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2-3 MONTH TRIP....STARTING c.JUNE 2011
My struggle continues!!!
I have enjoyed many biking trips in Europe since 2000 and am planning to do a really good one next year. Originally I had thought about going sometime this year but I've decided on 2011 since I reckon it'll take me until then to raise the cash necessary to do it the way I know I'll enjoy it....i.e. staying in B&B's instead of camping. I'm just not into lying on the ground every night to be honest, although in all fairness the occasional experience would be fine. I just don't want to make it a necessary requirement of my planned experience. I'm quite happy to cook along the road etc. and do all the other things that may save a £ here and a £ there, but I'm definitely not a cheapskate who will complain and grumble about the cost of everything. I once spent a week in France with a guy who pulled faces of pain every time it came to putting petrol in his tank and he made a mental note of every penny he spent, then had the audacity to tell me after 7 days that he'd spent 10 euros more than me in total (He has more money than I've ever had in my life!). I still don't know if he was waiting for a round of applause or whether he was asking me for 5 euro to balance it out!! Needless to say...people like that irritate me! So here is a brief idea of where I am at the moment............. So who am I??? Well, I reckon I'm a thoroughly decent chap in many respects. I don't do drugs and I have no criminal record. I'm reasonably easy going, I'm not selfish, I am considerate of others and I know the difference between right and wrong (I tend not to bother doing any of the wrong things!). I like a beer once in a while...in fact, I seem to like a beer most nights when I'm away from home (strange that, for someone who drinks very little in general lol). I'm not into racing at break neck speeds but I'm not a 30mph warrior either. Safety on the road is important to me with the occasional little adrenalin rush. Where am I going? Well, that's part of the reason for writing this. I don't fancy going to the Stans etc., don't ask me why but I prefer places with a more Western lifestyle. I'd like to do a 2-3 month trip. It might be 6 weeks or it might be 14 weeks but I think it would be great to have the flexibility to go for as long or as short as circumstances allow within certain parameters. So are you interested? Now that bit is for you to decide. If you are GENUINELY interested in hooking up for the ride then it would be great to hear from you. Male or female doesn't matter to me as I'm not looking to sh*g you! lol I'm open to ideas on where to go, how to get there and what to see along the way. Nothing is set in stone apart from the fact that I'll be going anyway. PEOPLE WHO WON'T LIKE MY COMPANY ARE AS FOLLOWS: *Cheapskates (because I'll "go to the loo" one day and not come back!) *Mental racing lunatics *Cheapskates (see reason above) *Anyone who wants to talk constantly about how much they earn/ how much their bike is worth/ how they've got the biggest house in the street etc. *People with no sense of humour. *Overly-sensitive people who think my jokes are aimed at them.(I am Irish after all and we DO have a tendency to criticise each other through humour!) *Constant complainers and grumblers with a "I hate the world" attitude. *Cheapskates (same reason as before) *People who are always right (believe me, none of us are). These threads tend to start on one topic then drift onto totally different topics within a few posts and before you know it the original message can be lost in the middle of it all, so if you are GENUINELY interested then drop me a line to my inbox. Hopefully that'll get rid of the could've/would've/should've replies and keep the whole thing on track. Any questions.....just let me know. Chris |
Hey Chris, what a coincidence - my general outlook and planning timetable.
I'll be 55 years next May, but much younger than that in my head. I've recently had to sell my house due to financial pressures, but still working and have a bike. Next year I can take advantage of the scheme to get some tax-free cash from my pension, and I was looking at taking a 3-6 month sabbatical from work to do some serious bike travel. Like you I don't mind the occasional night under canvass but I'm not a hardy RTW type who eats grubs and gets water out of a puddle etc.... I'm planning to ride my sportsbike abroad again this year, then sell it next year and buy something more suitable for touring on. Not into off-road so it will be probably a naked musclebike more like a Triumph speed triple, etc. I have a full set of Kreiga soft luggage that fits any bike so I don't need panniers etc. Be interested in your plans for 2011. Personally I've always fancied the France/Germany/Denmark/Sweden/Norway(Nordkapp) route, and then a circular eastern route back to UK somehow. I'm not into roughing it in the stans either! Keep me in the loop? |
sounds like a good trip may be interested when time comes nearer john
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We seem to share the same outlook on life and riding in many respects except, I do want to do "The 'stans" and am planning to leave mid-June, 2011 returning early September. Objective is to get to Mongolia and come back via Russia. Don't know how far I'll get before necessity means I must break out the tent but if you do decide to break out of Western Europe, it'd be great to hook up.
