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17 May 2010
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New York to Alaska, Alaska to Argentina, July 2010. Hopefully!
Hello all,
I’m planning on squandering all of my savings (that I apparently should be using as a deposit for a flat) on a motorcycle tour of the Americas. Just as I was beginning to settle down in London, the urge to see a little more of the world became too overwhelming to ignore. HU deserves some of the blame. I’m hoping to ship my bike from Southampton, England to New York in early July 2010 followed by a trip across America, Canada & Alaska up to Prudhoe before turning round & heading south as far as my luck & a few dollars will carry me. Hopefully, right down to the southern tip of Argentina. I have no set time frame as I don’t intend to break any records nor any definite route other then calling in on the ‘highlights’ as I go. I plan to mostly camp with a mix of hostels/hotels thrown in when required/the smell gets too bad. I'll be riding my BMW F800GS at a leisurely pace & will be stopping at a language school somewhere on route as my Spanish is sadly non existent. I’m currently waiting on a ‘non resident temporary import approval letter’ from the EPA before I can really get the ball rolling with insurances, shipping dates (10+2 Regs???) & a little nervous of arriving in the US with no return ticket. I’ve heard immigration get very annoyed. I’ve seen & responded to a few posts of people heading in the same direction around the same time (Uggawish, Robopie, Crappybiker, Bruce P, Olyflyer, Motivator, Novissima, Gugie 1, Planet Hopper & Pat Fitz ) & wanted to say hello & add my name to the list of those on the road this summer. So if you are thinking of much the same route or part of, around the same time I’d be grateful if you could bear me in mind & get in touch. It's always good to share some miles.
Safe riding,
Smudger
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17 May 2010
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smudger
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I’m hoping to ship my bike from Southampton, England to New York in early July 2010 followed by a trip across America, Canada & Alaska up to Prudhoe before turning round & heading south
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Hi there, by what time do you intent to arrive in Prudhoe Bay? Just keep an eye on the weather if you get past July. Doesn't have to be bad, but it can be. I have seen snow on July 30 north of Brooks Mountain Range.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smudger
... a little nervous of arriving in the US with no return ticket. I’ve heard immigration get very annoyed. ... |
If asked, as to why you only have a one-way ticket, make sure you have the import/shipping papers for your bike handy, as well as some kind of travel itinerary. I don't believe they'll give you a hard time. If anything, the CBP officer will be interested in hearing your story. If it all adds up, there is no need to be nervous.
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun" 
Last edited by T.REX63; 17 May 2010 at 23:02.
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18 May 2010
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Thanks for the info - much appreciated.
I'm hoping to arrive Anchorage in late July where I'll service & probably put some new tread on the bike before venturing north.
I was aware of the rain & mud stories but wasn't expecting to hear the word snow in August. Hopefully if it does arrive, I'll still be able to slowly make my way through.
However, if the weather reports advise otherwise then I've got enough sense to turn round & head south towards the sunshine.
When I fly in I'll have a file with all the relevant bike importation docs, an itinerary (of sorts) & a few maps of Mexico & Central America for good measure.
Thanks for the tips. I'd tried accessing your ride report but couldn't. I'll see if I can access it via Adv Rider.
Smudger
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18 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smudger
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I was aware of the rain & mud stories but wasn't expecting to hear the word snow in August. Hopefully if it does arrive, I'll still be able to slowly make my way through.
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Snow on the road melted away relatively quickly. We experienced a temperature spread of ~50 degrees F between North- and South of the Brooks Mountain range on July 30th. The pics were taken at 31 degrees F, right below freezing. The same spot a day earlier was 42 degrees F.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smudger
When I fly in I'll have a file with all the relevant bike importation docs, an itinerary (of sorts) & a few maps of Mexico & Central America for good measure.
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I do an average of 5-7 US boarder crossings/year, as I have done over the past 25 years. Most crossings I have done on a European passport and permanent resident card. I have noticed that quite a few of the CBP guys ride too. I'd say you are very well prepared.
Whenever I had motorcycle stuff in my luggage, I ended up having nice conversation and sincere interest in what I was doing concerning riding etc.
