
5 Aug 2007
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dundrum, Northern Ireland
Posts: 98
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Ireland/uk To India........and Beyond!
Hello folks and
OK, here's the story so far........
I will be leaving home (Northern Ireland) in late August / early September 2008 for a bike trip to India. Why India? I really don't know, I've been looking at maps and the internet and it looks like an interesting place to see....... so why not! When I get to India I may turn around and come home or I may decide to go a bit further to Oz or NZ. I'll make that decision when it is relevant.
To date my biking adventures have been European only, with trips to France, Spain, Netherlands and Germany. I know these journeys are not a wild expression of adventure but they have given me the enthusiasm, desire and interest to push myself a bit further. Hence the idea for this trip. My initial idea is to go via France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan......then India. There may be 100 reasons why this is not a good route, and if that's the case then it can be changed to suit. And should the good Lord get me to India safely then the "do I go further or do I return home" dilemma may just present itself.
How Long For? I have no idea. I'm reckoning on around 4 or 5 months in total. Basically I'm going to quit my job at the time and head off, I can worry about a new job when I get home and I would love to make this trip with no time restriction.
What Bike? Again I have no idea. It's not that important today but I reckon something like an Africa Twin or Yamaha Tenere would be good enough. A decent one can be bought for c.£2000. Sadly I will have to dispose of my beloved 2003 Triumph Trophy 1200 but isn't it a small price to pay for a real adventure?
My Plans So Far? I am right at the very start of the beginning of the idea.........but to me the most important decision has been made, and that is the decision to go! As far as costs are concerned.....well, I ain't a rich boy so I'm gonna have to do this on the cheap(ish) side and if it means I have to stop along the way and work for a few weeks to get a few quid then that's what I will do. I have some bar work experience so this might increase my options should the need arise. Obviously I will camp when the weather is good and it feels right.
About me: I'm a 41 year old guy with the enthusiasm and determination of a 21 year old. I'm physically and mentally fit, someone who loves the craziness of this idea, I love getting drunk on occasions, I don't do drugs, I don't have a criminal record, I'm sensible when I have to be, I'm damned easy to get along with and I have an unbreakable enthusiasm for the things in life that interest me. I sure as hell intend to have a ball on this trip and I'm certainly not a shrinking violet when it comes to meeting people (even if I don't speak their lingo!). My friends think I am bonkers to want to do this trip and I can understand their thoughts quite easily...........They are all married with kids and none of them has ever owned a bike!
So......here's the question! Are you crazy enough to join me on my quest???
Hope to hear from you soon!
Chris
PS........If for whatever reason this is not your idea of an adventure then I would offer only one piece of advice......plan a different one, but most important of all, make the decision to do it and go!
__________________
"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
Last edited by Chris1200; 5 Aug 2007 at 17:47.
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