Hello Nicola,

great idea, just go for it, nothing to loose, only to gain and like so many of us here know,memories last forever.
But, doing your homework, usually pays dividends.
Done a lot of travelling, when I was young and pretty, now I am neither.
But even now a days, one can travel overland from Oz to Europe by bike, as to be seen on the HUBB, or public transport.The second option is the cheapest. There is always a public transport system all over the world and on every continent, majority of humans can't afford air tickets or motor vehicles.
Just avoid Afghanistan and go the southern route. All locals travel this way, getting from A to B or C. They all have to look after their cents and pennies and they do. Follow the main stream, as you do at home.
In the late 70 th. I went home from Kabul (Afghanistan) to Nuernberg (Germany). Took me 8 days on 9 different busses to get to Munich, slept one night in a bed in Maschad ( Iran), otherwise always on the bus. Didn't worry me. being your age. The train trip from Munich to Nuernberg, has cost me just as much, as the bus trip from from Kabul to Munich. Don't think, things have changed at lot.
Find a place in Europe, where most people can understand you (english), unless you speak another language. Start in youth hostels, get to know people and work your way up, travellers are always solidaric and helpful, except druggies. Just like in Melbourne.
Establish connections and networks. Learn the ropes and cheap ways of living and travelling, try to find a job and a place. Discover new things, maybe motorbike riding. Just join a club. You will soon find out, if it is the thing for you. In case it is, get your gear like helmet, gloves,boots,outfit aso. from ebay or the local paper, secondhand.Before you get caught on bikes, ride with friends, or people you can trust. When you are on the road, things do not get on always smoothly, be aware. That's the lure of travelling, never boring and often exciting.
To move around central Europe on the cheap, look into Mitfahrer Zentrale on Google. Cheap way of getting from A to B all over Europe, or ask fellow travellers.

Travelling, with an open heart, will always be rewarding, sometimes unforgettable and everlasting.

I wish you, all the luck in this world for your trip.

Cheers Rusty








ansport between major cities etc etc.

I thought of the idea of touring Europe, at my own pace, on a motorcycle. Enter Horizons Unlimited.

I have read a lot of the introductory information on the HU website but I fully acknowledge my degree of 'newbie' and wanted some opinions from seasoned travellers. Here are my details.

1) I'm 24, female, Australian. I have an Australian as well as an EU Passport (Ireland). I have my full Car Drivers Licence.

2) I plan to begin this trip in March 2012 and travel indefinitely.

3) I have never ridden a motorcycle in my life, nor do I know anything about bikes or the maintenance of them. However, I am of course enthusiastic to ride, practise, and learn the ropes.

4) I'm interested in seeing most of Europe, but not off-road. I like mountains, rolling hills, beaches, small towns, all that sort of jazz.

5) My budget will be about 60 euro per day.

6) I wouldn't want to do more than 250kms a day. For me, being on a bike would be about being able to be right in the environment, experiencing it first hand, and getting around with ease. Not so much about hardcore long-distance.


At the moment I am thinking that the easiest option would be to buy a bike in Australia and ship it to London?

I also am unsure as to whether I should be finding a hostel to stay in every night, or if I should take camping gear with me?


I probably sound very naive about this, and I am, but I'm very excited about this potential idea and just want to know if I'm totally crazy or if it's possible, and if I'm making the right decisions.

Thank you in advance for your replies. I realize I haven't asked much in the way of questions, I'm mostly after your thoughts.

Nicola[/QUOTE]