__________________
Thomas
"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
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20 May 2010
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Hi,
I should hit new York in July at the end of my trip so if you are around, let me know and I can try to give you some info for the road, email me emmaespana66@yahoo.co.uk
emma
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21 May 2010
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we may cross paths...
hi smudger,
The (soon to be) wife and I start off in Buenos Aires in October before heading north from TDF. I have no useful information to give as this is our first big trip and we will be completely winging it, but it would be cool to meet up wherever we cross paths to share tips on where we have been.
We're both 29, share a beat up 950 adventure, enjoy  and will be trying to camp as much as possible. Have a good un
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24 May 2010
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I wish you both well on the road & I'll keep an eye out on the Hubb for your progress.
Somewhere out there (no idea where!) we'll cross paths, share some info & a drink or two. Good luck!!!
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25 May 2010
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Leaving the Napa Valley(N of San Francisco) for TDF in Oct/Nov
Be great to meet up or host you on your travels. I'm planning on heading south for TDF IN OCT/NOV after grape harvest in Napa. I'm taking 6 months to a year depending how money goes. Be great to have someone to travel with and take a language class with as i as well need some work been looking at Guatamala for classes.
Sonny
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27 May 2010
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Hello Sonny,
I'll keep you informed of my progress & hopefully our paths will cross on the road somewhere. Always good to share the miles!!!
Smudger
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27 May 2010
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I'll also be arriving in Anchorage at the end of July.
Are you going to the UK HUBB meeting in June? I so we should hook up. I'm running a workshop on "Planning a trip" and I'm sure it would be of benefit to both of us.
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29 May 2010
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In that case George if I manage to get across to Alaska we should hopefully be able to meet up.
I can't make the HU meeting as I've been signed up for a charity run on the same wkend & couldn't say no, despite the fact that I really, really wanted to be up in Ripley.
Hope to see you on the road!
Smudger
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27 Jun 2010
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Prudhoe
I`ll be in OR July 12-18 at the BMW thingy in Redmond,then thinking of shooting up to P`doe Bay for shits `n grins.
If you`ll be in the area lemme know,be glad of some company since it`ll be my first Alaska run.
Murf
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29 Jun 2010
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Hey Murph,
I've been delayed so I won't be arriving into New York until 12th July. Still planning on heading up & across to Alaska (no set route in mind) but won't be there until late August (ish) as I plan to spend a little time catching up with friends & family in New York & Boston before hitting the road & won't be going too hard. More into enjoying the ride then racking up the miles.
I intend to take on the Dalton too weather dependent. Go easy, enjoy & let me know how the road is.
Safe riding
Smudger
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29 Jun 2010
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Smudger,i`ll be out of Alaska by the end of July/first week of August heading south.If you`re going up there middle to end of August be prepared for the weather to turn.
I too have no set plan,but i`d like to make the HU meeting in Petrolia CA,August 19-22 :http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/mee...fornia2010.php
I would also like to head south across the border into Central America as far as I can afford to make tme wise and money wise.
So hopefully you get over not too late for your Alaska run.I`ll keep you up to speed on the conditions of the Dalton when I get there.If you get a cell when you get here,pm me yer #.
Murf
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1 Jul 2010
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Location: Santa Isabel, Santa Fe, Argentina
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America 2010
Hi Smudger, I just got from MEX yesterday going trow customs in Nogales - Arizona with no problems forever regarding my self or my bike. I got in with a Argentine passport with the regular visa. No questions just have a nice trip to Alaska and I said "thank you officer". I will be in LA for 3 weeks before going up to Canada - Alaska. No sure yet which way to go but because I only can start back again the ride on the July 25th 2010. I have been riding alone the last 60 days coming all the way up from Argentina and will be nice to have some one to talk on the way up to Alaska. I have a budget for USA and CANADA around 70 dollars a day with gas - food - room.
I hope you can send the bike and get in without to much problem.
Ride safe ride far
And a big m motohug
If you want to check my web Motosolo
Regards
Raul
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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...
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)
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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!
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!
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.
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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
America 2010
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