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2 Nov 2008
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
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Just a post-script: You mentioned that you are riding a 400cc scooter. That's the perfect motorcycle for riding on the 'departmental' (tertiary) roads of France. Given a choice, I always ride on the departmentals, never on the autoroutes or the primary highways. The smaller roads are far more interesting, they take you through all the little villages, you just pull off to one side of the main street whenever you want a coffee or a mineral water, and you will have no shortage of conversation or hospitality from the locals.
Plus, in the smaller towns and villages, it costs less to eat, and it costs less to sleep. It's also always easy to find a secure place to store the motorcycle overnight or while you might be off touring on foot somewhere, or visiting a local attraction.
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2 Nov 2008
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
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Once again folks thanks for all your wonderful encouragement.....i find that real touching.
Now all i have to do is persuade the wife I'm not some old git who should be driving in car rather than the bike,and who wont kill himself driving it.......woman do worry so! 
but i am so looking forward to it.....if i wasn't so busy in life im sure i would like to be off before Christmas....but somehow i don't think I'm yet equipped for the cold lol
I am settling in to the bike, and so looking forward to further long distance work with it.........and by the spring it wil have all the accessories and bits i feel i need for long distance touring.....the more i travel the more of the bits i discover i need.Its amazing in days of old you grabbed a map, your clothes and the bike and went...now it becomes an expedition!So much do we get attached to new fangled things. ....like mobiles,radios, ipods etc....and of course the right togs........far call from newspaper stuffed down the front of the belstaff jacket for winter riding 
Thanks folks
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15 Nov 2008
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Canada and the Alps
Posts: 134
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsomeman
Is it wise to go on the continent alone..........what advice would you offer.
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Why wouldn't it be wise or even safe? Thats a comment that often puzzles me, sort of like Americans being all worried about touring in Europe...alone. :confused1:
Worry less; enjoy more. We're all still on planet earth.
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23 Nov 2008
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Gold Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 97
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go for it
I too prefer travelling alone, i enjoy the company of other bikers but when travelling i like the freedom of being able to branch off the planned route if i want too or stop in a place that interests ME rather than an enforced stop that is of some interest to someone else.
I will be riding to Spain sometime next year, i plan to take the leisurely route down and will plan my route carefully but also have the flexibility that solo riding allows.
You have a modern reliable bike and the mileage that you will cover will be taken in its stride, just make sure that your tyres are good for a couple of thousand miles and off you go.
Please post your trip report on here, as we would all like to hear how you get on.
Go for it.
__________________
'Never worry about things that YOU cant change'
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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...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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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
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Lots more comments here!

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.
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All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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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.
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.
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