28 y/o Irish guy looking for like-minded travellers
 

Hey all, I'm 28, currently living in Dublin. Have a Tiger 800, which is touring-ready, and a Ninja 250. No wife, no kids, no house.

I've never really done a motorbike tour, apart from Ireland, but I've toured various countries by bicycle/tent/etc., and I'm no stranger to being dirty, hungry, lost, scared, wet, stranded, etc, etc...

I'm itching for some motorbike tours and to meet some like-minded people to do them with. I have very few biker friends, and most "bikers" I meet (randomly) are usually not really into the touring idea, because either their bikes don't suit, they have no interest, or they don't have the time/money.

Currently I'm trying to get a few of my lifelong friends into biking with some European tours in mind, but whether that'll transpire or not, I don't yet know.

I can easily take leave (unpaid), and I have some savings, so I'm keen to plan a tour or two. Maybe one or two shorter ones (2-3 weeks) to begin with.

I love motorbikes, but not necessarily for the speed or as a sport, but more for the engineering, simplicity, and usefulness as a practical and fun tool. Can't see myself every owning a pure sports bike, for example. I know the basic mechanics (sparks, oil, oil/air filters, sprockets/chains, brake pads, lights/fuses, etc.), but I still have a lot to learn (change clutch, check/set valves, manually change tyres, etc.)...

I'm fairly easy when it comes to styles of a trip...though there is something more satisfying with a trip which is fairly hotel-independent and inexpensive (regular camping/cooking, etc). But I'm open to anything really...

Msg me if anyone is in a similar boat to me. By the way, I don't care if you're 16 or 55...

Hi there credmond,

I saw your post and felt like I had to drop down some words. Im also in Ireland (though I came here just some months ago), even if my bikes are unfortunately in my country and will not bring them here.

I am in the early planning of a trip that I've been dreaming about for long, going to Siberia on bike.

It's not something that I really want to do alone, and I might look for some teammates to join me, so if ever it sounds great to you we can talk about it :)

Cheers

I hope that's not how you have been trying to sell it to your mates ! :eek3:

You have excluded most people who are most likely to go by setting your cut off at 55 !

Seriously though, it's a familiar problem and I'm sure many travellers on here will say the same. Of the people you find who say they "would go" ......... most drop out as it gets nearer to departure for various reasons. Mostly genuinely understandable ones. It is not an easy thing for a lot of people. Recently back myself so no slots for a trip for a while for me ( not a long one)

My advice? If no one comes up trumps and you are desperate to go..... GO. I would pretty much guarantee you will meet other bikers on your travels and some civilians too.

Dirty that's just not good - find a river!
Take some food so you don't get hungry.
You might not know where you are at times, but you will never be lost.
There are a hell of a lot more non-scary things and people about.
Wet, have a look at your kit ??
Stranded - mobile phone & RAC ( or similar )

go for it
 

Hi credmond, i'm Irish but live in Holland, know the feeling, but people drive bikes cos they want to so selling your thing to yer friends???? mmmnnn. Go for short tours, england, scotland is brill, wales is a howl, from there Europe. Go to bike meetings like the HU ones, I have never been yet doh. But they sound brill, will get to one yet There is one in Germany in Oct. but I will be en route for Delhi & Kathmandu :clap: When you ride a bike you will never be alone that is for sure. Some of the best places I have been have been when I was lost, bye the bye always carry energy bars, water & a good map, if you still have room then a bar of soap :D and you will never be dirty, lost etc. A journey of a million miles begins with a push on the start button. Being on this site seems also to be a step in the right direction. Also gonna put 55 as a lotto number :rofl: Last year meet up with English bloke on ural outfit, he is 83, he was at a rally in south england camping, laughing, partying with the rest of us.... Credmond, go for it and have fun, stay open for new friends, people, cultures & U gonna be oke Vince

Thanks for the responses all. And by the way, there is no cut off age, they were just examples! :)

cocozz, I will msg you! ;)

Im planning journey to south-east asia via north-africa, middle-east, china maybe India.
Could be forced to change route via few europe countries, turkey, iran cause situation in egypt and cross sinai. Original route asks lot of visas too. Answer if interested. Im plan buy my bike from germany 1200gsa.
cheers Harri

Hi credmond!

