Dreaming of a motorcycle trip to distant climes? This section will help you to plan your trip, whether it's to the next state, country or all the way around the world! Start here!
The Achievable Dream 5-part series - the definitive video guide for planning your motorcycle adventure. Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
You could just get on a plane with your credit card and passport and buy or rent everything you need when you get there. That includes the bike, riding gear, etc. etc.
Gear Up! is a 2-DVD set, 6 hours! Which bike is right for me? How do I prepare the bike? What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers! "will save you a fortune!"See the trailer here!
So you've done it - got inspired, planned your trip, packed your stuff and you're on the road! This section is about staying healthy, happy and secure on your motorcycle adventure. And crossing borders, war zones or oceans!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Tire Changing!Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
With an HU blog, you'll get a lot more readers than in some obscure corner of the web, it's all set to go, no setup required, and it's free! Start your Travel Story Blog right now!
800+ HU Communities in over 115 countries! People who want to meet travellers - yes that's YOU - and can provide local assistance, and may be your new best friends!
Make a DifferenceTips on fundraising or donating time and energy to a cause.
After the big trip - Was the trip the best - or worst - thing you ever did?
Resources and Links
Horizons Unlimited Presents!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
"It has me all fired up to go out on my own adventure!" See the trailer here!
Meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or across Asia! They will encourage you, share their experiences and advice on how to do it!
We're not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown a hobby into a full time job and a labour of love.
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T-shirts Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
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World Map Sticker for PanniersShow your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Travel BooksMotorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
Videos - Watch and Learn!
Horizons Unlimited presents!
Achievable Dream The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
"The series is 'free' because the tips and advice will save much more than you spend on buying the DVD's."
Advertisers- Horizons Unlimited is well-established as the first source of reliable, unbiased information on all aspects of adventure motorcycle travel.
We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
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Several routes currently blocked after today's rains
- Ouarzazate to El Kelaa M'Gouna
- Ouarzazate to Marrakech
- Ouarzazate to Agadir
- Agadir to Essaouira
The lower part of Sidi Ifni under water. The three areas to the left with the blue arch is the camping van park. To the left of the headland you can see the Atlantic Ocean which is probably a muddy brown at the moment. (I'm just hoping the beach bar off photo to the left is OK)
Tafraoute (Hotel Salaam off to the right of the bridge)
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Several routes currently blocked after today's rains
- Ouarzazate to El Kelaa M'Gouna
- Ouarzazate to Marrakech
- Ouarzazate to Agadir
- Agadir to Essaouira
Oh dear, we had plan (A) head to Sidi IFni; plan (B) Agadir to Essaouria, I'd better prepare a plan (C) !
Can you reassure me that it can't carry on like that for the next 3 weeks?
Quick to rise, quick to fall. So long as the rain stops the floods will be out of the way in 48 hours max., though there may be a pile of mud left behind.
I have to admit I was surprised at how quickly they got the N9 Marrakech to Ouarzazate road open again (even if it's closed again already).
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
The N9 Ouarzazate to Marrakech was blocked by snowfalls on Friday. Oukaimdene ski resort to the west of the pass received 350mm of snow. However... snow ploughs are pre-located on the mountain passes and I would expect the pass to be open tomorrow if not already.
The forecast for the Toubkal area (a bit to the west of the Tichka but close enough so the weather patterns are similar) is for no snow tonight, 30mm of snow Sunday night, then no more snow for several days. So once the pass is open it will be relatively easy to keep it that way.
The freezing level tonight is 2000m (the Tichka pass is about 2400m) and then Sunday onwards the freezing level is higher than the pass, so the snow should start to disappear by sublimation, i.e. it will evaporate rather than turn to water.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Road from Essaouira to Tan tan? is it open and safe?
Dec 3rd 2014 a few days after the 2 terrible floodings!
Here we are in Essaouira...
We? pedestrians, bikers, some just cycling other in trucks or vans, campers etc..
Essaouira is a worderful place but we all want to head south to the desert or even further south..................
Anyone knows if it is possible to go south, through Agadir and the most affected Goulmim area?
Bon voyage to everyone! Trek Salama!
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
We are currently stranded in Sidi Ifni. We are with our camper van, but we are bikers at heart, and have our trusty Yamasaki on the back of the van. Camp sites were evacuated last Thursday 27th. The flood arrived on Friday 28th and there has been no way in or out since! The road back towards Guelmim is closed. The road has been washed away just SE of Sidi Ifni, and we have been told bridges are out further along. The road to Tiznit also disappeared. The locals have dammed the river and since this morning (Wednesday 3rd) pedestrian access has been established. Currently the only vehicles making the crossing are dozers and diggers. The sun is shining again and the locals are being brilliant
Thanks for the update. On the positive side, there's worse places to be stranded! Fortunately the authorities were better prepared for the second storm otherwise who knows what might have happened if you weren't warned!
How's the beach bar at the bottom of the steps from Suerte Loca? Did it get drowned?
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
The cafe itself stood it's ground, but totally surrounded by mud and flotsam. The area of beach beyond the bar terrace has been totally destoyed....you can not reach the surf shop now. Rumour has it that Sidi Ifni Camping, Solymar and Gran Canaria sites will not reopen. El Barco site has vans parked up, going no where, as the acess road is still thick with mud.
Just an update on Sidi Ifni..... The new bridge across the river is now open to traffic, this takes you north to Tiznit. Spoke to the driver who brought in an excavator on a low loader and road to Tiznit is ok. Still no route south east out towards Guelmim, likely to be a while yet for that one. There is still no public water supply but bowsers have been dotted around the town. If you're coming by bike, take a shower while you still can, and if coming by campervan, bring plenty of your own water!! Supplies of food and bottled water seem adequate now. Bottled gas still a rareity. A big communal clean up is planned for weekend, all hands to the shovels! El Barco and municipal campsites are open. Solymar, Sidi Ifni, Gran Canaria are closed. Hotel at bottom of cliff, Ait Baamrane is also closed.
A picture of the Tichka col this morning (lifted from Loc's FB page).
Open except for artics says the comment, and quite different to my earlier image from just one week ago.
Usual contradictory info…
Below the snow: Martin and Chris help out with repairs near Tazenakht (pic CW).
A picture of the Tichka col this morning (lifted from Loc's FB page).
Open except for artics says the comment, and quite different to my earlier image from just one week ago.
Usual contradictory info…
Sorry Chris but I need to correct you in case anyone is relying on information to make travel plans.
The N9 opened Sunday 30 November to light traffic, the photo from above is from Monday 1 December (see my Facebook page) when the road was opened to all traffic.
Once the stranded travellers/transport were allowed to cross, the pass was closed again from Wednesday 3 December to allow repairs and is expected to reopen on Monday 8 December.
Further south the Sidi Ifni to Tiznit road reopened Wednesday but the Sidi Ifni to Guelmim road was washed away and is still closed.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
I was planning to cross L Iriki in January.However,in view of the recent heavy rain I would welcome any advice/knowledge about the surface conditions.
Certainly in my previous experience in other places I would not cross a claypan even a month after rain as the truck would almost certainly keep getting bogged(at best) in soft shite making a long crossing fool-hardy/impossible!
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.
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.
"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™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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"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
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.
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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