Have a year off in 2016

[lushy58]

Hi there,

My first thread regards a proposed trip, over say about a year, starting in or around March 2016.

I shall be retired by then (64) and my wife has given me a year off to get this 'travel bug' out of my system.

I have ridden to India and back twice in the 70's but since then only 2-3 weeks tours in mainland Europe most years. Not into High mileage per day and certainly not into 'fixed time schedule'. If I should miss a ferry I'll catch the next one even if its a week later.

Originally I had planned a trip to Cape Town but am concerned that travelling alone in Africa could be a bit daunting due to political unrest in certain countries. I am aware I may be able to meet up with others en-route, but passed experience has proved it doesn't always work out.

Could return to India where I have loads of contacts having lived / worked there for 28 years but I need an adventure not a holiday.

Thought to ship a bike to USA or Canada but shipping costs are quite high and USA customs are not particularly helpful. Think it would be cheaper to buy something like a KLR 650 in the USA and starting my years trip from there up to Canada / Alaska / USA then down through South America. Will need a couple of weeks to prepare the bike before leaving. Not into hotels but wild camping / hostels etc is fine.

I do however have two touring bikes, ready for the adventure here in UK should I decide to start here and do something mad like into Russia / Mongolia etc. (i) Suzuki DR350 and (ii) Yamaha ttr600....To be honest prefer the DR350 as fully laden it's lighter to pick up for an 'old man'. Having larger Acrebis fuel tanks to both bikes my fuel range is about 250-300 miles which should do OK ( Can always carry a bit spare).

Have some mechanical experience but proposing to do an extensive 'evening class' of mechanics next year over a few terms /months.

What I am looking for is initially a contact who may be able to advise on purchasing a bike in USA / Canada. The Craig List shows some 2005 KLR 650's up for sale for about $3000.00. I do have contacts but like many other Hubb members, not all our contacts are into biking. My main contact is in Pittsburgh and I can buy the bike in advance and store it there till I need it. Would involve my flying to USA and getting it to Pittsburgh.

Best wishes for Christmas 2013 and a good 2014.

Lushy58