Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By pheonix
  • 1 Post By chris

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Jun 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Southern Europe Offroad trip

Between early July and End August, I’m doing a loop of the Mediterranean from 3 to 9 o’clock.

I’m riding my BMW X Challenge with soft luggage to northern Greece via the slab and then heading north through the Balkan region via Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia, then slab across northern Italy/ southern France (probably fitting in some of the tracks on the Italy/France border, possibly Corsica, but less likely), then the length of the Pyrenees, northern Spain and the length of Portugal.

I’ll leave the bike in S Spain in preparation for a Christmas Morocco visit.

I’m looking for as much dirt as possible.

The very approximate timeline is

  • Early/mid/late July: Balkans
  • Late July/early Aug: Alps
  • Early/Mid Aug: Pyrenees
  • Mid/Late August: N Spain and Portugal

Mainly camping or cheap hotels/pensions.

Anyone doing anything similar or live in the area and want to drink a ?

Hope no offence is taken if I say I’m teaming up with a mate for the Pyrenees already, but always like riding with one or two people in interesting/ off-pavement areas. I’ll drink a in the evening with anyone, but wasn’t intending on helping to man-handle a novice’s big rig or lead somebody around who can’t be bothered to navigate themselves = Let’s call it a partnership of equals.

Are you in the same place at the same time as me?

Drop me a line via PM or an email via my website.

Have a great summer.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Jun 2014
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Sorry, what brand of X-Challenge was that?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jun 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Sorry, what brand of X-Challenge was that?

RBA X Challenge

Re-Badged-Aprillia X Challenge

Made in Italy, with Swedish suspension and Austrian motor.

It was you who reliably informed me that the only thing German on the bike is the software mapping on the EFI and the badges on the side. "The bike that BMW disowned" (and discontinued after 2 years).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Jun 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
A little update:

I'm now going to ride transit across Germany/Austria/Hungary (3 x 600plus km days on a thumper... ouch! ) to western Romania in order to ride a bit of dirt between Brebu Nou (Enduromania HQ) and Brasov. After that to Bulgaria for a (hopefully quick) bit of business, then to Albania to pick up my Balkan trail northwards as described in post #1.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jul 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Bloody hot in Albania! Heading north. Rough timeline next couple of days:

Tonight (16July) I'm in Berat
Thur: Peshkopi
Fri: Kukes

Internet is a bit patchy in Albania, so if relevant, an SMS to +44 7 eight one 2 941 eight six 7 probably best.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jul 2014
pheonix's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Posts: 308
Teachers!

Spanish Biker, Simon, is doing another HISS in the Pyrenees but you may be back in the UK by 1st Sept. Otherwise it's a fab event to do some trail riding with like-minded folk

Have a safe trip
__________________
Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Jul 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Quote:
Originally Posted by pheonix View Post
Teachers!

Spanish Biker, Simon, is doing another HISS in the Pyrenees but you may be back in the UK by 1st Sept. Otherwise it's a fab event to do some trail riding with like-minded folk

Have a safe trip
Unfortunately I'm back at work on 28Aug
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris View Post
Bloody hot in Albania! Heading north. Rough timeline next couple of days:

Tonight (16July) I'm in Berat
Thur: Peshkopi
Fri: Kukes

Internet is a bit patchy in Albania, so if relevant, an SMS to +44 7 eight one 2 941 eight six 7 probably best.
Head north and into the mountains. Great scenery, great off road and at least its a bit cooler. Was there 10 days ago and it was alrady very hot in the lowlands!!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Jul 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Shkroder, Albania today/Saturday
Monday Podgorica, Montenegro
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jul 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
Many thanks to Blazo and Tonka for the s, conversion and help. Much appreciated.

The bike now has a shiny new front brake line off a wr450 from the Podgorica Yamaha dealer. It'll be great to have 2 working brakes again!

Back up into the hills to the site of the HU Montenegro meeting. Will fit in a rest day tomorrow. Likely to cross into Bosnia on Thursday.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Aug 2014
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
At eastern end of the Pyrenees tomorrow/4th August. Heading west.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Shipping (southern) Europe to India Wauschi Trip Transport 2 16 May 2014 10:00
What Bike to buy for long trip Southestern Asia - Europe Tempest West and South Asia 5 11 Oct 2013 16:54
Europe and the Americas - Video reports as I throttle round the world... JetJackson Ride Tales 31 24 Oct 2012 02:33
Southern Europe Winter 2012/13 Tfour Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 25 Sep 2012 15:22
Advcie please! - Mid November Trip Europe nibby Route Planning 9 5 Apr 2012 16:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:46.