Dreaming of a motorcycle trip to distant climes? This section will help you to plan your trip, whether it's to the next state, country or all the way around the world! Start here!
The Achievable Dream 5-part series - the definitive video guide for planning your motorcycle adventure. Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
You could just get on a plane with your credit card and passport and buy or rent everything you need when you get there. That includes the bike, riding gear, etc. etc.
Gear Up! is a 2-DVD set, 6 hours! Which bike is right for me? How do I prepare the bike? What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers! "will save you a fortune!"See the trailer here!
So you've done it - got inspired, planned your trip, packed your stuff and you're on the road! This section is about staying healthy, happy and secure on your motorcycle adventure. And crossing borders, war zones or oceans!
On the Road! is 5.5 hours of the tips and advice you need to cross borders, break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Tire Changing!Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
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Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
"It has me all fired up to go out on my own adventure!" See the trailer here!
Meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or across Asia! They will encourage you, share their experiences and advice on how to do it!
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Listening now, best music ever to wind up our stay at the ranch on Route 66. Looking forward to meeting some day. We will be in Spain very soon, then on to Argentina.
Xfiltrate gave us some family connections when he started it.
So, in pensive mood, here's something that persuades me to offer a family anecdote.
Magnificent!!
I often put some cash into buskers' hats, specially when they're playing accordion.
Outside of Malaga Cathedral, on the steps of Dracula's Castle, and Edinburgh city centre, are ones that I remember at the moment. Plus more recently, outside the Edenbridge Co-op supermarket a short ride from here.
Back in 1946 my Mum would meet up with friends from her WAAF days, in the Lyons Corner House in The Strand.
Occasionally, a fellow about her age would be on the pavement nearby playing an accordion, sitting on a little stool. My Mum recognised the badge he wore as 'The King's Badge'. It meant he had been injured in the war and was disabled in some way.
She struck up a conversation and learned he had been seriously injured in Italy, could not stand for any period of time and had no qualifications or trade. So he couldn't find work.
Well, my Mum was working at the time in a S.E. London Vickers factory. It used drawing materials from a small factory not far from The Strand, a short walk from where this ex-serviceman lived. And she had an idea that they'd have machine-minder work suitable for him.
And they did.
So he started work there.
And....
Down the Strand, 1947.
A wedding followed and a while later, I was born.
With a family started, my Dad continued his determination to overcome his injuries with intensive exercise. Which enabled him to pass his motorcycle test on a BSA Bantam, gain strength enough to step up to a BSA M20 sidecar outfit and thence a Panther outfit, which he rode as the family transport for around 15 years. Playing an accordion had probably been good exercise for handling a Panther outfit, which carried family on board and pulled trailer behind.
So, I always drop some cash into the hats of street accordionists and tell them this little story.
Introducing the next video, my Dad's favourite tune was this...
Dad's accordion was a little Hohner 24-bass, just light enough for him to carry on the bus to The Strand.
He'd play this occasionally at home, and eventually, out of sight one day, I struggled into the harness to have a go. Not successful as I got it on upsidedown.
He'd dabble with tango when the mood was right. So here's something that, although a new-ish video, I think he will probaby have already seen many times, from that Nice Place Up In The Sky.
Ending with another way of saying 'life is good'...
McCrankpin, a sincere thank you for sharing a little of your family history
and a lot of great music. And, thanks for crediting me for the thread. But, I must say your contributions far outweigh mine.
Sorry for the long absence we had to travel from Spain to Argentina and then immediately rode out for Chile....
We just rode back into B A after riding to Valparaiso , Chile and back crossing the Andes is always fun.... we both crashed on slippery mud Elisa and her bike ended up half submerged in a ditch and I face flat and wondering where Elisa and her bike were... bikes: 1 destroyed wind screen and 1 bent shift lever... "cubremanos" did well protecting clutch and brake levers...and gear took most of both impacts....
We are O K now in Buenos Aires a couple weeks earlier than expected, but R & R for sprained shoulder and elbow. BMW helmets and touring jackets saved us for sure.... we had been on the road for about 6 eeks camping out 75% staying with university types in Chile and a good hotel once and a while.... we did undeveloped parks like Sierras de las Quejadas unofficial camping only and Pre Delta National Park with an abundance of wildlife
Anyway I am right now...medicating with Malbec and will find a musical response as soon as I am inspired, which should not be too long for I am in Buenos Aires, Mi Ciudad.... we met a London to Cape Town on an XR 250 and his interesting family - the young daughter was the first woman to wind surf across the English Channel I think Richard Branson did it but with a staff of 85 Anyway the woman is Britain jr wind surf champ her dad was delighted that I offered him my NX400 for a couple hours during which he regained his youth and gave his 2 daughters and his wife a good thrashing over some pretty rough country....
