Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > Ride Tales
Ride Tales Post your ride reports for a weekend ride or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the ride is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree15Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Sep 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
Mud and Knobblies - Around the world on CCM SR40s

Hi All,

After speaking to many of you at the mendips meeting last weekend I realised I have never posted a formal intro to mine and Fantastic Mrs Fox's (aka Liz) forthcoming adventures on here, any way so here goes:

Over the last year we have been seeking advice and finding out all we can to help us get around the world by motorcycle and now we're 6 and a half months away from our expected departure date of the 1st April 2013.

Our route takes us away from Bristol heading south east towards the Balkans where the adventure really begins taking in Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, then Turkey. After Turkey we go into the Former soviet countries starting in Georgia we head north going into Russia for the first time lapping the following the Caspian coast we explore the wilderness of the Kazakh Steppe heading for Uzbekistan and the Pamirs Highway (if the the problems in the Khorog highlands finish). Then we head north to Almaty going back in to Russia before getting deliberately lost (well kind of) in Mongolia. When we head up back into russia we'll attempt the BAM road before getting to Vladivostok.

In late August Liz's Brother is getting married in New York If we're all going to plan we'll attend that wedding before the bike arrive in Canada, where we should be granted Work and Travel Visas and we intend to get employment in a ski resort over the winter before heading south to Argentina, from there who knows...

Our chosen steeds are CCM SR40 motorcycles, we chose them after ignoring a lot of advice from people on here on the basis of seat height as Liz is only 5'3" with little legs, but also they look pretty awesome too. We've had masses of help from Gabriel at Zen Overland in getting them ready for travel.

Anyway we'd really like you to follow our adventures by visiting our website, www.mudandknobblies.co.uk, following us on Facebook or either me or Liz on twitter.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2012
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Just followed you on Facebook, so thought I'd say hi here (and bump this).
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Germany
Posts: 111
Good luck and happy trails!

I like your choice of motorbike and am keeping fingers crossed for both of you. Keep us updated, Fantastic Mister Fox.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Nov 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
It's been a little while since we posted an update so here one is:

October Update

Liz's skills are improving all the time so that's looking good and we're slowing plodding on with sorting stuff out although we'll really hit it hard when we start applying for visas in the new year.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
I written a new blog about our preparations for our trip in November and December

November and December 2012

I hope you find it good reading
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
That's it the date is set we're leaving on the 21st April 2013 from the Ace Cafe (Adventure and Overland Day).

If you want to come and chat to us and see us off then you can do so at one of two events.
On Friday 19th April 2013 we're having a or 17 at the Kings Arms in Brislington. This event is open to friends, family and followers.
Bristol Departure Party | Facebook

Alternatively please come and see us off at the ace on Adventure Day.
Mud and Knobblies Depart From the Ace Cafe on Adventure and Overland Day | Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 5
Oh man... I just followed your link. I'm really digging the site.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
Thanks for the positive words mate.

I've tried to make it easy to navigate.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jan 2013
Haakonbj's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oslo
Posts: 129
Well done Mr Fox,
I wish u guys good luck and happy exploring. I will be in kasakh, Uz and Turkm in July.
__________________
Haakon
Check out: North Africa 2007 and The Great African Run
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
We're aimin to enter kazahstan in early July at Astrakhan Border then heading through Uzk towards the Pamirs, It would be good to meet up on the road if it's conveinient.

Last edited by Fantastic Mister Fox; 29 Jan 2013 at 12:26. Reason: more content
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Jan 2013
Haakonbj's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oslo
Posts: 129
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fantastic Mister Fox View Post
We're aimin to enter kazahstan in early July at Astrakhan Border then heading through Uzk towards the Pamirs, It would be good to meet up on the road if it's conveinient.
Indeed, I leave Oslo in the beginning of July, and it takes me three or four days down to Astrakhan. Lets keep in touch, and find out where we can go for a
__________________
Haakon
Check out: North Africa 2007 and The Great African Run
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Mar 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
Here's a little update about what's been going on in the world of adventuring on CCM SR40s. This one includes Paperwork headaches, Bike upgrades and my attempt at Ralling.

January, February and March 2013
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 6 Apr 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 336
We would like to thank all our friends and supporters for all the help they have given us over the last few months.

Last night Liz was taken to Hospital with a dislocated knee. She had a MRI scan today and It looks as though they are going to have to rebuild the Joint so for now we're not going anywhere.

We still intend to travel this later year, but when Liz is fully recovered. We will hatch a new plan to take Roxy and Lola overland to as many places as possible.

I know we aren't traveling now but the muscle weakness caused by Liz being a carrier of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy is one of the symptoms that has lead to this unfortunate incident. This is why we will continue to support all the work that the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Matthew Fox is fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Apr 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 63
Matt

What bad luck. Best wishes to Liz for a speedy recovery

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 6 Apr 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
It's just a blip....

See it as a blessing that it happened now and not in Turkey or Mongolia etc.

You will be better prepared when you finally leave.

Enjoy our English summer... It maybe the last one you see in a while.

Make the most of our beautiful country..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:54.