Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By mollydog
  • 1 Post By backofbeyond
  • 1 Post By

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bonnie Scotland
Posts: 70
Wwyg

Where would you go...?

'Bike paid for...
No experience beyond a weekend or 2 away in the UK
Basic spanner ninja skills
Tent, panniers, kit all sorted
Job quit and no hurry to return, with a budget of 3K...

Where would you go and why...?

__________________
2025 Planning.....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
I'd go to a region that interests you. Read some current ride reports and see if any specific area sparks interest. A UK HUBB travelers meeting is probably one of the BEST places to gain inspiration and actual knowledge. Maybe start with that ... then work out details. Don't over think it ... Pick an area and head out before you meet a Bird, knock her up and are stuck for the next 25 years.

If you're used to traveling on your C90 then you have even more options.
Why not get on a plane to fly to Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia et al). Leave your bike at home ... or sell it off, buy another later ... if your pregnant wife will allow it!

In Asia, rent a local bike (most are 100cc to 125cc Chinese made bikes). With your budget ... you could go a long way and have an extended stay. The R/T flight will eat up the biggest chunk of cash. Lots of young guys do this, seems to be a lot of fun ... and you don't even wear out your own bike! (rental bikes are cheap-ish)

Other option I did when in the UK was to cruise down through France and Spain (expensive if you don't camp) then Ferry from Spain over to Morocco. Lots to explore there, big distances and some challenging routes. Do the research, see what you think.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
OK, just sit back and relax while I ask you a few questions, this won't hurt a bit -

Are you thinking of using the C90 for this trip? If so how do you feel about covering serious mileages on it? A couple of days may be one thing but a couple of months of being the slowest thing on the road? No criticism, just a question.

Easy option - Explore the UK while we still have a bit of what's laughably called summer.

If you head south it's going to get warm, then hot, then effing hot over the next few months. How are you with heat? I only mention it because "Bonnie Scotland", somewhere I lived for a number of years and love dearly, isn't that well known for its scorched desert like climate so endless sun might not appeal. Or it might. Or you might end up with sunburn needing medical attention (as I did).

Easy option - tour round northern Europe, Baltic, Scandinavia, Holland. Half and half option - head down to the Alps. It's warm low down but if you can't stand the heat go higher.


How are you with different cultures, or more specifically, how uncomfortable does the prospect of not being able to understand a word people are saying in France, Spain or anywhere else past Dover make you feel? It really gets to some people I've travelled with but others have been happy just to muddle along and it doesn't really bother them. In some bits of Europe (touristy areas mainly but also others like Amsterdam etc) English is the lingua franca but in more rural parts it'll probably be sign language.

Easy option - head for touristy areas = Med coast of Spain, Greek islands. It's a long way on the C90 but you've got time.


The EU has knocked the corners off of a lot of differences between countries so there is a lot of stuff in common (road signs as an easy example) so there is a degree of familiarity but if you're on your own for a long time you can feel a bit isolated.

Easy option - plan a route via Brits abroad BnB's, bike events (or whatever floats your boat) etc where you'll meet people.


You could just chuck all your stuff in a rucksack and head for the airport. Your budget will go a long way in some countries. I've done that a few times in my "senior" years so it won't be just gap year students and drug addled dropouts sitting next to you on the plane.

Easy option - check out the "adult gap year" market if you don't feel up to / like putting something together yourself.

Or just blow it all on a few bottles of Johnny Wonka and drink your troubles away. (that's a joke btw!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jun 2014
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
If your budget is only £3000, then I would suggest something in Europe as you won't want to spend money on flight or rental.

I haven't travelled in Europe, but I've read good things motorcycle riding in Spain and Portugal. That's where I'd head if I were you; spend some time in France along the way.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
If your budget is only £3000, then I would suggest something in Europe as you won't want to spend money on flight or rental.

I haven't travelled in Europe, but I've read good things motorcycle riding in Spain and Portugal. That's where I'd head if I were you; spend some time in France along the way.
Europe is certainly good for a novice traveler. But you've got to watch costs, as mentioned above. I loved France, Spain and Portugal. Spent a couple months in the area touring round on my Tiger. If you picnic most meals, you'll do OK. Fuel is very high, but on a C90 not an issue.

English is spoken in places, unlike more 3rd world destinations ... and it's close to the UK. There are lots of "Biker" events in Spain and France, so check them out if you come across one. (I found two at random in France)

But 1st priority would be the HUBB UK meeting. Much to be learned.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
But 1st priority would be the HUBB UK meeting. Much to be learned.
I produced a long literary style comment on the function of the HUBB meeting but then scrapped it, deciding that a more direct version might be better. It was really about whether attending such a meeting is a good idea for someone looking to do their first serious trip (and to a certain extent what the function of meetings like the HUBB is).

Personally I think that MW2K8 would be better just getting on his bike and going. Head straight past Donnington and work out whatever problems you encounter in your own way. The only exception to that would be if you personally know people who will be at the meeting and want to see them. I think if he wants to go travelling he should go travelling and not spend his time somewhere talking about going travelling. Ok, you might argue that he'll get access to a wealth of knowledge that might save him from making expensive mistakes and he'll end up enthused by the plethora of hard core tales he'll hear when he's there, but he's equally likely to come away depressed by his lack of Touratech overhead underhangers and that his planned trip doesn't match up to the five year circumnavigation of Mars talks that litter meetings like this.

I'm sure MW will have his own opinion and I certainly don't want to talk for him but to paraphrase an old TV advert (can't remember the product), "don't talk, ride".

I'm sure other opinions are available and some of them will be along shortly.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 4
Nothing holding you back? Just go, and live cheaply. It's the only way to find out where you'll end up. Jammy bastard.


I like bikes.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Jun 2014
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Question

"Jammy bastard"? What the heck is that? Is this a good thing or a bad thing!
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 15:32.