Thanks for the positive note Matt. I don't think that I could ever do the solo thing. My hat is off to people like you.

I am having a little problem understanding why there is so much animosity. Why are people so tense? If they are really doing what they love, it would seem they would go out of their way to build community.

I have taken the occasional Sunday drives so I can relate to smelling the land and the appreciating nature thing. I only hope to experience why overland travel is so rewarding.
Mike

I am a pretty new biker and have only recently joined HU but have enjoyed reading the travellers tales and posts. Especially ‘meeting a wanderlust partner of the opposite sex?’ <totally cracked me up>

Mike - I hope whatever you do you manage to pull it off. Today a friend sent me a quote that was quite encouraging for doing the unusal.

‘To express who you really want to be is one of the most challenging and exhilarating things to do, it can also inspire others - nothing leads like example.’

Ciao,
Annette

[This message has been edited by sunflowers (edited 10 February 2006).]

Maarten,
Dan didn't make a comment. He made a personal attack. Go and reread his post. It didn't have a friendly tone. Besides, he's a big boy I'm sure he can handle it. You are right, my response may have been a little on the harsh side, but it was a disappointment for me to see a response like this from him. No hard feelings here. I appreciate you sharing your view! But don't give up hope....there is still a chance that I will get my act together.
Mike

Jedi,
Oh well, I wouldn't know what to wear in the death star anyhow.
Mike

Bob,
1. So does this mean you are interested in doing the filming?

2. Don't expect anything special. My earlier response pretty much sums it up.
Mike

Ciao,
I concur! Well said.
Mike

Dan, as eloquent as ever, has summed it up quite nicely from my point of view.

Just load the bike, pick a direction and see what happens...its the unplanned disasters, hassles, joys & delights that make the trip.

I saw LWR for the first time last week & liked it. It was entertaining, but exactly what you'd expect from highly sponsored actors on bikes.

The real world is a lot different.

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Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://www.smellybiker.com

[This message has been edited by Happy Hacker (edited 11 February 2006).]

Happy Hacker,
You guys are starting to make me feel regretful. Why didn't you make your posts sooner. I'm starting to think that I should change my name, quit my job, and move to Beliz.

The layout of your website is good. Did you do it yourself?
Mike

Mike, I think the reason there is so much animosity to your post is that you come off as a newcomer who thinks he is going to immediately grasp the essence off motorcycle travel and present it to the world. At least that is how I read your first post. Those of us who choose to explore the world by motorcycle are cringing at the thought of another distorted view of this hobby out in public view.

I don't doubt that bikers made the same comments about The Wild One and Easy Rider when they were proposed, and they both were wildly exagerated views of motorcycle life, but I am glad they were made. So I hope I am wrong and that you succeed, but I'm not counting on it.

The time, keystrokes and content you've spent and displayed on this thread clearly shows that you're entertaining yourself.

1. After going back and reading my post, I see how that might be the perception. My approach needs some work. I don't feel that I am a newcomer, but to this world I really am.

2. That is not the intention. I may need to delay my trip another year so that I have more time to grasp the essence of what you say.

Thanks for your honest assessment!
Mike

[This message has been edited by motorbikewithmike.com (edited 11 February 2006).]

Lone Rider,
A little pious right? I do see what you are saying. Have spent some time reading some other threads and agree that I have been much too grandiose. About 3/4 of what I have posted is crap. I tend to go a little overboard sometimes. The comments on this site have really helped align my focus.
At first I thought the ride was the adventure. But now, it seems that the adventure started with the first post.

Ok, time to regroup and focus on substance.

Mike

[This message has been edited by motorbikewithmike.com (edited 11 February 2006).]

Is this were we find out that Mike recently bought KTM & we've all screwed our chances of shiny free bikes ?



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Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://www.smellybiker.com

motorbikewithmike Some friends and I are planning to go to Alaska in July. If you would like to gain some trippin' time and practice flim making you might come too? We all have our own bikes,kit,etc.KLRs and soft luggage for us.WE will be hauling a. through Canada to have more Ak. time. Do you have off road experience? Gravel? Understand this is an offer from me,I can't speak for the rest yet till I've confided in our loose group. We're 50+ long time street and dirt riders with limited time and patience,so if you can't hang we'll likely leave you for the bears unless we really like you.

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ride,smile,repeat as nessasary

kbikey,
Sounds like a great time. How much time you figuring on? I may be able to get a week off but not much more. If not we still may be able to do a local 2-3 day trip this summer.
Mike