i didn't mean it that way.

I havent heard from Lindsay, I have texted and emailed him. Rade sent me a text on 7th December to say Lindsay had arrived at his place in Montenegro. I hope he's just having a nice adventure and hasn't either frozen solid or sold the bike in Ukraine.

Damien is doing ok, is weight bearing on one leg now with a walking frame. Is going home from hospital on xmas eve. His other knee desnt fully straighten yet, there is still some swelling there which is going down.

Merry xmas to all:D

No Wucking Furries!
 

As a few of my Aussie mates used to shout to testify all's well, back in my DHL London days of the 70's and 80's. Great bunch and I think the travelling bug rubbed off from those blokes.

Look forward to hearing about his journey back, as it's such a live story and wish him well and hope he's home for Christmas.

Cheers


Chris :mchappy: (Bloody Things!)

news from Lindsay
 

I just got an email from Lindsay, as expected he's had a tough time of the weather. He's also had a couple of minor bike troubles. He's now in Freiburg, Germany so lets hope the sun shines for his final leg home so he can thaw and dry out:scooter:

Phew!
 

Just got home ten minutes ago. Feet still cold, mouth still tastes of seasickness. Tomorrow I'll begin an account of it all. Did that in Freiburg but they shut down the computer without warning and I lost the whole message. Linzi.

welcome back linzi:thumbup1:

Hi
 

Thanks for the welcome. I wrote out a first instalment, clicked send and lost it. Grr. Then was too late for the bank but hey, it's bright and sunny here on the south coast and I sat in the sun on Madiera Drive and-- chilled out? No, warmed up! Right, now I'll try a third time to post a report. Linzi.

Grr, Grr, Grr
 

That's over an hour I spent writing the report yet again and yet again I send it only for it to be lost, being told I'm not logged in. I'll contact the management, but I'm pissed off now. Linzi.

That's happened to me before. If I'm typing something longish, I select all and save it fairly often. I think I started doing that with this site, but I do it for all sites now.

Savings
 

Hi, yep I'd thought about that but didn't know it could be saved. I shall have to look into it. How's the weather over in California? It's bloody cold here!

It's been cold here, too. Cold for California at least. It dropped below freezing last night, but today is already warmer. I like to see snow, not live in it. The weird thing is, I really want to ride through snow. I like contradicting myself.

Thanks Grant
 

Thanks, I am on my own laptop but got back to find the anti virus warning me that it's out of date. I make so many mistakes these days myself I try to never criticize anyone. My fault for not finding out about saving. Must say I do love my Fujitsu Siemens Amilo's keyboard though. Here goes again. Linzi.

Wait
 

Sorry for being so incompetent but I want to include pictures when I work out how. First I need to get to the photo lab when they open again. I've only had one roll developed in Montenegro and wonder if that lab did the work well or if it can be improved upon. Tragically my helmet mounted video camera didn't work from day one. I bit off more than I could chew on this trip. Linzi.

Bummer about the helmet cam! Lots of testing needed on those before committing to a major trip with one.

Re posting pics, it's all in the FAQ: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...q_postapicture

hope that helps!

Hm
 

Hi, here's a short account as six attempts at detailed reports go to ether.

I arrive in Mojkovac late at night, in torrential rain from the train from Beograd.( Don't bother with Beograd, or Serbs). A van driver takes me to his family's farm for the night. I experience the warmest heartwarming hospitality imaginable. I need to go to Podgorica now to develop the photos I took of them. Next day I reached Rade, his family and the bike. Again wonderful hospitality. This little country is mountainous, has fabulous, challenging roads and wonderful, wonderful people.

The bike is in good condition but has a very slack chain, no damping in shock, no friction material on front pads, empty Scottoiler reservoir but starts at first stab of button. It excells on the Balkan roads but later is unsuited to fast cross-country work--650cc single. Weather was good in Montenegro when not pouring or later freezing. I'll try "post" now and hope! Linzi.

Phew!
 