I'm 25, live in Salzburg, Austria and currently I work on a project until mid 2014 to save money for my RTW. My plan is to be jobless, homeless and free for a year and if I like it, may be two :)
I also plan to stay longer at places I like, for instance spending the winter in California or somewhere where the sun is shining :) If I don't do this trip I will regret it for my whole life.

I still haven't found any motorcycling friends around who would like to do something big. I'm into couchsurfing, hosting people and also plan to take advantage of some couches for my trip.
Mechanics are no problem, I'm an engineer and do all the repairs on my own bike.

Finding likeminded people is hard and thats why I've started my research early enough. We could stay in touch and maybe do a short trip here in Europe.

thomyam
 

Hi credmond, I'm trying to find people interested in going to S.E.Asia from the UK. Ideally I would like to go via E. India, Bhutan and Myanmar but I think it's a no no at present. The option is via China but you need to be escorted so the more the cheaper. I've ridden on my own before in Africa and various places but I'm now 62 and don't fancy the long journey alone. So I'm interested. I live in Oxford. If this doesn't work I intend to buy a Lifan 200 GY5 in Thailand for £1000 brand new. You don't need a huge bike. At the Overland show today in Stratford I met a guy who went from Sydney to London then the States on a 110cc postal bike. Ever tried picking up a fully loaded 1200. or putting it on an upcountry river ferry? I'll see how many are interested and keep my eye on this thread. Regards Thomyam

Hi Credmond. I'm starting to plan to cross Canada in summer 2014 on either a Tiger Explorer or Tiger 800 on the gravel trails. Take 3 months 9000 miles, maybe work in some charity fund raising to make it even more worthwhile. I'm a novice at off roading so that makes it more of a challenge. But it's not a trip I will do on my own so looking for others to join me.
Tigertom

Hi,
Ride to German HU fall meeting.
There are many bikers from UK, so you can hook up with them.
Just a warning, after going to that meeting, there is no way back... Soon you want to go further and further... :)
Greetings from Timor-Leste, tomorrow to Australia :)

Hey,

am from n.ireland and I feel exactly same as you, all my mates settled down and know a few people with bikes but none with the same sense of adventure as me. In july I done 10 days to france, my first trip, it was amazing! Since then I cant stop thinking about doing more. Went to wales the other wkend on my own from dublin to holyhead got soaked but still had fantastic time. Currently messing with the idea of a career break at work next yr and just taking off and doing backpacking jobs here and there for some funds on top of savings. Failing that I def wanna see a bit more of europe even if its just a few days here and there.like you no kids or committments. So much I wanna do on bike but even better if I can find others I can join up with for trips

Hey,

am from n.ireland and I feel exactly same as you, all my mates settled down and know a few people with bikes but none with the same sense of adventure as me. In july I done 10 days to france, my first trip, it was amazing! Since then I cant stop thinking about doing more. Went to wales the other wkend on my own from dublin to holyhead got soaked but still had fantastic time. Currently messing with the idea of a career break at work next yr and just taking off and doing backpacking jobs here and there for some funds on top of savings. Failing that I def wanna see a bit more of europe even if its just a few days here and there.like you no kids or committments. So much I wanna do on bike but even better if I can find others I can join up with for trips

HI credmond,
Def go to HU meeting, that will inspire you, if you have toured on bicycles you will have no bother with an engine, I am just home from a tour of Alaska, British Columbia and Western Usa, I met loads of bikers travelling alone or with a small number, its great to travel with these people for a few days and then go off and do your own thing again, If you check out UKGSER site, Ireland section, there are some good blokes living in Dublin who often tour europe, also check open invite trip section, best of luck on your travels.

maggie on the loose....
 

