Hi guys
Apologies for my absence....a few technical pc errors have prevented me from being as available as I should have been here.
First things first...many thanks to all those who have replied. It's somewhat reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my general outlook on bike trips and what may (or may not) constitute a reasonably decent idea.
My original thought was to head south (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy) and perhaps a little bit west in the general direction of Croatia and Turkey with the main focus of being in the sun. However the thought of Scandinavia as part of such a trip doesnt sound at all bad I suppose. The suggestion of Russia maybe shouldn't be ruled out either and I suppose that's why a forum like this is invaluable. If there's going to be a 2-3 month window then anything within reason is possible. I don't think I should necessarily dictate destinations since the whole idea is that whoever goes is able to fulfil at least part of a personal dream, and if that means going somewhere you hadn't planned on visiting in order to get there then so be it. As we all know, life itself often takes unexpected turns and the ideas that don't immediately appeal to us often turn out to be the best of all. One thing though that is important to me is to be able to remember the places I've been to. What I mean by that is that I prefer to take the trip slowly and stay in a place for a couple of days or more if it looks appealing, rather than be riding 300 miles every day, going everywhere but seeing nothing. I'm simply not into focussing on the miles covered. If that were the case we could all sit on the M1 day after day and rack up 3000 miles a week!
As time goes by no doubt some people may drift away from the whole idea and others may jump on but hopefuuly all can add an idea or two as they pass by.

So that's me pretty much up to date. The original idea is only becoming stronger and it will develop further as time goes by. I've given an idea of where I'd like to go so any suggestions for consideration by all interested ae most welcome. Fortunately we don't have to decide the route by this weekend!
Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Chris

|Hi chris,
Your version of the grand tour that includes be able to see the locals not flash past them at warp factor 10 suits me down to the ground.Am thinking about yamaha tdm as bike for me anybody any ideas?
Tho early days might be idea nearer time to meet up somewhere central to plan routes etc.

Ta ta for now
Brendan

I like the idea of a TDM as well, but as this would be at a more relaxed pace than I'm used to (hurray for that) then anything that doesn't require superhuman strength to park up and manouvre suits me, as speed and endurance is clearly not a major issue.

I currently have a Fireblade so that will be going early in 2011, or maybe late 2010, but I plan to get a bike I can live with (and tour on again) following this trip.

main thing I have done is to set up a separate bank account and every spare penny will be finding its way there to fund a road trip in 2011, hopefully this one....

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Hello Chris and the others, it sounds like your trip is actually going to happen. I was reading with interest because I am one of three who are going overland to India in 2011. I'm a firm believer of the more the merrier..!! We have bought XL 600 LMF's off Ebay ( so as to keep spare's library down to min). The one problem with swelling rank's is that it's harder to keep all an sundry happy all of the time which is what You have been hinting at. One of the guy's on this trip only has a 3/4 month window of opportunity with ref to work, coupled to the fact that We have watched Mondo Enduro too many times, Our daily travel criteria may clash somewhat...!!!
I wish You well, it looks like Your crew have started to form quite nicely there and common ground has been sort...!!
Mez

Hi there,
I have just joined this website in the hope finding other people that want to travel as most of my friends with bikes are tied up with families etc and so can't disappear for weeks / months at a time. And within 10 minutes of being on here have found other likeminded people. I went Europe a few years ago and loved it, would love nothing more than to go off for a few months seeing different countries. I have several bikes but the F650GS is the one that i use for touring, so not high speed but not slow either, steady pace so can appreciate where you are!
Am really interested in how this goes, I'm sure I would be able to get a few months leave from work (my boss is into his bikes and would only be jealous that he couldn't come as well).
Am easy going and will go with the flow, but if can fit in a stop at a motogp that would be great!!!
Andrea

Hello Andrea, welcome to this site, You are definately on to a winner if travelling is in Your bones at present...!! Your bike would suit Our little group quite nicely only We have a desire to get to India in quick time so as to max out Our travel while in the country, then a relaxed jouney home taking in the sites etc etc...! Whoever You hook up with I'm sure You will be safe and have have a life changing experience...!!
Regards Mez

I can see the logic in getting to India fast then touring around once there, I don't see the sense in spending 2 weeks travelling around Europe at breakneck speed and not seeing anything apart from the road. When in 2011 were you planning on going?

I hope some of you guys planning on going along with Chris are going to do the navigating!!

Mike

It's a 'follow the sun' route!

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Live life now - you only get it once.