1Likes
-
1
Post By powder85
|
21 Feb 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 9
|
|
Need advice from Barcelona to...? First solo trip 23 days August.
Hello Guys, I'll explain a bit my story so you can perhaps advice me better.
I have been riding motorcycles non stop for the last 19 years, mainly for commuting and recreative reasons, had all sorts of bikes from scooters to Yamaha R1's and Harley Davidson. Right now I own a scooter for the city a Harley 48 and a Beta 300 2 stroke enduro beast.
Last year, I was on vacation in Thailand and my friend and I decided unexpectedly to rent a couple of CB500X and do an unplanned 4 day trip around the north of Thailand. Deary me, best thing we could do. The best motorbike route I have done in my life, the roads were from Heaven, and the scenario just breathtaking. I was hooked. Couple of pics from the short trip in Thailand:
On my return to Barcelona I went straight to the BMW dealer with my blood still boiling to test ride an 18' R1200GS and a F850GS, both bikes great with their differences, but I ordered the bigger one.
Two weeks later and after letting some steam off and reading more about RTW traveling I came to the conclusion that the ligher the bike the better, specially at my 171cm - 5'7" height, and canceled the BMW.
Fast forward to the present, I want to plan my first solo trip for my August vacation but I have no idea where to go and at what pace, I have 23 days.
At first I thought jumping into Africa and doing some of the easy countries but thought it might be too much complication for so short time and having zero experience. Then I thought about a trip starting from Barcelona and going to Bulgaria through France, Italy, Slovenia, the Balcans and returning through Romania and the inner Balcans.
What are your thoughts and advices for my first trip? Any help would be much appreciated!
.
|
23 Feb 2019
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Wuxi, China
Posts: 41
|
|
Don't plan too much, just get on and ride and follow your nose. When you get tired in the afternoon, that is where you will overnight, so just find a place to stay on the internet.
|
23 Feb 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 310
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by powder85
Then I thought about a trip starting from Barcelona and going to Bulgaria through France, Italy, Slovenia, the Balcans and returning through Romania and the inner Balcans.
|
Sounds like a great trip to me, and a smart way to really figure out what works and what doesn't on a moto trip.
I would get out a map and do some pre planning, (do you use a GPS? good tool to have.)
Look for the smaller, twisty lines on the maps, mark them somehow or put them in your GPS- that's plenty of planning. You don't have to follow your route, but it's good to have some ideas when you're deciding where to go the next day.
I like to get on line at night to plan the next day. I'll look at the weather and modify my plans accordingly. Then I'll use a hotel finder app (I use Booking.com) and reserve a room for the next night.
...........shu
|
23 Feb 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: France
Posts: 124
|
|
I agree with jonker stay flexible .
|
28 Mar 2019
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: France
Posts: 92
|
|
From Barca do the Tran Pyrenees loop.
There are tonnes of circle loops an detour tracks all with GPX on wikiloc.
Plenty of vids for dreaming and planning on YTube.
Check out this trail!
https://www.wikiloc.com/motorcycling...e-2010-1495443 (Transpyrénéenne 2010) at #wikiloc
https://www.wikiloc.com/trail-bike-t...rineos-2023577 (Trans Pirineos) at #wikiloc
Check out the Andorra Smugglers route. Wickiloc and l've seen ride reports either on the HUBB or ADVRider.
And then there is the TET Spain...on the website you can download free the gpx points. For that matter, the TET links all the countries you listed and goes all the way to Finland or Balkans and Turkey.
Plenty to see and do.
Since you likely live in Barca (?) you know Europe is expensive, although Spain is the cheapest - before you get to Bulgaria ot Lithuania, Lat, Est.
23 days is short, that's why I recommend the Transpy loop. Otherwise you are effectively undertaking an ironbutt challenge (you say you have a 'lighter bike'?) for the country list you proposed. However I see on ADVBikeTV the boys did England to Nordkapp and back (only 1 collision and Evac) in about that timeframe.
Finally, although it's not legit, there are plenty of bivouac opportunities and plenty of people do it in the Pyrenees. Just keep it 'no trace'.
Chris
__________________
2023 back in Japan on the road after COVID, 2019 Paris Siberia Japan tbd -2010 WR250R; 2015-2016 Paris-Mongolia and Paris-Silk Road; 2011-2013 Canada Ushuaia
Last edited by monnomania; 28 Mar 2019 at 04:55.
|
4 Apr 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 9
|
|
Thanks Chris for the time, Ideally I would have liked to go down to Morocco this time but I didn't plan it with enough time.
You are right about the prices in Europe, Barcelona is a pretty expensive place (tourism) and every time I go somewhere else in Spain I feel in heaven.
I'm pretty decided on the Balcan tour, to save time I'll use two ferries from Barça to Civitavecchia and from Bari to Albania. I'm already there and rested in 4 days. Still have to plan my route there.
The Pyrinees are just 2h away from home and I reserve them for short vacations.
The bike btw is gonna be the new Yamaha T7.
Tell me if you need anything in Barcelona.
Quote:
Originally Posted by monnomania
|
|
14 Apr 2019
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 49
|
|
I think you have plenty of time for your trip. Ferry is a great idea, my only concern about it is that you're missing Croatia and especially Montenegro that way, and Montenegro for me definitely was the highlight of Balkans (whereas Albania was a lowlight, but that's just me).
Maybe you might want to continue to Greece and Bulgaria from Albania, and do the Balkan coast on the way back?
Also in August it will probably be quite hot, and also coastal road will have a lot of campervan traffic. Just something to keep in mind.
Enjoy your trip!
|
14 Apr 2019
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,950
|
|
Hot all over southern Europe during August. Look for altitude and you'll do fine (although lots of other people will have the same idea, so generally crowded and expensive). With a serious commitment you can be in ex-Yugoslavia in a couple of days, then take your time exploring as far as you get in Eastern Europe.
FWIW, I haven't found the ferries allow me to arrive anyplace "rested." All that scheduling, waiting around, loading and unloading at weird times of day, uncomfortable sleeps on deck, s with other travelers.... If in a hurry, just ride the express motorways; if wandering through Italy, Greece, Croatia the ferries are nice options.
As everyone above has offered, don't stress too much about any of it unless you're trying to squeeze every last penny. Just let your personal riding style evolve, and it'll take you where you want to go.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
|
4 Oct 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 9
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 10 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 10 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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:
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- France: September 19-21 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
HUBBUK: info
See all event details
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|