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Hi Cris,
just read your message new to hu sounds like just what I have been looking for, with like minded people.Always wanted to see northern lights and the pyrenees and all points in between. The way you come across and the way you intend to do it seems spot on.Please keep me up to date on plans. All the best Brendan |
Hi Chris
"sorry cant pm you not enough posts" Like your style. I have immediately formed the impression that I would like to travel with you, hopefully for a few months without having to hide in the toilets till you fxxxed off. ;-) I'm 55, Scottish, with a sense of humor, yep I take the piss but more importantly, can also take it without getting the hump. I have been riding bikes since I was 12, but only on the road in the last 15 years, I have twice ridden to France on my own, and twice to Andaluca Spain. "flew in hired bikes" So a relative novice, as far as seen it, done it, all I want, is that the route takes us to sunny and warm parts . So early days, that's me. O, and am not a cheapskate or a grumbler :thumbup1: Des You heard anything about the Cork / Spain Ferry ? |
Sounds to me as though a comprehensive Russian trip would tick all your boxes - not too extreme unless to go towards Siberia/Stans etc.... Plenty of to see and experience in the time you have. :palm:
Also plenty of great looking single fit blond Russian girls to be seen almost everywhere! :eek3: I'm afraid that I'm a constant moaner (nomally about the state of my beloved England after 11 years being run by a bunch of anti-British lunitics). I also feel like I'm being mugged each time I fill my tank up of late. But I wish you well. I live in a HUGE house, earn millions and like to keep up with the Jones's (I wish). :clap: Stay safe. :scooter: Neil |
This looks like it might have some support.
Chris, are you there buddy? It's your thread so we need you back to steer this in the direction you want to go.... |
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.... |
uk to India
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 |
big trip
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 |
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India
Andrea ; It seems that mid to late sept is best avoiding any wet riding through from Turkey onwards which is the bulk of the ride so to speak..!! Feel free to PM Me if you want with reference to this thread ok. Mez:thumbup1:
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I've been doing a bit of looking around for a suitable bike, and seem to be settling on a 1300cc Yamaha XJR. Big engine for touring, big fuel tank for range, ample luggage carrying capacity, and not too expensive on EBay. Should easily do mega-miles and will hold a reasonable resale value.
OK, it won't go offroad but there again nor will I (unless forget which side of the road I should be on and have to take avoiding action for oncoming traffic!). Seriously thinking of getting one this summer to do a few smaller european runs in readiness for a bigger adventure in 2011. |
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Mike |
It's a 'follow the sun' route!
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Folks
Those of you who are interested in taking this idea a step further please send me an email to: chris050@hotmail.co.uk I have drafted up an initial schedule of things I believe we should address and I just wanted to share my thoughts with you all on them. I know it all seems a long time away but believe me, it'll arrive much faster than we think and it might be an idea to start thinking about things. Regards Chris |
Chris, I have taken onboard your recent circular request to the participants of this thread, and to help I have put together a sort of checklist for the trip.
Its by no means finished, and it would benefit from the input of others, but hopefully it will serve as a starting point which is what you asked for, and so that you are not doing this all by yourself. Its coming to you by email and you can then circulate as you see fit. |
Sorry Guys and gals but I unfortunately am going to be the first to have to pull out of this venture. I am truly gutted as I think Chris comes across as a great guy to travel with . What has happened in my situation is that for years now I have hated my job "but at my age 55 didn't hold out much hope of being able to change it . Well much to my amazement I got through to a second interview and was offered the job, obviously the downside of this, is that there's no way I could ask them if it would be ok to take a three month break next year. "But you just never know, if it doesn't work out I could be back"
Chris thanks for the email Des |
Shame Des, but I'm sure the door never closes .....
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What a bummer Des!
But good luck with your new job and we all sincerely hope it works out great for you. I guess you have to take your chances when they come along. Thank you too for being upfront about your non-participation. Chris |
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Hi Chris125,
Looks like you've started something here. Due to unfortunate circumstances at home I will be alone next year, and plan to retire early aged 50 (April 2011), and looking to fill a gap. I've long had a desire to travel, previously 'done' bits of Europe with the Mrs on a Z1100R and Beemer 1100S/1200RT, and 18 months ago got the adventure bug on EnduroHimalaya. That taught me that it ain't the type of bike that's important, it's the people and places you get to that matter. So, Beemers have gone, downsized and now have a Guzzi V7 to potter/tour/meet n greet. Anyway, will monitor this post to see how things go, but it's sparked an interest. Will have to see how things pan out. Cheers....motomike |
Hey motomike, nice to see another potential recruit to Chris's 2011 madhouse roundup.
No doubt he'll be along soon to say hi.... |
Sorry for my absence folks, I've had a bit of an illness that has kept me away from pretty much everything. But glad to say I'm now back to full strength and am STILL raring to go on this trip!