Ok , keep it short. I bivi'd high in the mountains on a few nights but then temps tumbled and the Balkans froze. One road was surrounded by frozen snow covered land. The road was dry mostly but then required me to thread where cars' tyres had cut through to tarmac. 10mph was average for an afternoon. I decided against Sarajevo and Mostar with these road conditions. Once I opted for an interesting road rather than the main road but after a day of pioneering up to the frozen summer pastures and the shuttered shelters, I reversed the route to safety. A hotel for the wimp to dry things out. Off towards Dubrovic. Pea soup fog, ice, darkness crossing into Bosnia. Over the border and downhil, down, down down seemingly to the bowels of the earth. I stayed in another hotel, met some bikers, had the bike checked again, swapped a waterproof rool bag for a bike club shield and headed off again.
Above Dubrovnic I searched narrow tracks just out of curiousity. Ghost towns lie scattered in the hils there above the cappuccino bars. The forest has been scorched. It is eery. My guess is Serb troops arrived, inhabitants fled, houses were torched and finally houses were stripped. Now there are just clean, empty streets and stone shells of houses. Now, later I am musing that I didn't think of land mines or booby traps. Yikes! I am eager to see if any of my photos of this come out well.
The Croatian coast up to Slovenia is the most perfect bend swinging paradise for a biker. This is race-track like in its sinuous flow. The Beemer swept through safely in heavy rain and proved itself to be an excellent adventure bike due to its safe nature. Should you make a mess of a track or road the bike stable and supportive with no scorpian sting. Linzi.

Onwards
 

The Croatian coast was substantially longer than I remembered. I bivi'd in a forest near Split after noting the oddly warm wind from the Adriatic all day. Care needed taking a heavy little pussycat like theF650 in there. It would be really embarassing to get stuck or drop it there! Would you have expected night time thunder after daytime warm wind off the Adriatic? I didn't. Snoozing inoccently, snuggled up in white goose down warmth, I came violently awake with a lightning bolt falsh which lit up the leaf mould infront of my face like daylight. Half a second and the earth shook a the thunder cracked like a whip then rummbled on for a minute. A deluge then pounded the tent flysheet stretched over me like a roof. It filled and dipped down towards me body. I emptied it three times, each with about three litres of water. It's a big fly sheet but wow that's quite some storm.
I managed to stay relatively dry and rose, packed, got out and onto the road to a Lidl and some food. Back on the road and ever northwards. Got to Trieste with the evening rush hour. That made me realize just how light the traffic was in the Balkans. That is one of the glories of the roads there. Linzi.

Alps
 

In Trieste I bought new front pads as the brake had just begun to make a scrape sound! I headed for Venice and a campsite I knew from 20 years ago. Got to Fusina Camping and of course it was shut for the winter. Nipped into a restaurant for some real nutritian as I hadn't had a meal for many days. The entrees were £9 to £12, I turned the page and my heart sank. I flipped the next page and found pizzas at about £6. Italy was to prove to be pricey. My pizza hardly added up to the meal I wanted and needed. OK, make some distance if the campsite's shut. I vaguely aimed to pass Milano or drift northwards towards the Dolomites. At about midnight, on an Autostrada I pulled off the truck parking area, behind a concrete block and bivi'd.
At about 8am I left after yet another snack and espresso. Today I rode up to Trento, having an espresso in a cafe with a Moto Guzzi Spada 1000 resting outside. Comforting for me. I headed west and went over an Alpine pass that headed towards Mandello di Lario and the Guzzi factory. The pass looked innocent enough on the European atlas! It finally flattened off and began to descend after passing the freezing line. This little Beemer, heavy as it is, has prove itself to be capable and versatile. I was VERY cautious on the snow and ice and got through back to a thawed out world. Too chilled to warm up a sleeping bag I went to a hotel. Serious money problems now though. I had a full tank, 20 Euros and 10 Euros in my bank--that is up to my overdraught limit. I paid the 30 Euros and ussed the room as a drying room. Boy was I going to pig out on the included breakfast!
Uno Duplo and damp brioche in plastic was breakfast in this ski serving hotel! Grumble! I powered off into the morning chill, wrapping my hands around the heated grips. I forgot to say that in Montenegro I lost my gloves and still had bare hands now! I made Lecco after midday and cruised into Mandello with expectant heart. This is Guzzi heaven after all. It's an idyllic little town. Thank Allah, God or who/whatever but I was allowed to use the camp site for three nights and pay on leaving. The next payment into my account would be in three days. Three long, very hungry days! I sat in the camp site and pondered actually living through the days without food. To the washing block and drank a camel's worth of water. Wow! I had been dehydrated. I changed a £10 note from my wallet and made it till day three. Linzi.

Yet Again
 

The next section went to the ether. Seems there's a limit of volume or time involved. I'm tired now. I'll continue later. Linzi.

Nice stories. Thanks for posting. I can't wait for the next update.

