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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
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



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  #1  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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newbie needs advice
Hello all - just a quick question regarding what may be an insane trip idea. My friend and I are planning on riding from the US to South America, but have little riding experience. I actually have never ridden and he has a few times. We want to leave in two months and plan to take lessons, buy bikes, and ride as much as we can before we go. Question - can it be done, or should we have a lot more riding experience to try such a trip?

thanks!
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  #2  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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Is it vital you leave in two months? Are you?
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:40.
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  #3  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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hi there jabon, I am in the same predicament. I am a new to riding bikes and want to go RTW but I have made the decision to put it off for a couple of years and get some serious training under my belt, not just onroad but offroad as well. For me I want to get as comfortable with my bike which I will be taking as much as possible.

As mollydog says S. America aint goin nowhere, so take your time enjoy the process of organising the trip and do it properly, you'll enjoy it more in the end.
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  #4  
Old 9 Mar 2007
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Practice makes perfect
Riding a bike is an art form and takes years to develope, the news is full of stories about riders with not enough experience who come unstuck. As has been mentioned, grab some small bikes and have a go at all kinds of riding and see how you progress, you may decide that it is the right way to go or, you might absolutley hate it.

Remember this, ride carefully, they're all out to get you.
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  #5  
Old 9 Mar 2007
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thanks!
thanks all! that's what i was guessing, but good to get some feedback
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  #6  
Old 10 Mar 2007
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Ride to learn - learn to ride
Must go against the grain.... The only way to gain experience is by riding. If you are aware of your limitations and respect the bike you'll be on, I think your trip could be a wonderful accelerated course in riding.

One suggestion... get a good bike, but one you won't mind getting scratches on... just in case.
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  #7  
Old 10 Mar 2007
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There are riding skills and then there's also good judgement.

Some things are learned faster than others...

If you have the latter, good judgement and common sense, go where your heart leads you.
Last edited by Lone Rider; 10 Mar 2007 at 03:41.
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  #8  
Old 10 Mar 2007
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Non Judgemental
When your time on this mortal coil is done you will not regret the things you did do only the things you didn't do.
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  #9  
Old 10 Mar 2007
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Bill Ryder says -
Quote:

When your time on this mortal coil is done you will not regret the things you did do only the things you didn't do.
That pretty much sums it up, so go have fun.
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Old 10 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barce View Post
Must go against the grain.... The only way to gain experience is by riding. If you are aware of your limitations and respect the bike you'll be on, I think your trip could be a wonderful accelerated course in riding.

One suggestion... get a good bike, but one you won't mind getting scratches on... just in case.

Agree 100% Now just plan and go...all the best
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Old 10 Mar 2007
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Read this first!
You shouldn't listen to anyone's opinion on this question. Fact is, most of us our highly biased in our opinions and full of shit. Only you can decide. Since you're in the US, you should get this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Mot...3561270&sr=1-2

David Hough, the author, has been studying and writing about motorcycle safety, riding proficiency and riding skills for many years - considered one of the leading authorities in the U.S. This book won't teach you how to ride - that's for the training courses that are available. What it provides is statistics and insight into your ability to remain safe, or to avoid accidents, depending on your training, experience and other factors you employ in your riding - as well as the odds that "shit just happens".

Read it and then decide - cheap advice.
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  #12  
Old 13 Mar 2007
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For what it's worth
I once read that, 'an experience' is the result of bad judgement, while 'experience' is the result of good judgement. I agree that you should get a small scoot to get into the swing of things. Check out the MSF safety course, both on road and off. You'll pick up a thing or two and gain confidence. Go for a short trip with your friend once you feel comfortable. There are a lot of books and magazines to give you some information and pointers related to riding and traveling. Trust your instincts, only you can make the descision that you are comfortable with your skills to take a trip like that. Also, being a healthcare professional, I would recommend taking some sort of advanced first aid class.

Good luck,
Charlie
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  #13  
Old 13 Mar 2007
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Read it and then decide - cheap advice.[/QUOTE]
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 05:41.
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  #14  
Old 13 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jabon2076 View Post
Hello all - just a quick question regarding what may be an insane trip idea. My friend and I are planning on riding from the US to South America, but have little riding experience. I actually have never ridden and he has a few times. We want to leave in two months and plan to take lessons, buy bikes, and ride as much as we can before we go. Question - can it be done, or should we have a lot more riding experience to try such a trip?

thanks!
Ted Simon did it like that - why can't you?

Good roads!
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  #15  
Old 14 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Is it vital you leave in two months? Is it worth your life?
That's kinda where you're at here.

Then again, maybe you are both "naturals" and you'll pick it up right away?

More likely you'll do just fine and quickly gain the basics and then when something unexpected happens....well ...you won't make it. Most newbies always do the exact WRONG thing in a panic situation. Without more time and some training...well you know.

Best training i know is get on some small (250cc or smaller) dirt bikes and have at it. Ride 'em, crash 'em, slide 'em, jump 'em. These lessons will pay huge dividends once out on the road. Why not put the trip off a year?
S. America ain't going anywhere. Are you?

Patrick
Official old fart dirt bike instructor

best advice so far, patrick
jabon , just be extremely carefull when reaching central america roads here are different and a lot of camiones on the road.
good luck

Ricardo
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