Over at ADV they're just telling you how you come across. That's valuable information for you, because it's going to define your trip (and your life, but that's a different story). You just need to decide: do you want information about overland travel by motorbike, or would you prefer to trade scatological witticisms and post-pubuscent sexual fantasies?

If you're really in search of information--of which you do seem to have a deficit--then your first goal should be figuring out how to ask for it in a way which encourages responses you find helpful. In my opinion, humble as ever, this part of your initial presentation needs a bit of work.

On the other hand, if you're satisfied with how it's working out, by all means carry on as previously. Just remember that the people with whom you're trading insults over there and clever banter over here are the people who have long been doing exactly the sort of thing you propose to do yourself. They (and we) have the answers you seek.

Or do you? Speaking for myself, sometimes I ask questions when I really just want to showcase my own talents. Responses, in that case, are almost irrelevant.

Safe journeys!

Mark

(Oaxaca, headed south)

Flame wars as well as sincere information, entertainment as well as education. Actually, I'm having quite the time so far. On y va! Allez-vous, mes amis! Keep it rolling, if you please, gents and ladies, and more gold stars all around.

BTW, while in the States I'm considering doing the TAT and GDT via IBM's soon-to-be-released Ural Solo. Just crazy enough to be fun, just frustrating enough not to be too easy. From the research I've done so far on Ural's offerings, some adventurers swear by these ol skool ironhorses, others simply swear at them or because of them. I'd be willing to tinker every few miles, but not every single mile, the former being an exercise in patience and the latter simply being an exercise in futility. Anyone have thoughts on taking such beasts across the TAT and GDT?

Also, Mark Harf Veteran Hubber, I'm sort of crushing on your combination of fearless criticism and friendly advice. Mancrush going on here, dood, mancrush. Don't tell my wife.

Hotels vs. Camping
 

We have traveled the big 6 and always hoteled it. While I don't mind camping, I was in the resort business and just prefer it. Never found a problem except a little difficult in the middle Patagonia regions, but still doable.
A suggested sleeping bag, is good, but we have always carried those space blankets that are bigger and designed as sleeping bags, forget the name. But they take up little space (no pun intended), and have yet to be used. They are about the size of a half loaf of bread! Therefore 2 equal a...:D
Allen.

Lucky Explorer Allen comes through with the can-do attitude! Excellent information and support, sir, much thanks!

Just my 2 cents on the mod edits …

IMHO, it’s unwarranted. We’re big boys and girls, not grade schoolers who need to be shielded from the horrors of an R-rated film. :rolleyes2:

I do appreciate the general civility of HUBB, but sometimes it comes at the expense of a candid exchange, and even entertainment . I hadda go check out the thread of the same name at AdvRider, looks like a flame war is in progress…

I say let it fly. There are lessons to be learned for all. FWIW.

Sir Ride Far, I must, of course, agree with your observations. I hope you were able to read the aforementioned deleted posts before they were so unceremonially scrubbed away: funny stuff in there, man, and so well written, too. Sheesh, I never even used foul language or sexual innuendo...

However, the mods are in authority here, not I, so I take my lumps with aplomb, and defer to the tyrants' discretion. Mod on, moderators, mod on.

Most importantly, mis amigos, thanks for your continued help with my questions. Some of you folks have been pm'ing and emailing with astounding generosity and terrific information! To those of you from ADVrider who so bravely engage in molotov cocktailing with me and yet still offer your experience and perspicacity, thanks so much as well. There's a lot of hyperbole and obscenity in the ADV thread, but you jerks are still being remarkably generous with sincere information and your tales of your personal travels!

Just a thought but if you live in Denver, why not try and hook up with Chris and Erin Ratay in Boulder. They're great people and I'm sure they'd give you all the advice you need:

ULTIMATE JOURNEY -- Around-the-World motorcycle tour

MikeS Veteran Hubber, that's an outstanding bit of 411. First time I've ever heard of the Ratays; now when they're tired of my asking them questions I can point the finger of blame in your direction. Thanks, dood!

maybe possible
 

Hi,

Personally i am not convinced that its possible. If you chose your route carefully you could probably do Europe, Northern Asia, South East Asia, North America and Central America.. I've never been to south America or Africa so I can't help you there.

It will also depend if you call staying in a Ger camping or not.. There are many hotels in some of these places where its nicer to camp.. We have stayed in hotels which I would have to say are so bad camping would be the preference.

I know people who have essentially stayed with people for "free" the entire way around the world but again its not hotel based. And you loose privacy etc but you get additional benefits like meeting people and being introduced into their home culture etc.. We have stayed with many local people all over central asia/mongolia/russia and have enjoyed the experience most of the time... except a few times when they saw it as an excuse to get violent after a few too many shots of spirits or vodka. Personally I enjoy camping so we chose to wild camp for most of the Journey..