The planning - oh the planning

[krtw]

Recently I have made a decision to bike around the world. Been riding for 40 years or so, and have travelled - so its time. So far, stage 1 is 35,000 KM from Newfoundland to Prudhoe Bay, then all the way down the west coast to South America, then all the way around South America. As I am in the early stages of this, and don't plan to leave for at least a year and a half, the number of details to consider is simply amazing. Feel like I have suddenly woken up from a long slumber....time to get at it!

First thing was to find on-line communities and start relationships here. This is my first post. Been watching a ton of motorcycle vids on youtube on long distance rides. I have crossed Canada numerous times on a bike, with my highest KM in a year count at over 22,000 - nothing compared to what's coming.

Lets list just some of the things I have just begun to consider:
$$, clothing, camp gear, vaccinations, the BIKE, tires, weather, timing, shipping the bike, insurance, visas, routes, tools. maintenance, weight, and much more.

I have maybe a somewhat different agenda, not just riding around the world. I am a musician, sound tech, recording engineer and am planning on bringing and setting up a very small but powerful recording system on the bike. Plus of course video - but I want to record musicians from all over the world, and share Western music as I go. What a great experience this would be. With my contacts in the industry I am hoping to set up a regular show on radio playing the music I discover and sharing the adventure.

For the last 11 years I have been caring for my mother who is suffering from dementia, and although she is not yet passed, she has reached a point where she no longer knows who I am, or where she is, and is safe in an institution. I am burnt out. It has been a LONG road - and I need a long road to clear my head, clear my spirit and have a last adventure before slowing down in the last part of life. I am 61 years old. In excellent health and remain physically active. No issues riding this far or this long......

First question: The Bike! At this early stage I am planning on buying a Yamaha Super Tenere for the trip. The reasons are a few - the size will allow me to carry the mini-studio and gear I need to be comfortable, and the Tenere has a great reputation for lasting long and being maintenance light as long as the basics are maintained. My issue is size and weight. I will be off-roading. A lot of people suggest smaller bikes. But can a smaller bike handle the load and still keep up a good pace?

So far I have about $25,000 ready, aside from the bike purchase. I know I'll need more and am planning on selling my studio gear to finance this. Also hoping to find a few sponsors to help finance this.

I would like to be gone for three years. Maybe more. But as stated, its early stages.

Thanks for reading. All advice most appreciated.

Signed - alive again and looking forward to something!!!!