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15 Feb 2016
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: On the big Katoom
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I have many pictures of my bike. Some all adventurous, some looking decidedly worse for wear and some of it just plain old tired and used! For me riding my bike is being alive. Big distances are no issue. I look back over my picture collection and going back years there are different bikes in different places all providing me with an adventure of some kind. A head full of memories and too many stories. My bike is my way through the world, to ride is just the best thing, the most instant freedom I can get.
My current beast of burden has done me proud. It has evolved over the years I have had it. Twice it has taken me to Morocco and into the deserts. I have broken it in more countries than was good for it! For the last 20,000 miles it hasn't been serviced. Just regular oil changes and abuse. It is in a box somewhere on its way back to me. Like another bike I have it will be rebuilt and I will never sell it. It has done now somewhere around 75,000 miles. It has been through over 30 countries. I know it will still start first time and will take me many, many more places yet.
I have a plan....................
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15 Feb 2016
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
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Shipping
Just curious why did you skip so much of West Africa ?
Cheers
Paul
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15 Feb 2016
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Join Date: Aug 2012
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Hello Paul. The simple reason was Ebola. At the time I was in West Africa the Ebola virus was around. Countries were closing borders and travel restrictions were being talked about. I did at one point go to a Guinea border post and was told I could go in but may not be able to easily go out. Whilst in Bamako we were told to be wary of our travel plans and met people who were leaving the coast to get away from the troubled areas. Whilst in Ghana the Nigerian/Cameroon border was closed. People were crossing Nigeria only to be turned back. A friend who cycled the length of Africa waited it out and was held up for some months. Also in Ghana the tension was increased. Ghana was Ebola free and was being touted as a staging post for international agencies, more road blocks and more questions. Having a passport with stamps from an Ebola infected country was bad news. People were not happy and West Africa has it's own rules and way of doing things.
Now I must counter all this by saying West Africa was in many ways my favourite place. The freedom to roam was astonishing. I never felt threatened and was way off the beaten track a huge amount of the time. Once away from the corruption that is endemic with authority the people of West Africa were some of the warmest, most helpful and generous people I have ever met. I would without hesitation go back tomorrow and again travel alone without a care. West Africa is a stunning, welcoming and beautiful place.
The pictures are wild camping in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali and Togo. As I said freedom in a way that is hard to describe.
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16 Feb 2016
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Maple Syrup isn't that good anyway John !!!!
You'll make there i'm sure mate great closing pic.......loaded and leaving
Phil
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16 Feb 2016
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Ebola
John,
I thought it may of been Ebola related...why I ask the question !
I am heading up there myself from South Africa in June or July.
One more question have you got co-ordinates for your free camping spots ???
Cheers
Paul
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16 Feb 2016
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Hi Bigman....
keep the chin up I know exactly how you must be feeling after we returned from a while in west Africa to have to return to the Uk was not waht we wanted but had to because of a coupe...
Arrived back to be told at the Airport we dont except cash just cards..had we really been away that long , should have just jumped on the first plane anywhere...but then we wouldnt have meet you nice folks lol..
Its also a age thing .. ![Oops2](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/oops.gif) ....I`m far less tolerant of others and if i dont like a situation I just walk out the door and sit in a open green space letting the world keep on spinning...
A bike means freedom....new friends around every bend and new destinations so...
![Scooter](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/scooter.gif) ...Some folks are just ment to wander ![RoFL](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/rofl.gif) ....my camper is my second natural home,feel so at peace in it wherever we go..
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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.
"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)
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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
"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
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
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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