Hi Maggie, sounds to me like you are on the right track, know how you feel. If you have the chance then defiantly yes take a career break & go for it. There is a good book written by Lois Pryce titled Lois on the Loose, (ibn 978-0-099-49366-3) she drove alone 20,000 miles across the Americas. Her story will answer a lot of your questions. Also if you have the time try out the HU meeting in Germany. Meantime have fun :D Vince

Cheers Vince,
I done 3000 mile in france in july with a friend of a friend from town, talking to bikers when I returned home I discovered lois pryce not read her book but following her on facebook and it has inspired me even more, she is in Iran at moment it sounds and looks amazing and she has a great opinion of the people. Went to Wales alone recently for a wkend alone and managed ok. Currently on a honda hornet so looking to buy a transalp or something. Any local bikers I know are not up for an adventure as they have family work and or financial committments. Must get her book and check things out I always wonder about the language barrier when travelling through many countrys.

Thanks for advice

Maggie

Maggie nearly loose
 

Hiii Magie, transalp is a nice versatile little bike, up to a lot of fun trips Dutch police used them in Amsterdam for a while, now they use the small Beee a hemsss. Kawa kle is also good, I am also looking for an off road midrange to use for certain trips. Was kinda looking at Tiger 800, may buy second hand in Ireland & leave it their. In Europe English will get you around no prob in most countries. In Arabic countries French is a good language. I speak a little French. But I always learn the basic Hallo, goodbye & thank you in the host countries language, write 'em down, works wonders. Am planning to go to south america, have bought a spanish language course on dvd mmmnnn it still in box :stupid: I always carry a pocket dictionary for non european countries & spain. But a smile & a handshake will open doors. Dictionary handy for eating if you fussy eater :chef: I enjoyed her book immensely. You will meet like minded people on the road. Did quick blast on mourne coastal & mountain route in Aug.... was visiting ne sis .. brill. Anways Maggie keep the spirit up & it will all come together. :mchappy: Vince

Thank you all for the responses...great to see so many people taking the time to give advice! I will be in touch...

Cheers,
Cormac :)

I think Transalp may have been my second choice, over a Tiger 800, for a few reasons. It's much cheaper than a BMW 800GS/Tiger 800, it's a Honda, it looks good, lots of extras, lots of parts.

That said, I think we a spoilt for choice thesedays...I think just about can be used for touring if the will is there!

Hey...where are you starting from?

Hi.

Starting from St. John Newfoundland. Going Easy to West

Tom

Hi folks,

Same story here, i'm a 30 year old bloke from Southern England, have done a few trips on the bike around Germany, France and Italy, nothing further afield than that. I ride a KTM 990 Adventure, looking for new potential travel buddies, I work offshore so usually have 4 weeks off when i'm on my downtime. Currently planning a trip to ride to the Arctic Circle in Sweden or Finland next summer, prepared to do it solo but it's more fun with others to share the experience.

Andy

Hi Cormac,

One thing you need to bear in mind is once you start you're hooked!

I'm 29 and just back in Ireland after driving from Cork to Capetown with a buddy in a defender but what started me was an trip around 10 European countries in 2 weeks the previous year. Booked a ferry Wednesday and was cruising through france Sunday!

Had someone at home buy a Dr650 I spotted online while in capetown and she will hopefully carry me to Mongolia this summer.

My advice: Go! Wherever, whenever suits you.


Slán

Tadhg

Hey have a look for the Dublin Motorcycle Touring Club and get on some of the forums like Xrv Ireland and you'll soon find like minded souls :-)

Hi Cormac,

I am in Dublin and looking to do some touring when I get the cash together.

I have been to a few HU meetings and they are incredible. They sustain my interest in travelling until I get out there myself.

I have a MZ Baggy and its the business. If you want to meet up for ride-outs give me a shout.

