Overlanders of the world-

I'm planning a month long ride from Costa Rica to the US. I'm young, inexperienced and completely ignorant to what will confront me. This may be the least of my worries, but since I am traveling alone, what advice could you give me about making sure that the supplies on my bike doesn't suddenly disappear when I'm looking the other way?

Thanks,

Dave

I did London to Sydney overland by bike a couple of years ago alone... 18 months and a lot of fun, although some mediocre days and the odd crap day too, and anyone that says they have never had bad days travelling is either lying or in denial... however, the excellent, the good, the mediocre and even the odd bad day are all part of the travel experience and memories you will treasure for ever. As regards theft, i cant comment on your particular trip but i never lost anything to any sticky fingers until i arrived in Perth... where someone nicked a guide book! but that was it for the whole journey.

keep stuff locked up when on your bike, as there will be times when you have to leave stuff on your bike and go in somewhere, good locks on panniers, tank bag etc and keep personal stuff in a hidden wallet on you under your shirt with only the minimum of cash ever on display, just use the same sensible precautions you would if you were in your own home town.

Mind you, there was the opposite problem... people trying to give me stuff, i still have night mares about the bus people determined to pass me a water melon from the passenger windows as they were overtaking me at sixty odd on a narrow road...!!

I am sure you will be fine too, have a great time and enjoy the whole experience.

Will

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Will

Some day so soon....

Thats the first and coolest reply I've ever gotten. I think my rickter scale of anticipation just went from a 9 to a 15. Thanks a lot. I hope someday that I will be able to make a large such a long treck like London to Sydney.

Dave,

The biggest problem is when camera gear, etc is showing. Before you get to a rest stop or town, put everything out of sight.

Other than that, Will pretty much said it, but there's more than the "so we can watch each others stuff on the bikes" reason for hooking up with other riders. What if you break down or have an accident???

I had a hard lockable case on the back and a backpack/tankpack. Usually I would throw the tankpack on my back to go into a store, but what works too it to use zip-ties on all the zippers. Takes them longer to figure out what they are and if they are pulled tight, it is difficult to get a knife tip inside them. You can easily clip them with a wire-cutter.


(on the bridge over the Iguazu river between Brazil and Argentina)

Also another trick is to stop at the market or somewhere they sell food on the street. Park your bike right there, stop and eat, make friends of the proprietor, then ask him/her to 'keep an eye on it' as you step into the market.

Also, we in the west are so regimented, we think we have to park neatly on the street, then go into a store where we can't see the bike. No, ride right up on the side walk, shut it off and politely push the bike into the store opening. The people understand, and after all you are coming to buy.

Also, go to your hostel/campground first, leave the bike there, then take LOCAL transport around to do your errands.

The simple people are the most noble, beware of big cities. Plan your trip away from anything over 50,000 pax. Heaven forbid you try to go thru Mexico City !!!!

Toby (charapa) Around the Block 2007 |

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http://www.aroundtheblockmotoadventures.com/
'We build the bike (in Peru) for your Epic Ride of South America.'

Dave get yourself a black bike cover, make it look used, very used. Roll it in the dirt, a little oil here and there. The shittier it looks the better. Some covers have eyes at the bottom that you can put a padlock through, but that's a bit extreme. I use a bungie cord through both holes just to stop it flapping about or being blown away
Next thing you can do and it is so simple, is to get a 2 metre length of plastic coated wire rope around 6mm I think mine is, made up with eyes swaged on each end. When you stop somewhere take of your jacket and helmet, grip the end of the cable in one hand and feed it down one of the sleeves, grab the end of it with your other hand and pull it through, feed it through the helmet. Padlock the lot to your bike through the back wheel and up over the seat
It secures your riding gear and your bike. The cable crushes if bolt cutters are used but is still susceptible to a grinder. Cable rolls up to take up minimal space. It in effect buys you more time
Hope this helps
Glen

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Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC

Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!

Remember that almost anything can be replaced on the road if they get nicked. Irritating but hardly the end of the world.

The obvious exceptions are your passport, bike papers, money and bike keys. I kept my passport and credit card and a bunch of cash in a neck wallet inside my clothing at all times. My bike keys I got duplicated and kept one on a cord around my neck. I kept two seperate stashes of cash in other places, for emergencies.

Everything else, including cameras etc. you just have to be philosophical about. As said, get good locks for your panniers and try to stay as wise as possible to dodgy situations, but don't worry about it too much or it will ruin your trip. Actually I don't think theft happens all that often. I've done a fair bit of travelling over the last fifteen years or so and the only time I had anything knicked was when I left a wad of notes on the passenger seat of my car with the windows rolled down in Morocco! (Talk about complacent!)

Matt

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http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Yes, there will be bad moments. However you will also have glorious times which will far out way any bad. I recently completed a ride on a Honda 125 from Veracruz, Mexico, down to Tierra del Fuego, then north to New York. I was nervous at the outset having read of and been told of so many bad experiences with cops and border crossings. I was never bothered at any border nor ever asked for my papers while riding. I ride slowly (as befits an elderly gentleman of 75), I smile at people and take pains to be courteous with officials. In return, they help me. Safety of your possessions is easier on a small bike. I was invited invariably to park my Honda overnight in hotel lobbies.
A waterproof pouch down your front is essential for passport and credit/debit cards. Preferably have a second card in your boot. ATMs are in most towns - no need to carry much money. You might find something useful on my BLOG at home Meanwhile have fun and be sensible. There are places in every country that are best avoided! Message me if I can be of help. Simon

Was wondering if anyone had advice comparing a top box (which I don't need for the extra packing space necessarily) with a pacsafe security bag (or the like) for safely stowing riding gear when parking in town?

I have 38L panniers x 2, and want to have a 55L backpack with me for hiking as well.

The top box would be a bit more convenient to swap the riding gear for walking-about-town gear (including a small bag with guide book etc), but is it really any better? I am about to take my first long distance trip so any advice from you guys would be great.

Cheers,
Damien

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Keep passing open windows...