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Post By krtw
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Post By Homers GSA
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22 Aug 2023
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Contributing Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 69
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Canada
25,000 km. 8 provinces, 2 territories, 3 oceans. This country is huge, beautiful, and seeing so much of it has been an experience beyond imagination.
I've now been to the eastern most, western most, southern most and northern most parts of Canada that you can ride to. And soon I leave for the south.
I've ridden through ice rain, flooded roads, too much smoke from one end of the country to the other, wild fires and terrible catastrophizes. To complete peace, perfect weather for weeks...
My take. This country is beautiful. The earth manifests in so many ways, both dramatic and subtle. Forests change due to elevation. Come around a corner and the entire environment changes from lush rain forest to near desert. The mountains stretch for miles and miles, and the north is so unique. So much land and space...its truly awesome, in the original meaning of the word. Awesome.
And the people. Generous. Helpful. Funny. Giving. So many have helped me out with bike repairs, places to stay, food, advice, company, laughter, and my followers have helped out financially, morally and I've rarely felt alone.
I live on my bike. Sold everything. What I own, is on my bike. And there's only one direction - anywhere. There's only one time - now. There's only one goal - keep moving. An interesting experience, one I waited a long time to get to.
Travel at an older age is great. I have more appreciation for everything. Simple foods. A place to sleep. A shower, oh my, a shower or bath is total heaven. Most folks at my age are not willing to give up comforts, but I take deep comfort in the sights and sounds. Every day is life time. Every day filled with wonder. Sometimes tinged with WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING.
Its 12 weeks today I left. Not too long. Lets talk again when its a year. The two years. The novelty has not worn off. I'm still getting my act together and learning how to deal with constant movement, constant change. And how to deal with problems like breakdowns, or heart breaks.
I miss my people. Those I left behind. The internet and modern tech makes this way easier, as I talk to loved ones every day. Its not like it used to be. But there's still distance. I I do not mean miles. The distance is how much I'm changing every day. Riding a bike so so many hours is like a deep meditation. If you listen, one becomes attuned. To the road, the bike, weather, and the over riding feeling is just gratitude.
Gratitude not to anyone or anything. Just gratitude. Understanding deeply how privileged you are to be where you are, doing what you are doing. Having this experience.
There used to be a turn around on my long rides. The place where I have to start heading back. And right then the trip always felt over. I could feel my mind start to work on all the shit I have to get caught up on when I return. That's gone. No return. And it is freeing beyond imagination.
I have a LONG way to go. Canada has been my testing ground. Made a TON of mistakes and will make more, but getting better and better. My processes are almost in place, but when I take long breaks, like a few days visiting, it have trouble getting sharp.
South. Out of country is next. Everything changes then. Specially when I hit Mexico and Central America. I think I'm ready. Some bike stuff to get fixed. Working on it today, and have time. But the rest...we'll see I guess.
Love this life so much. Benefits thus far outweigh the drawbacks. Health remains intact. Mental health fluctuates, but mostly upward and positive.
Love this country. There are of course problems. But I'm talking about the land. WOW. The land. BC, the north, Newfoundland, the prairies, each beautiful in their own way. I will NOT miss winter. The mornings are getting cold in the tent. South. Time to go south.
Peace.
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27 Aug 2023
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Gateshead N/E
Posts: 328
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I hear you Brother...!!! Sixteen weeks into my trip, 4 rear tyres, 3 front, 15,000 miles 15,000 smiles, 15,000 memories, one sore arse, one broken bike at present and a ton of shite to sort back in UK...!!!
Canada is full of good people, good roads and good will...!!! The west coast #101 and #1 highways are glorious and will reward you daily...
Where are you now exactly??????
Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk
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29 Aug 2023
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 220
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Ive been scooting, literally, around Java and you are spot on.
Damn I love a hot shower. Really gritty atmosphere here but gets better out of the towns and into the mountains.
Mental health is better. Body still aches due to previous injuries and repairs, but worth it.
Java has reminded me how blessed being born in a first world country is.
What do you rate as ‘older’ lol.
I’m 57 and really don’t have the stamina of ten years ago.
Here’s some pics of my trip.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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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)
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...
"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!
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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