Niall

Hi credmond
I start with a few small rides outs in April first to west Scotland in April with some rough camping, then in May head to Ireland for a long weekend stay near Moira, I tend to eat in the tannery don't no if you no the place, I sometimes go it along or a friend of mine comes along, if you are interested I can keep you posted and I don't mind the company, haven't decided whats on offer for next year as I've do a lot of Europe may do something diffrent
I've just posted a tour from England to magadan for 2015 have a look to see if this is something that would interest you
Thanks graham

Hey CodingRobot,

I am also working until mid-2014 to save money for my RTW. I am 24, live in Quebec, Canada and also an engineer.
I feel the same way about finding likeminded people who are willing to leave for a year.
I am interested in travelling through North/Central/South America, South-East Asia, Middle East... My route is not defined yet and I am willing to adapt to someone else.
I am looking for a good friend with who I can really live the experience to the maximum.
Please let me know if you are interested!

10 Years !!!
 

Hi all,
My names Simon most people call me Sy and I've just joined after chancing this site, reading some threads, and gaining inspiration from you all.
After ten years of owning a bike licence and never actually owning a bike, I thought I'd do something about it, therefor looking to do a tour to Scotland,the Lake District then go on to the Hubb Meeting next Year.
I've started buying some gear, be prepared dib dib dib, as yet still in the process of buying the bike.
I would like to share this experience with fellow riders for 2-3 weeks.
Thanks
Sy http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es/mchappy.gif

Hi Credmond.

Just noticed your thread. Im a 26 year old lad from N.Ireland (Armagh). I am keen to take off somewhere and have a bit of an adventure and even more craic.

If you ever get round to making plans or you get the notion of being spontaneous and heading off somewhere let me know. I would be up for heading off.

Let me know if you're interesting in organising something sometime.

Stefan

I'm 23 and from central Scotland also interested. Not much of an off-road guy though. :innocent:

Hi,
I have ridden to and from India twice in the 70's. No long haul since then just 2-3 weeks touring around Europe most years.

I retire in March 2016 and am already planning a long haul trip. My wife has given me a year off to 'get it out of my system'.

Originally wanted to go to Cape Town but feel, travelling alone, although I know I would meet up with other travellers, a little daunting due to some of the political unrest in quite a bit of Africa.

Could return to India again via China but not sure.Need an adventure not a holiday.

Best option I have come up with so far is to ship a bike to Canada then up to Alaska, USA and down through South America..Shipping cost quite high so have also been looking at purchasing something like a KLR 650 in Canada / USA and going from there.

At present all is 'open' except the date. Have to work till March 2016, then I'm free.

I have two prepared touring bikes here in the UK ( London) (i) Suzuki DR350 and a (ii) Yamaha ttr600.
Like the 350 best as I will be 64 when I start off and it's easier lifting up a laden 350 than the larger bikes. mechanically it can also be repaired on the road side in most instances. With larger fuel tank the fuel range is about 300. miles, sufficient for most road trips.

Open to discussion and may meet up on route somewhere if your going my way.

Best of luck with you plans.
Lushy 58

Travel proposal
 

Hi Cormac,

If you care to join I'll be leaving from Switzerland over to Georgia via former Yugoslavia and Turkey and back again thru Ukraine (if they have stopped shooting), Romania, etc. If you are interested, I am looking for a travel buddy. Most of my friends are tied up at work or with families and can't come or aren't interested.

Departure can be anytime from April 1 to 15. Duration I guess will be 4 to 5 weeks.

I ride a R1200GS, am 46 yo guy and don't like to pay speeding fines.

Camping is all right as long as it's not every night for a month.

Pls tell me if you are interested and we'll take it from there for more detailed plans.

Thanks.

Credmund you devil. Seems like you have a heap of responses already. Thought I'd throw this at you though... I put a post on here about going up to the great atlantic road in norway for a three - four week trip. Some guy on here got in touch and suggested Iceland as it's more off road and it's cheap to get your bike shipped up. You're more than welcome to join. We were thinking of may(ish) if you're keen. Wanna do it as cheaply as possible. Send word if you're interested. daddyrich.at.hotmail.com
I'm 34 he's 25 by the by.

Sorry to all who replied to me, whom I never got back to!

In the same position this year, so feel free to pop me a message if still interested! :D