Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Feb 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Wink Adventure for adventure's sake –*solo ride around Europe



Hey guys,

My name's Jess, this is my story.

I'm from Melbourne, Australia. Like many city inhabitants, I’d never lived a life of hardship. I went to work, I came home to friends and family and I ate whenever and whatever I wanted. Life was good. It was easy. It was enjoyable.

But it was boring. And majority of the time it was oddly overwhelming. I became trapped in that simple, deliciously safe bubble I lived in, and drove myself crazy thinking of superficial ways to escape. New clothes? New boyfriend? New friends? None of them ever made me happy. I both hated and pitied myself.

In June 2015, I quit everything to road trip around Europe, by motorbike, alone. To subject myself to real, unadulterated life. I wanted to feel what it was like to be alive, to be free.

I bought a bike in Berlin, road from Germany to the top of Norway, through Finland, the Baltics, Poland, Slovakia and all the way to Hungary. But after all of my mishaps and misfortune along the way I lost time and money, and so in November 2015 I sadly left my bike in Hungary and flew back to Australia without finishing my trip.

When I arrived home I knew what I needed to do. I needed to make enough money to fly back and finish the trip. Everybody asked why. I only had a simple answer for them.

I'm sick of not finishing things. I'm sick of not meeting my goals. Not the superficial goals like lose weight either. The goals that really matter. The ones that are going to give me lasting satisfaction.

I'm happy to announce that this May I'm returning to Hungary to pick up my bike and continue my journey. I'll be riding west towards France and then up the UK to Scotland, back down through France to Spain until it gets too cold — or I run out of money again.

I will use the next few months to post up stories on here from my trip so far. Hopefully by then you will be well and truly up to speed for when I set off again

Hope you enjoy!

You can also follow my journey at

Bikergirl.me | Adventure for adventure's sake
facebook.com/joinbikergirl
twitter.com/joinbikergirl
instagram.com/joinbikergirl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Feb 2016
Pongo's Avatar
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
Excellent. If you happen to be passing through France on your way down to Spain at the beginning of September, we'd be delighted to see you at the H.U. meeting between the 9-11th. Take some time out to meet other travellers and tell us your story. We'd love to see you!
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Feb 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Geneva
Posts: 199
Hey, I actually subscribed to your blog about 10 days ago! I very much like your writing style, first part I read was Day 85 to Riga when you got stuck under your bike. Aouch. Glad you made it out of trouble. Day 85 - Pärnu to Riga | #JOIN BIKER GIRL

I wonder whether you were the one writing those 4 nasty letters on the information panel as a result..? Whatever, you rule! Having you onboard this forum is good news. Welcome to the HUBB!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Travelling the world...
Posts: 55
Keep living your dream. I'm currently enjoying Tasmania before heading to the mainland and round to Brisbaine as part of my RTW trip.
__________________
Follow my travels Facebook page
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mandurah
Posts: 3
Congratulations Jess on living your dream...............!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Karlsruhe/Germany
Posts: 125

Bravo, I´m happy to hear you raised the funds to proceed!
Good Luck and keep the rubber down
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rotherham
Posts: 47
What a girl.......im on the same wave length Jess....own business..blah blah blah but something eating away at me..need to travel. i have been all over Europe and off riding to Bangkok in August...room for one more..
If you are riding through Uk you are more than welcome to rest here for a day or two....im in the centre of England....Sheffield.

Ride safe and im sooooooo envious....
John
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Grt to know you hate unfinished matter or rather not getting to your goal. Go lady go...

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 9
Congratulations Jess in getting out & actually doing what many of us can only dream of.

Ride safe, explore, discover and enjoy the experience...I really envy you although admittedly I'd have to do this type of challenge accompanied but that's me.

Please keep us updated via HU for all us tech dinosaurs who don't follow the usually social media trend.

Love the website & if your ever passing through London there's a huge biker community.

All the best.


Sent from my MoJ mobile tagging device
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 134
Congrats Jess on living the dream.

By the way, youve got a very well-designed website thats a pleasure to read! Nice pictures to boot!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squire View Post
Hey, I actually subscribed to your blog about 10 days ago! I very much like your writing style, first part I read was Day 85 to Riga when you got stuck under your bike. Aouch. Glad you made it out of trouble. Day 85 - Pärnu to Riga | #JOIN BIKER GIRL

I wonder whether you were the one writing those 4 nasty letters on the information panel as a result..? Whatever, you rule! Having you onboard this forum is good news. Welcome to the HUBB!
Wait wahhhh? What nasty letters? Thanks for the follow and the warm welcome
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by gsadvman View Post
What a girl.......im on the same wave length Jess....own business..blah blah blah but something eating away at me..need to travel. i have been all over Europe and off riding to Bangkok in August...room for one more..
If you are riding through Uk you are more than welcome to rest here for a day or two....im in the centre of England....Sheffield.

Ride safe and im sooooooo envious....
John
Thanks John, I'll be riding through UK in a few months so that would be lovely!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by PropTP View Post
Congrats Jess on living the dream.

By the way, youve got a very well-designed website thats a pleasure to read! Nice pictures to boot!
Thanks for the compliment! Designed and developed by me
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Mar 2016
Aziz_1050's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
Hi Jess,

I am so happy for you i guess we all need an escape from the cage of city life routine i am glad you did it and wish you all the best in your up coming adventures please give me the honour of sharing my experience and have a look on my thread.

Regards,
Aziz

Sent from my SM-G928C using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 1
Place to stay

If you end up in England we are in Lincoln if you need a place to stay!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
adventure, europe, girl rider, travel


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Who wants to ride from Europe to China along Silk road NOW? Mongo Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 15 Jun 2014 19:09
A Ride in Europe Premkumar Ride Tales 0 21 Nov 2013 18:17
Europe Adventure johnnington Travellers Seeking Travellers 15 1 May 2013 21:44
Great Adventure Ride in the Philippines psaubier Ride Tales 3 2 Mar 2013 15:36

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 23:57.