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Originally Posted by backofbeyond
Quite why I should be so bike centric is something I've puzzled over for many years. I know a number of people who think the same as me and others who think that long distance bike trips are more torture than travel. I can rationalise it and say that it's cheaper than four wheels and gives you more freedom than backpacking but it's equally possible to say that it's the worst of all worlds - no weather protection or security and you're still stuck with a large lump of metal subject to legal requirements. No real answer but I'll be clicking the traveler on a bike box.
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Trying to apply logic as to why you would travel on a motorbike is a lost cause and really the reason that I put myself down as a 'biker'.
As I've said before I wouldn't contemplate an overland journey by any other means. Apart from the pleasure of riding the bike I like the idea that you can't take everything with you and choosing what you should take and how you carry it is all part of the fun. I also like the fact that you have to be much more aware of the climate and make provision for any changes of climate along your route - leaving for Africa from the UK in January needs some thought.
Security is an issue although in my experience 4x4 drivers become complacent and tend to be targetted by the professional thieves. Bikes and their luggage can often be hidden away (in hotel rooms, for example).
I have met travellers who have acquired a bike thinking that it will give them more freedom to go where they want but have hated the experience for all the reasons I would list as positives (and crazy local drivers).
I think you have to be a biker to the core to overturn the logic that says bikes in many instances are the worst possible choice.
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