PS Elisa wrote some very compelling poetry this trip which was primarily to lend support to a close friend whose Mother died. I hope Elisa will post some of her poetry - on the HUBB
Grant, thanks for the blessing you have bestowed on us
Know that we really appreciate all you have done...
God bless youi.
Hear hear! +1
Thanks for the Shakira video xfiltrate. That's a concert-and-a-half! Definitely some Ethiopian Eskista influence in some of her dance sets....
I'd like now to post a couple of videos from a new local band here, 'Willow'. I like their music and their style.
The female member of the trio is Fi, who is also an artist, meditation guider and teacher.
For quite a few years she has conducted classes free-of-charge in art and meditation at The Fountain Centre in Guildford. A place where I've received tremendous help and support during my last two years of adventure and direction-finding.
So, after helping this overland biker along his path since his last overland bike ride, here's Fi and her fellow musicians with two of their own compositions.
(More info on Facebook)
McCrankpin, for the record, just experienced "Willow " at this point in time Fi has helped more than one over lander. She is very spiritual..... I believe Granpa Harry would also approve thanks for the banjo.
Marlow, no question you have produced the beef .... keep posting please, she is one of the most beautiful and talented musicians ever.... need to see more of her... don't leave us hanging (out)
I can only offer this again, my Tango Wind see credits after music
First Argentine tango with lyrics in English and performed along with 11 other tangos as a "spectaculo" of the same name Tango Wind at the world famous Cafe Tortoni in Buenos Aires .... I wrote the lyrics ....
OH YEAH a little behind the scenes and a lot talent....
SHAKIRA Y MERCEDES SOSA HD - YouTube
xfiltrate
Wow, xfiltrate. That video is a real find!!!
I don't have a live performance recording of La Maza, so it was nice to see the youtube.
.....
si no creyera en la esperanza
......
si no creyera en lo que creo
......
si no creyera .....
que cosa fuera?
Indeed
Maybe now's the time to bring in Nicolas Sorin.
Years ago in Guatemala I saw a poster for the film "Bombon el Perro".
There was something fascinating about that film. Quite apart from the beautifully simple story, wonderful scenery and enchanting music.
When I returned back home, it was showing in London.
And on sale on DVD.
It just needed "Historias Minimas" to appear in the Amazon UK stocklist, followed by "El Camino de San Diego" and I was (maybe) the UK's No.1 fan of Nicolas and Carlos Sorin.
I've lost track of how many times I've watched "El Perro", more than "Historias" but fewer than "World's Fastest Indian."
I also learned why the acting in "El Perro" and "Historias" (and other Sorin films) is so fascinating.
Won't say here - it might be considered a 'spoiler'.
So, some Nicolas Sorin pieces (son of Carlos, the director), with magnificent on-the-road Argentinian scenery.
Well, the film is about a dog, so here's what dogs do
El Camino de San Diego
Historias Minimas
A departure here, the main theme is 'Cancao de Alcipe' by Carlos Paredes. (CD: O Melhor de Carlos Paredes Guitarra)
Nicolas Sorin at work recording for the film "La Ventana"
Right, I need to go and watch one of those DVDs.....
But first, the Tango Wind video is well-worth posting again.
For me, the London scene is quite something - Chelsea Bridge. For the first year of life I lived nearby, in the house of my Dad's parents.
They lived halfway between the bridge and Victoria Station from where my Dad would get the bus to The Strand with his accordion, long before I was born.
The bridge became one of my playgrounds in childhood when visiting my Grandparents, still living in the same house near the bridge.
I'd climb up the sloping suspension cables as far as my parents would allow, or further if they weren't looking.
In the 90s it was like this (not my video, but I'd go to spectate from time to time).
Then, the tea stall went to a musem somewhere, smart appartments were built close by and Friday nights were never the same again.
The year was 1966 and in the fall I was off to Costa Rica as a Peace Corps volunteer. The other bridge in Tango Wind is Puente de la Mujer in Puerto Madero Ciudad de Buenos Aires.
Somehow I knew you would relate to Tango Wind and yes it was filmed partially filmed in your hometown nice to know it strikes close to home
I need some time to absorb Sorin La Ventana and all of your last are very very good and spot on - and parts of each has touched me ver very deeply - like the eye chart - as I was blind for several years....
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.
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
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.
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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