Hi
 

Hi, I must find out how to post the story in detail because I think some people would be interested. I was treated in a homely way by so many people in Montenegro that I have a desperate desire to go back. It's difficult to know though whether to stick to brake fluid etc type material or cover the relationships side. I can hardly wait to get the disc from the photo lab on 02 Jan and see what I got through the lens--before I dropped the camera and killed its electronic brain! In Montenegro the little Beemer got absolutely filthy. I hand cleaned it in Italy and then realized the wheel colour is alloy! I have just this minute come inside as it gets dark here having given it a better cleaning. Tomorrow I'll take off its body panels and treat it against the corossion that the UK specializes in on bikes. In a minute I'll nip down to the laundry and test the machines to the max! It's funny to look at a BMW F650GS towering over a Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans. Ciao, Linzi.

Ciao Italia
 

Keeping it short- In a cafe in Mandello I had made significant eye contact with the owner. Lovely, creamy bob styled hair. Round the table and note her figure. Hm. I returned the next day and chatted with her. For some reason she took me to be German. This is how we chatted- she had learnt her German in Basel as a chamber maid. I wondered, and wonder still, if I should have suggested I spend the night with her. Why didn't I? That would look good on a headstone!
I was aware of the coming of Christmas, the chaos in shops and that I'd still be on the road. I intended to go north along the shores of Lago Como, breathing in its corners and saunter up to the mighty Stelvio Pass but--2 metres of snow there now! At the local Guzzi dealer I am informed of an imminent plunge in temperatures in Europe. This provokes some thoght! I opt for a 2litre bottle of orange rather than an espresso next and as it disappears realize how dehydrated I've become. I was thirsty! It seems sensible to head for home pronto. I've not got enough money for this lark in Europe and its going to get seriously cold. OK head through expensive Switrzerland and get a hotel room over the German border. 3pm I depart Mandello--bad planning indeed! I purr through to Como and find there's absolutely no border between Italy and Switzerland any more! It's now dark when I'm flashed from behind. That'll be the back light not working. Yep. I'd notice it before. I remove the lens, take out the bulb to check it. Ouch! Bugger! Smash. There's a garage 35 metres away. It's got a money change in it too. Change a wad of Euros to Franken, buy tow bulbs and a chocolate bar and off. Ticino in the dark is not too cold as I approach the long St Gottard tunnel. In the tunnel's 17km it is lovely and warm. Good place to bivi in some ways! Nice and warm in the tunnel, that was about to change somewhat. Linzi

Again'n'n'n
 

Another into ether. So I'll type faster: The cold air trapped in central Swiss valleys is forced into the mouth of the St Gottard tunnel and envelops the approaching Beemer from 400 metres. The full realization of how cold it is hits me along with the Night air as I emerge. Narnia in winter! The road is totally free of moisture but it must be very much frozen if tarmac can freeze. I metre high bank of cleared snow has frozen into an armco like barrier along the right side. Beyond it in the dark looks like a frozen mountain cliff. Probably is as this is central Switzerland. My first out breath in this canton mists my visor and it freezes. I stab the button and swing the visor open to better appreciate the bite of freezing wind.I slam it shut and wipe it with my glove. My next breath fogs up. I have to continue with the visor partly open to be able to see. It is damn cold on my face and the chill speads round my shoulders. My hands, looking ever so stylish are numb. My feet are very cold, toes numb. OK so it's nowhere near frost bite but I,m doing 50mph in this air! I decide to stop at the first rest area. Where is it though. I don't remember how far it was but I obviously made it. Let me update a bit here. I set off without the benefit of special clothing. The boots don't quite meet my trousers. My leather trousers stretched badly after a total soaking earlier and hang below my jacket! Oh and the zip broke on first use and Rade sewed across it so it comes up leaving an open air scoop! My jacket is done by waist strap only under my goretex jacket. All the neckers etc mean that the goretex jacket doesn't close at the neck. I've got two pairs of thick fleece trousers on and three on top but it only delays the inevitable and too much of me is acting as radiators. I haven't begun to shiver so its not desperate yet but the rate of heat loss is simply too fast. Linzi.

