Aussies riding the America's for 2 years on a Tiger 800XC
 

Well it looks like we are not the only ones riding the America's this year, WOW
We are an Aussie couple from Brisbane, we arrived in Los Angeles early Feb 2014. We have a 5 year Tourist Visa so there is no rush :funmeteryes:

So far we have ridden East as far as New Orleans then up to Memphis and are currently heading West to Phoenix then up to Vancouver by mid June.

Alaska is next on the list, we will be there July some time if we can sort out an expiring Visa issue.

Central and South America are next but that's for 2015

We are keen to catch up with any locals for a chat, a ride or just suggestions on any scenic routes to take

Glen and Leeanne

Hello Glen and Leeanne,

I live in Fort Langley, about 40 minutes outside Vancouver. If you want to meet up for a chat, maybe discuss your Alaska trip, or pitch a tent in the backyard then please get in touch when you are in town. You are more than welcome to PM me or email me at ms514(at)telus(dot)net. Happy riding,

Regards, Mike.

Thanks for the reply Mike, we have relatives in Vancouver who we will catch up with. I'll contact you when we are there and see what free time you have. My email address is toughenuptour(AT)gmail(DOT)COM
Look forward to meeting up

Red Deer
 

Glen...you and your postie boys delivered mail to Bamaga a couple of years ago.
If you are in Alberta and would like to visit/stay, I'd be happy to provide a place, drinks and food. I still have friends in Ferny Hills...

Stephen Golub

Come home Glen,we are having a tech day.:mchappy:

Great to hear from you Stephen, wow I remember that mad trip well. That was the hardest ride I have ever done
Would love to catch up, I'll give you as much warning as possible. It will be good to put a face to the name
Which part of Alberta do you live ?

Currently just Sth of Yosemite NP, it's freezing... when does it start to warm up?

Looks like I'll have to miss this one Macca, will try and catch up at Christmas time when we come home for a short break

Red Deer
 

Glen...Red Deer is in Central Alberta, an hour and a half north of Calgary.
Weather's been rough all over. Head to the Okanagan in southern BC for some heat and great wine. Also interior Oregon should be warming. Maybe send me a PM and we can discuss things further.
Stephen

If you go through western Washington would love to have you stop by and maybe I can skip out for a day or two to show you some good roads.
We are outside of Chehalis Washington.
Bob:scooter:

Sounds good Bob, we will be in the area around the 8th to 10th or June. Will make contact closer to the time to confirm, it is always great to meet locals
You don't happen to know Ken Duval by any chance?
Glen

Riding
 

Glen/Leanne, are you guys heading to South America at any stage ?:innocent:
We are following your trip & looks like you are having a great time.:D

Cheers
Paul/Jan

Glen
"You don't happen to know Ken Duval by any chance?" yes, Ken and Carol were here last year and we have bumped into them a few times around the world so I can speak a little Australian if you speak slow. If you are in need of a shop for repairs/alteration we can set you up, just have to take the old Indian off the rack.
Bob:scooter:

Hey Paul, yes South America is on the list but it's a long list. At this stage it could be 2016 but that's a long way off yet and anything could happen. We need to soak up a good chunk of this 5 year US Visa before heading South.

It sounds like you have a plan, do share

Just joining the dots together here, you must be the man Ken suggested getting my tyres delivered to? I think I'll try plan B and get some Mitas rubber sent to Vancouver, but thanks for the offer any way. The existing tyres will just make Vancouver, as long as it doesn't rain, all will be good

Yes our Aussie accent has been a challenge in some places but we seem to get the message across most times. It's a little hard to get used to be the ones having an Accent, total opposite from being at home.

Oh, and I'm keen to check out this Indian you mention

Glen

This outfit in the Vancouver area stocks Mitas tires: MX1 CANADA Dual Sport : Rally : Enduro : Motocross

Thanks Island Hopper, just placed an order with them. They were out of stock of rear E07 so got an E10 Dakar? Never used on before, this will be a good test

Thanks heaps for putting us up Bob, much appreciated, hope we can return the favour some day
The Journey Continues

Glen

G'day, Glen.

Can I ask how you got such a long tourist visa? We're currently in South America, about to try to extend our 'normal' 90 days.

Seems they slog you with around $300 each, non-refundable, to try! So, I'm certainly hoping we're successful, though only request 5 months.

Cheers. Rob.

We needed to apply in our country of residence, Australia.... it was a drawn out process that included a series of short personal interviews over a 45 minute period in Sydney (we lived in Brisbane). We then got to choose between a 1 or 5 year Visa.
Preceding all this we filled out a mega application form online that took hours to complete

Not sure how or if you can extend it remotely???? There is a Q and A Section on the US Embassy web site, might be a good idea to start there and get an idea if they think you might be successful?

