Suggestions Feb/Merch 2023?
 

It looks like I can get Feb/ Mar 2023 off work. I want to do a solo motorcycle trip away from civilisation and on dirt as much as possible. I'm looking for suggestions. In 2019 I went to Argentina and Chile at the same time of year and it was amazing, but I want to go somwhere new. I grew up in southern Africa so that's out. Oz is too hot at that time of year I think?.At the moment I am thinking of Andalusia or maybe Mexico. Andalusia has the advantage that I can take my own bike (Himalayan, or even possibly and no doubt stupidly
my Harley) but I am looking for ideas. Maybe there's somewhere I haven't thought of?

Some classics for dirt are: Morocco, Mongolia, USA Utah, Australia

For scenery: Switzerland, Norway, Montenegro, Vietnam

For cool cities: Taiwan, Japan, Italy

For the third world danger feeling: Irak, West/East Africa, India, Bolivia, Venezuela

New Zealand. Loads of great riding onroad (from personal experience) and offroad (so I am told). I think there's a local equivalent of a BDR/TET long-distance trail. NZ generally has all the advantages of Australia without the disadvantages.

The not-highest parts of Spain and Portugal would certainly be a good choice if it means you can avoid a transcontinental flight and a bike rental. I've ridden a Vespa to Cabo la Roca in February and it was perfectly fine.

Colombia is supposed to be an excellent moto destination.

February/March is still wintertime in northern hemisphere mountains. For me, that would rule out Switzerland, Norway, parts of Italy. I'm not sure about Montenegro, but I'm certain a lot of the surrounding attractions will be snowed in, icy, or merely frigid.

West Africa is fine that time of year, but views (and photography) tend to be compromised by the harmattan. East and Central Africa are also fine. I'd skip Venezuela at the moment, even having been there, loved it, and sworn I'd be back.

The Four Corners region of the US (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona) is emerging from winter during March, not too crowded yet, and ridiculously scenic. It's not quite the cross-cultural adventure of some of your other choices...unless you want to find out why my country is in such absurd political turmoil these days, in which case put on your cowboy hat and sit with your back to the wall.

Personally, I'd give Central or South America a try--lots to see and do, unlimited riding on or off the pavement, all levels of luxurious and/or rough travel available. Morocco and southern Europe might be preferable if beginning in the UK. Leave the Harley behind, however (says I).

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Andalucia has brilliant off-tarmac routes, but much of it is at altitude (1000m) and Feb/Mar is cold with the chance of snow. Early mornings take some time to warm up. But doable with an electrically-heated jacket.

Some above posted Norway in February/March - not a good suggestion. In fact not an option at all. If it where cross country skiing TS was after those months Norway would be a good suggestion…..

Laos, Vietnam and even Thailand would be great sugestions for that time of year. End of «cold» season and into the hot means it wouldnt be too cold up in the mountains and still not above 40 at daytime on the lower plains.

New Zealand is also a great suggestion for those months. The holidaymakers have gone back to their jobs and weather is still great for riding.

Portugal
 

Southern Portugal has a lot to offer at that time of year.

Very good for both trail riding and twisted tarmac roads.

You can search for TET-Portugal and ACT-Portugal to get some info about trails.

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