Joker
 

I stand rigidly on the welcome mat staring hungrily at the mouthwatering food displayed before me in the rest area. Hot air is blasted onto me from the overhead heater in the doorway. As I step forward pulling my saggy jeans up a bit, a young Swiss man comments on the idea that it might be somewhat cold here, now on a bike. It's bloody freezing, I say matter of factly. It seems I may have a yet unrealized career in Switzerland as a stand up comic. But it was only meant to inform. After a meal-like "sandwich" and yet another espresso I decide that staying any longer isn't going to raise the temperature of my boots and clothes. I MUST get to a hotel in Germany tonight. I am simply too cold to bivi. That must also explain why I forgot to get some of the easy to reach heat pads as I rode off. At least this time the Respro mask was in perfect position and I could ride with the visor down. Glory! I pressed on at 55 mph till I arrived at Basel on the wrong side of midnight. The Beemer didn't turn into a pumkin thankfully as I need it to get to a hotel room. What a pity that I turned into Basel before the border because I was then unable to pay my autobahn vignette. Damn.
However, in Lorrach over the non exisrtent border all the hotels were closed! Linzi.

Bivi
 

I had a big problem now. I looked down at the bikes clock--imagine, a clock! Such luxury! Yikes it's half past one in the morning! Quick decsion. I have to get off the road fast I am just getting colder by the minute. I ride up an agricultural road a short distance, park on leaf mould and get off. Helmet off, mountain cap on, quuick look around. It is absolutely beautiful here. Dangerously clear sky, Iced up farm machine over the road, wide, frozen ploughed land stetcheng into the dark. Beneath my feet the hard frozen leaf mould looks like chocolate cake decoration dusted with icing sugar. Oh I wish. I inflate my mat till it's very stiff. It'll go down a lot as my hot breath cools. I puff up my sleeping bag but it's been tied on the back of the bike and is "ambient temperature". I stow my boots in the lid of my bivi bag to stop them freezing and insert myself into my cold bag fully dressed, rapidly pulling it tightly shut and rolling to face down. I make sure that there's bag above all of me and my mouth opens below. I won't get any sleep but I'm just minimizing heat loss till sun up. My clothes are chilled. I've never tried this fully dressed in cold clothes but I daren't remove outer clothes as I'd lose too much heat. I must have slept after about five hours of not sleeping. It was still dark when I awoke. My side next to mat was cold, rest of me was just OK, it had worked. I stretched my legs out and the foot of my bag was icy cold-inside too! I pulled back up into foetal position and snuggled up again. The air outside was seriously deepfreeze like. Later I awoke and it was light. A car passed on the road 50 metres away. Cat Stevens song came to me, Morning has Broken. But make no mistake it's cold outside and I'm about 25 minutes ride from Freiburg and any certainty of an open cafe or shop. Linzi.

Guten Tag
 

The whole bike was frosted but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I wasn't clumsy from the cold. I had actually warmed up in the night. I made short work of getting off and purring down the short road to the real road. I let many cars pass me on the way to Freiburg. Bikes are so obviously vulnerable to ice. As I approached Freiburg I was puzzled that I didn't recognize anything. I knew the road I must be on but even within 800 metres of the old centre I didn't recognize any of the buildings. Then there is the main railway station. My God I WAS on the right road---it's all been redeveloped! I turn right towards the central pedestrian areas for a cafe--and some familiarity. A row of scooters is reasuring to park alongside. Should be OK. I walk smartly and choose from the large range of cafes etc. Ein Tasse Cafe bitte. My accent is poor, partly due to the cold though. I order a chop, salad and local noodle speciality to remind me of days in the past. I have to bite my lip and pretend to wipe my face as I remember one particular girl from this town. Where she is now I have no idea but she sure cut deep.
I think about the vast redevelopment that has gone on and it reminds me why I left- I have nothing in common with these people when it comes down to it. What was wrong with Freiburg before? Nothing, but they just have to keep developing. I look at the healthy, well fed students and muse that they don't take a very wide view of the world. I never felt the camaradery of Montenegro when I lived here. Ho hum. I get directions from the waitor to an internet place and off I go. I email Tony, check all my spam etc and lose a report to HUBB when the shop just close down the computer. I state that I won't pay then, quite simply. The youth hostel is closed for a week too-should have expected it. I am tired of Germany already. I ride west, towards France and mave goodbye to Germany as I cross the rhine. Churchill used to wave roughly like that too. Ponder how my mood is changing since I was in Montenegro and genuinely regret being back in EU. Linzi.

Salut!
 

