Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Do you think long-tour bike riders are treated different than other travellers? Why? Do you think long-tour bike riders are treated different than other travellers? Why?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: High Weald, Kent, England
Posts: 105
Do you think long-tour bike riders are treated different than other travellers? Why?
I always feel it makes a difference arriving on a motorbike. The further away, the more remote the pplace you reach, the most marked the impression.
Locals seem to ignore drivers and often are in two minds about backpackers yet welcome you and your bike with curiosity, often with admiration.
Do you have the same impression? Why do you think it's different? Admiration for motorcycles? Recognition of bravery?

Just wanted to contrast opinions.
Thanks
DD
__________________
Smile
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Posts: 69
While traveling across the US I found myself being approached by a lot of people simply because I was on a motorcycle with Illinois plates and a couple states away. Some were amazed that such a thing was even possible on a sport bike. I can only imagine this is the case while traveling around the world? Hopefully I'll find out first hand for myself in 2010.
__________________
AtlasRider.com
Sport Touring Blog
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Different treatment from me
My wife and I have been putting up motorcycle travellers who are brave enough to come to Mex City. We have had over 20 travellers so far and never a bad one. I think this is different treatment as I wouldn't put up a car traveller as we would have nothing in common. Bikers for some reason are different from other people and therefore attract attention.
So if you are coming to Mex City send me a PM and experience Mexican hospitality-
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
The scene: My saddlesore 1000 attempt.

The situation: Approaching an intersection in rural Rajasthan, about 600 km from my start point, a bit drowsy, I approach an intersection on the highway and see a badly parked truck blocking my field of view. A good long blast on the klaxon that I was using as a horn. Everybody looks up to see the source of the exuberant howl.

Including the cops who are manning a checkpoint at the intersection. I am waved over.

Sub Inspector (Clearly, has not seen a fully kitted rider before): Is that horn allowed in Mumbai (looking at the number plate)
Me: No, but I use it on the highway for safety reasons (point out the truck)
SI: Where have you come from?
Me: Ludhiana
SI (some surprise):When did you leave?
Me: midnight
SI (shocked): And where are you going?
Me: Mumbai, have to reach by midnight
SI (Taking a step back): You can't go just like that. You have to have tea with us!

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Plymouth, UK
Posts: 4
Spanish Cops
Bikers are different - and get special treatment.
Riding solo near Cordoba I went down a slipway the wrong way because the tank was totally empty and I saw a petrol station on the other side of the dual carriageway.

Two mean-looking motorcycle cops saw me arrive..watched me get filled up ( attended service)..
then sidled over to me. I thought uh-oh...they smiled, pointed at the bike and said 'how many horsepower?'. We spent a little while chatting about bikes and how impressive it was riding alone then they waved me on with a little salute.

Makes your day doesn't it?
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Which Bike? (Moved from Travellers Seeking Travellers) bigus4 Which Bike? 4 2 Jun 2007 11:01
Hoagy's Heroes Long Distance Charity Riders Events bbroski Make a Difference 0 2 Apr 2007 16:48
Hoagy's Heroes Long Distance Charity Riders Events bbroski Motorcycle Events around the world 0 2 Apr 2007 16:46
Hoagy's Heroes Long Distance Charity Riders Events bbroski North America 0 2 Apr 2007 16:42
Preparing for the long tour AliBaba BMW Tech 12 5 Nov 2002 23:43

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

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

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:15.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top