Thanks for the words of encouragement. I’m sure I will make ‘go date’ which at the moment is March 2011. It’s still a long way off but, you know the story. In September 2007 it ALL seemed like an impossible dream but, I’ve moved back in with the folks and now I’m spending loads of money on prep.

I didn’t plan on moving home it just worked out that way, and since September I’ve been buying books and maps and researching every spare moment I’ve got. In February this year I sold my FZS 600 Fazer which paid for THE bike, a nice 2003 TT600RE – since then I’ve done the following...

Aluminium Panniers
Pannier locks
Rear Rack
Pannier Racks
Pannier Mounting Kit
Centre Stand
Crash Bars
handle bar risers
20L Long Range Tank (second hand)
CRD Sump Guard
Acerbis Rallye Handguards and Fitting Kit

Sheep Skin Cover
12v Outlet
Zumo GPS

2 man tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Coleman 533 Stove
other camping bits

ALL the tools

Most of my new rider kit and a few more bits, including $1000 in cash…

I’ve still gotten 500 on one card and 1900 on the other but, now the preps almost done its head down and pay them off.

I recon by December I will have paid off both cards and one loan, leaving another loan to get sorted over the years 09 and 10 while saving the 8k for my dream trip. I’m 44 so living at home is HELL sometimes at least if I do move out in the next couple years I’ll have the bike and all the kit I need, with most of my bills paid off.

I’m still in Debt the same amount I was in September last year but, Christmas this year will be a happier story. Two cards and one loan at zero with an overlander parked outside and all the kit needed for my ride into Mongolia, then the ROB

It still seems a long way off but I’m making inroads, at least now when I look at all my stuff the dream is very real. Work now has a purpose and the bills don’t seem as bad because, I can pay off 350/400 a month with what I’m saving on rent. Thanks mum I still pay rent, just not as much.

Regards
Shaun

This thread has always been an inspiration for me in the past 1-2 years. When i first checked in here, i was neck deep in credit card loans and other financial obligations besides earning a not-so-well paying job. I never once imagined i'd see the end of the financial tunnel.
But things changed for the better. I moved to california to a welll-paying contract. the credit cards are paid off completely, the car and one bike are paid off as well. Am still single ;-)
I took a trip down to mexico this past december and came away with not too much $ damages.
Now, i have $7k in the bank waiting for a trip to central america this year-end.

My point?
Just that it is important to keep the faith. And keep trying. We'll all eventually make the $ to do the lifetime trip.

shridhar

well, after years of dreaming about my big trip , the house is up for sale !!! with the profits made from the sale of my place i will be able to spend six months or a year on my bike , going to all the places i have so far only dreamed about , and i will still have enough to buy a smaller place when or if i decide to come back . is it possible to be incredibly excited and maybe a little nervous at the same time ? . i have not felt like this since i was a little kid on christmas eve .....