It's just as cold in France of course but I at once feel freer somehow. I know from past experience how less hectic Alsace here is than Germany just over the river. Ah, there's a Lidl store. How ironic to be stopping to fill the panniers at a German store in France! As I park the Beemer a Frenchman getting into his car calls over cheerily, C'est tres froid pour les mains, non?
My French covers such a statement but as I point to the handle bars and say, Mais ces sont electrique! I am covering up the fact that I can't say that my feet are nearly frozen and my hands are no problem at all. In the store the people smile and chatter to one another. Yes, I have always found the people of this area of France to be calm, open, friendly and generally all round pleasant people. With no limits at all on what to buy why do I buy some things that I don't really want to eat and other things that I can buy in Lidl in UK? I can't really complain later as I did the buying but I came to curse some of the purchases.
I ate some food in the car park then got on with the serious business of getting home before the real deep freeze set in. West, ever west I rode. I had 25 Euros in my wallet and another 180 Euros in my bank account. I thought it safer to have it all in my wallet just in case-you never know. At an ATM I am told that I have insufficient funds. No sweat, been there before. I know I've got 180 Euros, I'll try another ATM. So that is how I came to be parked at a service area in Alsace assessing my position. Day before Christmas, quarter tank of fuel, 25 Euros in wallet. Nothing in bank account. The latest ATM had said I'd reached my daily limit--of 250 Euros. Well I hadn't used my card at all today! So someone else had! Next money in my account in three days. This is what pilots call "a situation". I had at least a pile of scraps and biscuits in one pannier but the holiday means I can't contact my bank. I need to sort this out myself. I ask at the counter how for to the next exit? Ten kilometers. There are police there with internet. Hm, that doesn't help really. Think what if the bike had broken down, Breakdown recovery would take me home. A quick look at the insurance clears that up--insurance only-no recovery. Do some maths and calculate that if I do the impossible for me so far and cross France with no wrong turnings at very economical rate the Beemer could reach Dieppe and the ferry. I had three days to do it and some scraps to eat on the way. That then was the plan. The women at the counter gave me some croissants and coffee before they knocked off and we wished each other Bon Fete! I locked the bike and laid out my goose down bag now less than totally dry but OK. Linzi

Bon Noel
 

I was woken on Christmas day 2009 by the women going to work checking that I was OK. I went in to the loo feeling bloody scruffy. In the mirror I got a shock! I'd been riding the whole day before with the visor up or partly so. There were huge bags beneath my eys and my lids were swollen as if infected. I'd aged about 30 years! At least they didn't know how beautiful I normally was and wouldn't be shocked! I dabbed cold water pathetically on my face but to no avail so out I went smiling sheepishly. I was greeted with real smiles. I like Alsatians. A piece of cake and a coffee were placed before me. I couldn't really ask what they'd done as it would have rubbed it in a bit. I am very grateful to the friendship and support they gave me.
I set off about an hour later for the police in the nearest town. On approaching the square I spied an ATM. I appreciate how silly and pointless it was but I went to try it anyway. I withdrew 180 Euros which is more than the money due in three days showing that the problem yesterday had been a system fault. Merde! Life's like that sometimes. I filled up with petrol and then thought that just out of curiosity I'd ride as if I had to get max efficiency and see if the bike could make it.
So the loaded F650GS one up did 210 miles on 13 litres at 50mph. I calculate that to be, scientifically speaking, a hell of a good performance!
I've now misplace my diary but I think I calculated 27kpl or 73mpg, about 4 litres per 100km It's got a reserve but I didn't explore that. I am very impressed with the Rotax engines's fuel consumption. This is one very useful little bike. Linzi

hehe what fun to read, sitting in my warm home. I didn't expect such an epic story ;o))

I thought you'd post 10 lines about picking the bike up and racing through Europe, but then its winter and with no money !!!

PS If you risk loosing any text, just every so often, mark the text and copy it with Ctrl C, then if you have been logged off, just log in, open a new mail and paste your text in, Ctrl V

No way
 

10 lines, no I had written out 39kb in Word which only covered to first bivi near Podgorica. I really want to post that but while it's saved it won't appear on HUBB. I think early next year I'll try a trip report in another section of HUBB with as many photos as are good enough. On the photo side I need to wait till 02 Jan to get a disc with them on it. I had trouble getting gaps in rain to keep the lens free of water. Regards Linzi.

Hunger and now Wind!
 