So.......that's me up to date. So far we seem to be a group of 3 who have confirmed a genuine interest in the trip. Anyone else who likes the idea of what we're planning is more than welcome to get in touch and we'll see where we go from there. Regards Chris |
Hey Chris, nice choice. And at that price a steal?
I'm still in the market for a Yamaha XJR1300 and will be looking at one tomorrow at a local dealer who will take my fireblade if we can strike a deal. Looks like we have a posse forming! |
It probably won't be your cup of tea Chris (too much camping) but currently there are 4 of us planning a return trip to Timbuktu in November 2011. It looks like we are all probably going to opt for F650GS and/or Dakars.
In the planning stages at the moment but we are all creating a list of "things to see" in each of the countries and planning the route accordingly so we will almost certainly be coming back by a different route if we have a choice. We will hopefully be taking in at least a bit of off-raoding in Morocco and Mauritania. We probably don't want to end up with a massive group but if any one wants to tag along they are more than welcome. We are planning on raising money for a new local Neonatal Special Care Unit. We're not cheapskates but neither are we loaded....plus we all like camping, and we definately all have a good sense of humour. We all work so we certainly will be back home for Christmas but like everyone else can't see the point in rushing through places. |
Phil, Jon ,bren, Kawaange
I know I said I wasnt doing anything bike related this year in anticipation of next year's adventure but............... The truth is I'm kinda itching to do something, however minor, and if any of you don't already have plans for this summer I'd like to throw my hat in the ring with a big "available" sticker on it! lol Now that I have my wheels I was thinking of doing a 7-10 day trip probably mid-July if any of you are interested. However I'm not really planning a long haul trip as I'd rather save the cash for 2011 but a trip somewhere in the UK would probably fit the bill nicely. As I'm from N. Ireland it's easy for me to jump on a boat (at reasonable cost) and arrive in Holyhead (Wales) or Stranraer(Scotland) so it's a real option if any of you want to do something. You don't need to go to the ports mentioned but somewhere in the general vicinity would be good to meet up. Camping might be the name of the game for this one (purely cost realted).....and it just might let us see if we can tolerate each other too!! Perhaps it would be an idea to plan 2011 while we were there too??? Just imagine........campfire, few beers and talking about the things we are planning to do NEXT year......BLISS!! lol Let me know if any of you are up for it and we'll see where we go from there. Regards Chris |
Hi Chris. I know I'm probably not going to be able to persuade you that Kazakhstan and Mongolia are the places to go in 2011 but beer and camp fire in Scotland or Wales might be tempting if I'm free in July.
Paul |
Paul
You are most welcome. After a week you'll see the error of your ways and realise that our 2011 trip, and not the stans, is the way to go!! lol Chris |
I'm trying to downsize and save a few bob this year so not sure if I'd be able to but lets keep in touch.
Already selling house and moving to rented, and making enquiries about taking pension early next summer, so plans are taking shape - just need to change the bike now. |
wotcha
Hi Chris and gang,
2011 sounds cool. I really should sell that Kidney... Have you any date in mind for July? I could be around for the second week in July if that's an option. Destination is not too much of an issue. Cheers man, zixx |
hey zixx, welcome aboard.
Chris is the trip planner so I'll guess he will be alerted to new posts on his thread and be here soon to advise on dates etc. |
Hi zixx
This year's trip is hopefully going to be mid to late July for a week in the UK somewhere. I really don't mind where it is as long as we can do a bit of touring, a bit of camping, a bit of beer drinking and a bit of whatever else comes along. Because of the 2011 plan the theme of the July trip unfortunately has to be focussed on cost. I don't mean eating beans out of a tin but I don't mean 5 star cordon bleu either. I just want to get away for a bit and I can land at either Stranraer or Holyhead. I'm happy to zip on a bit from there to meet whoever else is interested and I would hope anyone else interested is happy to do likewise. Coming from Guernsey I think it's fair to say you're in the same club!! lol I don't want to be doing 300 or 400 miles every day for a week so if we could find a decent spot or two and do a bit of sightseeing from there then all the better. Phil, the offer's still there for you if interested but I'm aware of your situation at the moment as well. Chris |
Just keep me in the loop Chris and even if I can't get a week it may be possible to at least meet up and say hello or do an overnighter etc.
