Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Learning Spanish online Learning Spanish online
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!



Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree11Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jul 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: BKI, Sabah
Posts: 513
Great response from a great community.

@markharf,

I like the idea of doing immersion classes on the ground when I am at South America. Do you have any idea how much it costs for the classes?

I come from a developing country in Asia (Malaysia) so the currency is weak versus the USD/Euro. So what might be reasonable for a European might be costly for me when I convert to Malaysian Ringgit.
I actually would love to do a European tour but the cost of bike rental, food, accommodation converted to my local currency quickly put an end to it! LOL

I really have no rough plan yet in my mind for the big South America tour .... i do know it will be very challenging for a solo rider especially when my mechanical skills are to put it mildly shite!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Jul 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: BKI, Sabah
Posts: 513
@LD Hack,

I'll check out Pimsleur and thank you for sharing your personal experience.

I have not made any preparation yet for this big tour except that my first step is to learn conversational Spanish.

In my previous life I was in logistics so I like to plan as much as I can and I am known to be OCD in my planning! LOL
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Jul 2024
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,031
Quote:
Originally Posted by 9w6vx View Post
Great response from a great community.

@markharf,

I like the idea of doing immersion classes on the ground when I am at South America. Do you have any idea how much it costs for the classes?

[snip]

i do know it will be very challenging for a solo rider especially when my mechanical skills are to put it mildly shite!
When I did this in Mexico classes ran five days a week all day long and cost something like US$100/week. Lodging and food could be done on your own or through the schools, in local families for more practice or in dorms or private rooms. That was 15 years ago, and I imagine prices have at least doubled by now.

South America is not difficult at all unless you go looking specifically for difficulty (and even then). There is infrastructure, people are mostly pretty nice, and the vast majority of the horror stories you hear are from people determined to sound like they've been having bold adventures on the far fringes of the universe. You may find yourself complaining about how tame everything is.

I wouldn't discourage you from learning some basic maintenance--flat tires, chain maintenance, bulbs, cable adjustments, that sort of thing. But if you're riding a basic bike without too many weird parts and cutting edge features, most stuff can be dealt with fairly cheaply by local mechanics.

Last but not least: there's nothing wrong with riding solo!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jul 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: BKI, Sabah
Posts: 513
Mark,
Assuming the prices have doubled to USD$200 per week for all day classes for a week it still sounds reasonable!

All my tours in South East Asia were solo so I am used to traveling alone.

I can do basic stuff like chain maintenance, bulbs, tyre repairs if it is tubeless. Tube tyres are beyond me though!

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Jul 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
Posts: 171
Quote:
Originally Posted by 9w6vx View Post
Tube tyres are beyond me though!
Tube repairs on the road consist of replacing the tube. Carry a spare front and rear tube along with wrenches, tire irons, and a pump. Know how to replace the tube without pinching the new one. Basic skills are all that you need. Definitely ride a simple moto, and I recommend something light, under 135 kilos/300 pounds. For more complex repairs (clutch or wheel bearings for example), there are motorcycle repair shops throughout South America, some countries with more, others with fewer.

My thought on immersion classes: While surely an excellent learning and cultural experience, my choice has been to maximize my travel time, instead of spending it learning Spanish. My trips to Latin American countries are multiple 2 to 8 week time periods, not one big, long, epic trip. I can study Spanish at home and utilize my travel time for traveling, instead of studying Spanish during a trip.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spanish school/lessons in central Mexico? Wanderlost Moto Central America and Mexico 6 10 Jul 2018 15:36
SA : Teaching English(or French) while learning Spanish jfman Make a Difference 4 2 Jun 2017 14:32
Spanish immersion classes in Medellin, Colombia jfman South America 0 18 Jan 2017 21:30
Online Insurance Quotes for my XT600E kentfallen Yamaha Tech 11 5 Jan 2014 03:55
Learning Spanish - Progress AVID South America 19 15 Sep 2012 00:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top