To calculate the fuel consumption I'd ridden till the little orange light came on telling me to go straight to a petrol station and not pass go. In crossing northen France I should have known this would have been in the middle of nowhere! Had it not been so cold I might have filled a water bottle with fuel to carry. Really officer? Petrol? How lucky for me that you noticed! I might have drunk some without your help, merci beaucoup!
I throttled back to 40mph wondering just what revs give best economy-torque must come into it as well as throttle opening. I looked forlornly at the passing, frozen forests and kept telling mysself BMW would provide a really good reserve--wouldn't they! At a remote roundabout I made a decision between two insignificant town names. Gulp, talk about dumn! Right then, purr, Purr. The little Beemer cruises on. I come to a small town. I cruise slowly looking for a fuel supply. I do a u turn. Oh dear, must be something here. On to the next town, close by thankfully, I find a petrol station. Phew! Engine off I realize you need some kind of card at this unmanned supply point. Yikes! Out onto the road, over the road to the other station--it's shut. Ooh dear. ALong the road and pull in at a large Peugeot showroom to ask. Oui, 2 km! Yes. I knew it would all end OK. I went 2 miles according to the Beemeer which doesn't talk metric. Onto a faster, less economical road--at 40mph. To a complex of retail outlets, roundabouts and French people who all knew exactly what they were doing! I went into a shop and said, J'ai besoin d'essence s'il vous plait. The confused reply was that they sell furniture! I know dear, I MEANT, "Where's the nearest petrol station?", but can't say that en francaise. this time 3km and it was. Real petrol that the Beemer gulped down gratefully. Linzi

Further
 

Out onto the road ever westward. Damn, in the open, out of the wooded area it is cold and very windy.I can ride faster now but set the speed at 4000rpm or 95kph/60mph approx.
The landscape is open and very big. Good tank country I note! Ah well, onward we go. A sign surprises me. Verdun. I hadn't realized how far east the First World Fisty Cuffs had spread. Now I see something that really surprises me. Off to the right ,about 400 metres from this main road across the open, wide plain, they've built a wind farm! Oh my God. How mad. The cross wind that it causes has the little, loaded bike weaving. They should have put the farm somewhere else. If you should doubt me then how is it that three more times that cold day I had really bad problems with wind and each time I spied a wind farm off to the right. They are a menace.
The effects of the wind chill and 1C or 2C temperature that day were bad. I pressed on for Rouen only because the distance didn't seem to be too bad but with my clothes, in those conditions I should not have been on the road. I got to Rouen and went in for a meal, cafe au lait and warmth. I thought about how a Rakji would get my circulation going rather well now!
Somewhat warmer, or just used to the bitter cold now, I zoomed off to Dieppe. I hit the coastal ferry port about 3pm. The ferry goes at 8pm which is pretty good for a shot in the dark. Back at the main parking area I parked the travel stained, purposeful Beemer by some streetfighters and a scooter.
One of the cafes, the one I chose, had a gas fired stove to heat the glassed extension. Sitting right infront of it, legs apart, I asked for un grand cafe au lait, which in Dieppe comes in a soup bowl--great for warming cold hands by! I walked the narrow shopping streets looking for a cheap place to eat. A butcher's window looked good. What! Foie Gras. 96 Euros per kilo!
I settle for a kebab and 2 litres of juice.I know, I know it's wrong. It's France and you have a kebab--I have no defence. As it happens the crossing didn't agree with me and I could have saved the money!

Oh to be in England!
 

Waiting in the cold and dark for embarkation, I had to stand by the bike at the head of queue 2. Those others on four wheels assembled in other queues, so I had a cone all to myself. A rather lovely woman asked if I'd like to sit in the car with them as it was so cold. Truthfully I said thanks of course but I wouldn't fit in with big boots and so much leg insulation. Later on the ferry I saw her and she said she'd felt sorry for me alone in addition to the cold. Lyon she replied when I asked where in France she came from. Touching concern. I like France generally rather a lot.
Somewhat lighter, having left the kebab in the gents, I went below decks, mounted my steed and grandly landed on English soil. I was surprised when I simply passed through. Perfect for showing my passport and doffing my helmet. Waved past by customs. A loaded bike in mid winter. So that's how the Moroccan skunk, hand guns and explosives get into UK!
I parked and locked the bike under the huge security lamps and walked up to my mate, John's, house. I only just remembered the English male welcome rather than an embrace and kisses! We chatted and giggled til stupidly late then he gave me a lift home the 6 miles to Brighton. The bike has since been trailered to now sit beside and locked to my dormant Moto Guzzi. Wow. That little lark got off too late and with too much money spent before embarking on it. At last I know where the cable for my electrically heated vest is. There on the table! FU**! I had been going to attach it to a cigar lighter plug and left it there. Oh. what might have been!