Update on 2011 plans - the house is provisionally sold (just waiting for contracts) and I'm already in rented accom. The Fireblade is on EBay for the second week after failing to get a bid last week and I have some ideas for a tourer when I have the readies. Plus I'm seeing a pensions specialist soon to investigate getting my works pension paid early at 55 (next May) as I can then take 25% of the fund value cash free to fund this trip and others - bonus! So plan is coming together for 2011 and I'm still in the team... |
Good news Phil, seems like it's all coming together nicely for you. I'll keep you posted on plans for this years mini-trip and it would be great if we could meet up even if it is only for a day or two. I guess if I get to Holyhead then you're not a million miles away for a meet up. Like I said I am happy to do a bit of travelling to meet up with whoever is interested.
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In order to bump Chris's event back up the forum, I have at last sold my fireblade so am now looking around for a tourer for this trip.
Torn between tarmac-only sports tourer, or a smaller engined (650 ish) GS or Versys etc. Folks on here seem to promote the smaller, lighter bikes instead of the massive GS adventurer or multi-cylinder jap monsters. Anyone else interested in joining in..?? |
Phil
Good news on the Fireblade! The whole business of choosing a replacement is always going to be a personal decision though, isn't it? I suppose it depends on what you feel comfortable with. I watched a really interesting video about 3 mad Irish guys doing a European tour in 2008, its in the Ride Tales section....."Irish on tour in Europe, video". Quite funny in places but I also found it interesting for the route they took. I would never have thought of Montenegro but it sure does look good. I had a look at the route you sent me Phil....like I said before, nowhere can be ruled out, although I had hoped to be more south than north! As it stands there is Phil and myself who have made a commitment to the trip so if there's another one or two who'd like to join us for the whole thing then please let either of us know. Chris |
Ouch, bad news on the engine Chris. But better now than on the road in Europe eh?
My head is telling me to wait for the winter when there will be a good supply of cheap bikes with owners wanting to cash in before next spring. But seeing my garage empty is a sick feeling and the sun is shining!!! |
Phil
Unless you need a bike now I'd hold off if I was you. If we're lucky there's another month of potentially good weather (but it could just as well be bad!) and then we're DEFINITELY into the glorious dark and wet winter days.:thumbdown: |
Wotz the plan?
Chris125/Norfolkguy,
It looks like it is you two set on this trip. It's looking likely that I will have the time to do this, unless the Gvmt conspire to bugger up my early retirement. Can you keep me in the loop re destinations, dates etc. I'm easy, able to go anywhere, but have a preference for east europe/Italy?slovenia etc. Cheers MotoMike :scooter: |
Hi Chris, I am planning a trip to Mongolia. Two month is the time I was thinking. I would be leaving from Italy on my KTM 990 Adventure. My plan is to leave my bike in Mongolia and return at a later date to continue the trip from Mongolia to Magadan in Siberia. If you want to travel down to Italy we could depart from there. Let me know if that would be a trip you would be interested in doing. BTW, I can't agree more with you about cheap people. beerchug
Cheers, |
If you can get Chris interested in Russia and Mongolia you're a better man than me Roberto! Good luck all the same!
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It would be good to link up for all or part of the trip and share the planning. Think about it for a week or so until Belle and I look to finalise our plans. |
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I'll keep my eye on this.
:clap: John933 |
I thought I'd already updated this thread, but apparently not. I bought a Yamaha XJR 1300 as a 'luggage platform' and solid road cruiser which feels like it will eat the miles. 2000 plate but only 17000 miles with a careful owner and service history. And I had money left from the fireblade......
So much more comfortable than my blade, almost twice the miles between fill ups so more sightseeing and less petrol stations, no aching wrists in traffic, and the ability to mount up Sat Nav, video, road angel etc. Plus when I need to manouvre into a tight hotel car park or over grass at a camp site I can do so without putting my back out or dropping it! I'm set to rock and roll - bring on next summer!!!!! |
OK then when are we going??? I would like to catch the ferry on the 28 May early morning. Which is a Saturday.
John933 |
Would love to travel with you. Me and wifey may be Europe at that time (Visa officials willing).
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So what's the latest so far. Gone a little dead.
John933 |
I've not heard from Chris for quite some time now unfortunately.
As a result I'm planning my own trip at the same time, and if it fits in with this one - great. If not at least I will have done all the necessary planning, bike preparation, and booked my time off work so I have a trip to do next year. After reading many of the ride tales and threads on here I am coming to the view that solo riders who are doing their own thing and meeting up on the road, and becoming a riding group for a while, and then maybe then splitting off again, seems to present a more relaxed time than trying to get a group together from the outset with all the necessary agreements on dates, routes, and the old camping/hotel discussions. |
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John933 |
Ditto John
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So what happend to this ?John933
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Mongolia's still on; leaving Germany Whitsun weekend returning end-August. Very welcome to join for all or part.
Romafras; you still here? Not sure if ever got to exchange details. |
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John933 |
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