I am sure the title of this post is an oxymoron, nevertheless, here goes..

As a young 66 year old, I am ready for a lot but persuading my wife and family that I am not senile nor ready to be sectioned under the mental health act, I need to seek an adventure with a demonstrable safety net. Having already greatly enjoyed such a trip in Patagonia, I am looking for an extended (1 to 3 month) "Adventure" trip that will take me across Europe and/or Asia etc. or similar (not Africa - I lived there long enough) but with a tour company having experience and a reputation that I can parade in front of the family.

Ideally such a trip would combine both off and on-road riding with up to say 40% dirt. Bikes could be provided or I could take my own (BMW F800GS).

This trip looks fantastic and something like it or a bit shorter would be great but I know nothing about the particular company (Compass Expeditions) and despite having a very nice web site, what little I have found trawling the internet gives me an uneasy feeling that it may be a case of "all mouth and no trousers.." as there is nothing to speak of that addresses its reputation or reports on trips made to date.

I'd be very grateful indeed for any pointers to companies/sites/reports that cover the sort of thing I am after.

(I hope this quest doesn't get me banned from the Hubb!)

GlobeRiders® - Your Motorcycle Adventure Tour and Multimedia Company - Come Ride the World with Us!

Helge has a tour (2 month) across much of your request. I have not been on one, but have known him, a great guy and staff. Have had 2 friends on his World tour. Good luck in your search.
Allen.

Holy shite, $36,000!!! Reduced to $25,000 if you bring your own bike!

I must be living in the wrong century again.

Mark

Unbelievable, isn't it? Personally, I can't understand why anyone would pay someone else to lead them on an overland trip. Where's the adventure in that?

(I hope this quest doesn't get me banned from the Hubb!)[/quote]

Haha, I like it. Could you not organise your own trip, maybe meet up with someone off here. Surely, you would get more satisfaction out of your trip, that way.

Thanks, that looks a potentially good one!

I think it depends on how far out of your comfort zone they take you.

I could do that and should prefer to do so but it doesn't meet the family's safety net test and my idea of an adventure doesn't include totally ignoring their feelings.

I didn't mean to imply disapproval of the OP's questions or quest. He wants that sort of trip, and his family seems to want him on that sort of trip as well. I'm just awestruck by the pricetag attached.

For that amount of money, you could bring along a cameraman, maybe entice BMW into providing giant, overburdened GS's, hire a fully-equipped parts truck to trail you, engage the services of local fixers at every possible snafu, post video clips on nightly television....oh, wait a minute; that's been done already.

Sorry I've got no specific suggestions for the OP, and wishing him best of luck on his quest.

Mark

[quote=markharf;252160]I didn't mean to imply disapproval of the OP's questions or quest. He wants that sort of trip, and his family seems to want him on that sort of trip as well. I'm just awestruck by the pricetag attached.

Me too. I read my post after posting it and realised that I came across as some sort of 'elitist' *****. I too was shocked by the cost of the trip. its just that I got the general feeling from the OP that he was well able to organise the trip himself, but was just following his families wishes.

To the OP, I still say, why don't you have a good look on this site and see about joining up with someone? Whatever you decide I admire your sense of adventure. I'm 46, I hope i'm still going strong in 20 years. Good luck.

I'd be very grateful indeed for any pointers to companies/sites/reports that cover the sort of thing I am after.

(I hope this quest doesn't get me banned from the Hubb!)[/quote]

Chris. how about this guy?

Nick Sanders - Pan-American Highway expedition This bloke is a total fruit cake but knows his stuff. I've followed his career since he was a pro cyclist. Nick has set some amazing records. From what i've read and heard about him, if you join one of his trips, expect the unexpected. If you are looking for a well organised package trip, then perhaps he is not the guy, but if you want something in between, then he is definately the guy. I mean, Pan Americas in 7 - 8 weeks is challenging to anyone.

Nick would definately be my choice, if I were you.

chrisjk,

Having an "adventure" and satisfying your family with regard to your personal safety is always going to be tricky. Possibly my suggestion may not be the most adventurous, but it should cover most bases if you are happy to go it alone.

In 2005 I spent 10 weeks riding around the Baltic sea Denmark to Denmark via Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Baltic States, Poland and Germany. Most of these countries have have plenty of non-tarmac roads that are easy to find and ride - maybe not dirt roads in the true sense of the word, but fun enough. Mind you, when it comes to Russian tarmac, you might be better off with a dirt road!

From a safety point of view, I always had a signal on my mobile phone (that should help ease the nerves of your family) and even if you are riding alone, you will never be alone, you will always be meeting other bikers and travellers. Accommodation was never a problem, if you are not into camping remember that on most scandinavian campsites you are able to rent huts for the night. Much more civilised when you arrive in the pouring rain. Otherwise, hotels and B&Bs are available. There are plenty of guidebooks to help you plan your route.

Next year, I'm thinking of shipping my bike to the east coast of America and spending about 8-10 weeks riding across the USA and Canada to visit my sister in Seattle. That is another possibility for you to consider - know any people who live 6 weeks away from you - go and visit them.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, and charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventure that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." (Nehru)

Whatever you decide to, just enjoy it - even on the bad days (because they will happen!) and remember to tell us all about it.

baswacky

This is a list of worldwide companies.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/lin...nies-worldwide

On the left of the screen down in the "links" they have more under
"Tour Operators"

There are more listed by region.

Helge Pedersen's GlobeRiders® - Your Motorcycle Adventure Tour and Multimedia Company - Come Ride the World with Us!, is the most experienced (10+ years) of these "RTW" (or similar) organized rides. Consider Helge the 'founder' of such tours.
(Not yet mentioned is)
Kevin & Julie Saunders' GlobeBusters.com also--but less--experienced.
Compass Expeditions is simply a new market entry in this niche of a niche segment; < 2 yrs old, therefore less data/ experience to offer.

You would probably have a great ride experience with any of them--assuming your budget permits.

Thank you all for your thoughtful input - certainly provides some ideas for me!

Thanks too to Motoreiter who invited me to PM him. I don't have quite enough posts yet to do that but will do so once I have a few more.

Hello Chris,

Have you considered a North American adventure?

((working the post count))

Jed.