I am now going somewhat crazy in waiting for the photos to come. I hope beyond hope they are good. If anyone wants a much longer account, I kept a diary and can post such if wanted. The Montenegro section warrants it definitely.

In a nutshell, the roads are very traffic-free in the Balkans, the Croatian coast road is utterly blissful. The Balkans are now getting to be tourist honey trap-like but Montenegro is not so. The roads are rewarding, the scenery grand. The people are friends you've not yet met. Go, they're waiting for us. Best bike for summer? The very bike you own now.

And finally, all thoughts to Damien. He's getting better slowly, the best way to begin. I wish him the best. He didn't deserve this experience. He began on one journey and must complete another now. Perhaps when he's recovered he will want to revisit Europe. I'm sure many would extend hands of welcome. Break a Leg, Lindsay.

I've been following this thread for a while anxiously the story. Definitely worth the wait! You are a true adventurer at heart, pretty ambitious to travel that distance through all those cccccold places in the dead of winter. Its 80 deg. F here with palm trees swayin in the tradewinds and hard to relate such concepts as snow, ice, freezing, etc.!

Happy Newyear
 

Hi Thermal, happy new year to you. Simply go to the fridge, skip the beers and put your hand in the freezer for half an hour. Seriously though, it was only discomfort level. I kept above shivering level which is a warning sign. A crazy Scots comic, Billy Connoly once said, "There's no such thing as bad weather. Only the wrong clothes!" Well said that man!
At the other extreme I'm sure you know about running the line with heat stroke and the like. I don't know how I'll afford it but I've long intended to visit Morocco.I want to go deliberately in mid summer to test the conditions, kit and techniques. I don't expect it to be anything other than close to hell, but memorable!
My ever so laid back, cool friend, a yoga teacher once left saying," Take it easy, Lindsay". I returned, without thought, " No, push the limits".
I can't help it I just like a bit more than the normal boring, comfy routine.

Have a lie on the beach and a beer for me. Linzi.

you dont like the easy options do you linzi? epic story bud im in awe of it.

oh & thanks, now ive got the balkans on my ever expanding list of places ive not been yet :thumbup1:

Ideas
 

Hi Hooli. Yep,"It didn't quite go to plan" could be the title! As for the Balkans, there's a market for used, late model bikes out there. It could be a good idea to go, tour, sell and fly back. When I find the Trebinje club website address again I'll post it in the Balkan section. They told me of bike meets in Bosnia: Trebinje, Mostar, then the biggie, in Sarajevo. 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends in June '09. The Bosnian who checked the bike, added coolant and rear brake fluid, and got the waterproof bag, has a BMW 1150GS still with its Swiss plates. He's just imported it. If you do go, check before going off-road as there are still land mines around in Bosnia! I shall email the helpful Bosnian who first made contact with me--just to guide me to a hotel! These guys are at least as enthusiastic as we are and well up to speed on all to do with 2 wheels. Linzi.

cheers for the tips Linz, if i do go it'll be in a few years. currently i'll be lucky to have a couple of weeks touring spain or somewhere equally close.

NOTE to ALL - there is a limit on the maximum number of characters in a post - but it's pretty large - 25,000! - so is unlikely to be the problem here. Also, if there are too many characters, you WILL get a message telling you so, how many you have submitted, and the limit.

TIP:
Always, on all forums, and any time posting on the web, at least select all the text (ctrl-A) and copy it to the clipboard (ctrl-C) before pressing submit!

Linz! That was SOOOME story :) I take my hat off to you. If you're at the HU in either Ripley or Germany, I'll buy you a pint, or a coffeee if it's something warm you want. :)

Ta very much
 

Hi, thanks. It is nice to get feedback. I'll check the HUBB meetings. I hadn't been thinking of them as I am almost penniless and can't even think of a long trip. I had a hoot of a time in my own way. I shall definitely post the long version beginning next week when I sort out getting it from Word to HUBB. I am absolutely desperate that I can support it with some photos but I am sceptical. Cheers, Linzi.

Ripley
 

Having checked the date for the Ripley meeting, I'll try to make it. Tomorrow I'll go to the bank as I need some money. I'll check out their security! Linzi.