Let me know how you go
Glen

G'day Glen, I am watching your travels with interest, as we plan on doing the US & Alaska next year or so. Just doing the homework now & gettin' a hard on for it already:thumbup1:
jeiger cheers
Grant/Bucket

Hard on
 

Don't excite him !:eek3:

Gee Grant, I think I'm errr ..... flattered sort of .....

Flick me any questions you may have
Looks like we'll still be here next year, hope to see you on the road

Glen

Ended up with 5 year visa too, after a 3 minute interview. 24 hours later, visa. That was in Quito.

bier

Excellent news, see you on the road. Safe travels

Currently camped at the Harley Dealer in Anchorage for the night. Then heading Sth to Homer etc etc tomorrow

Anyone else near these parts???

Hello there from Montana. Still have camping space here in Helena Mt. midway between Glacier and Yellowstone.

Hello Bill, I remember you. You helped me plan a short 12000 mile route for a previous Canada US trip in '06
We intend to head Sth through Montana so I'll give you a shout and see what you are up to. Will give you as much notice as possible
Now where to find cold beer in Homer AK ???

Glen

Where are you guys now? I'm in Tuscon Arizona. Fellow Aussie here just riding around

Will leave Anchorage Alaska tomorrow and head via Tok to Haines and Skagway
Glen

Just spent 3 nights with the most amazing couple, you opened your home to us and spoilt us rotten. You've given us memories that will last a life time. Oh that comfy bed.... I hope our paths cross so we can return the favour, thank you
:D

Now to tackle the "Road to the Sun" Montana tomorrow, I'm excited

Posted this about a week ago but looks like the crap WiFi we had didn't load the message

It was good to finally meet you and your Family Bill, thanks so much for putting us up in your Tepee. It was great to swap stories and do some much needed bike maintenance
Tell Julie the Chutney went down well
I hope we can return the favour someday

Currently in Teton Village near Jackson Hole Wyoming heading South

I'm currently in Fort Jervis NY heading to PEI, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland etc etc then heading down to Houston Texas (due there mid November) via the Blue Ridge Parkway


Anyone else in the general area keen for a ride or a catchup?


Glen

If you plan stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the end, give a yell. I would happily meet you near Asheville and share some road time on the way to Cherokee and wherever you plan to go from there. Depending on when you come through, I may be able to offer some lodging as well.

Thanks heaps, I'll keep that in mind. Asheville is def on my list of places to go
Currently in Bar Harbour, Maine heading Nth


Glen

Coming to the States (in a while.....!)
 

Hey mate,

How are you & Leeanne going & where abouts are you at the moment??

Am I right in recalling that Sinkers said you guys are heading back to Bris for a short trip sometime soon??

Aasha, the kids and I have booked flight in/out of LA Sept next year for a month!! Not quite a repeat of the South America trip, but at least we'll get out to see a bit of the States (by car or RV :(!!).

We're probably going to do a loop something like:
LA - San Diego - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon (South) - Monument Valley - Page - Yosemite - San Frans - LA. All the touristy stuff, but want to get off the main drag a bit too!

Would be interested in your thoughts on must-sees, little-known places, good (not expensive) accom etc.

Dont know anyone with an RV in that part of the world do you??

Must catch up if you do come back to Brissy soon.

Hope the XC is treating you well & keep the rubber side down!!

Cheers,
Mark

Hey Mark, great to hear from you. It's just me now, Leeanne went home 4 months ago and won't be coming back
I'll be doing Sth America next year so I'll do you a deal, how about I put together a list of things to do here for you and you do the same for Sth America for me?


I'm currently in Natchez, Mississippi


I fly out of Houston Texas in about 2 weeks to spend Christmas in Oz then return to the States mid Jan 2016 and head Sth


The XC is still purring away as all good Tigers should, 50000 miles so far and lots more to go


Talk soon mate

I'm not Mark but can add a few "must see" places. In Sept. you should consider doing parts of Utah, National parks. If in a motor home you can wild camp nearly everywhere or check into official camp grounds. In National Forests camping is FREE ... or on BLM land. FREE.

A month is plenty to do your route so add Utah and maybe a bit more. Trinity Alps of Northern California, Sequoia Nat. Park, Death Valley, Black Rock Desert in Nevada (near Reno). The Black Rock is where they hold the Burning Man event.

Good luck, have fun.
bier

Presumably a B1/B2 visa that only allows you six months at a time.

Currently in Monterrico Guatemala and will cross in to El Salvador tomorrow. Love this travel stuff, it's addictive