Hi folks,

I am 26 and currently at a bit of a cross road in my life right now basically I am currently in a situation where I have no mortgage no partner no kids no loans etc. and a few quid in the bank.

I have two options in my life at the moment, I have a rough ball in motion for setting up my own motorcycle workshop within my small ish town (there are 2 others) or pack up what little stuff I have and head off round the world on the money I have in the bank

I have been advised by various people (mainly non bikers with house kids etc) to set up my business and get that running and then in a few years once I can employ people go travelling by this time Id prob be mid 30s and have more commitments too. On the other hand I been encouraged to go traveling by all the people I have spoken to who have done it them self's (wouldnt say advised as things and ways these people have spoken about what i should do is very different)

I am after people on here's opinions and thoughts on my situation and also advice from thoses who have done it as to if Id be able to start prep now and leave in about 3/4 months?



I have ball rolling slowly for the business but its barley moved and its that time of year. I also have rough plans regards rtw, England, France, turkey, stans, india, thia, aus (working hol visa for year) , pan America ish (work hol canada) then see how i feel fly or ride mongolia/russia back prob on either a c90 type (cheap!) or XT600e type (size, power, "off roader")

I have wanted to do this sort of trip since I was about 14 and think its a case of my head (what you "should" do) vs my heart (what I want to do).

I very much appreciate your time and help folks.

Cheers Ben

Ahhhhh, the age old question

DO IT NOW Ben !!!!!
The finances & desire are there. Now is your moment

Life can happen after you have scratched the bug
NEVER miss an opportunity, because you won't get that one back

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My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

Usually there is never a wrong time to start. With this round the world thing. Your making a target for you to do. Try for a place that is five day's away, then think what you have, then do another five day's away. If you have the time and the money. The next thing you'll find that you have end'ed up some place that you never thought you would be at. A round the world target is in the possibility of you not doing it. Then you will count the trip as a failed attempt. Just try it and see just how far you get. One section at a time.
John933

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To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

I doubt any reply on hubb will advise you not to do the trip !

When I was in my late 20s I rode to the south of morroco and that journey stuck in my mind over the last 20 years as family and work commitments took precedence.. Now in my early 50s .. Single again with a grown up daughter I'm taking the opportunity for a new larger adventure..

There's rarely a right or wrong time. Go with your heart, you have the rest of your life to do the sensible , safe, predictable stuff.

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Mark
http://chasingdreams2014.blogspot.co.uk/

go you wont regret it!!!!

I like John993's idea of taking it in bits and pieces. Who knows? Maybe you'll hate traveling on a bike? ... it certainly does not suit everyone and it's not all Roses and Rainbows.

Have you traveled outside the UK before? (by any means, not just by bike)
Some have a vision of travel ... then get out there and realize it's pretty hard work.

I'd start with the easy stuff. Over to France, down through Spain, maybe Portugal. Ferry over to Morocco ... spend a week or so exploring around. That's a good intro.

The trick in Europe is living/traveling cheap (not that easy), the trick in Morocco is not getting lost and not getting dead. I'd team up with a rider or two if going into remote places. More fun too with a few mates.

Best to go somewhere beautiful where you speak the language or can pick up a few words to survive. Spanish, French and Erdu will work to start.

Once you start a bike shop you'll be prisoner to it for at least 5 years ... if you can even make a go of it. Not an easy trade. Just ask Touring Ted. You not only have to be a mechanical genius and a Saint ... you have to be a phycologist and divorce counselor as well.

All the best!

PS: I dropped out of Uni at about your age, worked a bit, saved some money and took off ... headed SOUTH into Latin America. Spent the next 7 years traveling ... on but mostly off bikes. Be careful what you wish for.