Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - UK-SA.....and beyond

London - Capetown...and beyond

Hey guys, have been a long time lurker around the site and have assimalated every single bit of information i can regarding my planned trip. Well, when i say planned, i mean loosely planned as I really don't want to keep myself to strict timetables, schedules and itineries if i can.

I have seen a couple of similar posts and will be watching those threads closely, this is a kind of introduction to the forum for me as i feel i know so much about so many people already!! :)

Loosely I will be leaving London around July/August(maybe earlier, maybe a bit later but really don't want to leave much later than August) time and arriving in SA when i actually get there :) mainly down the west coast of Africa, although this is subject to change at a moments notice, i really wanted to go through Egypt but the carnet situation leaves me feeling like i will be bypassing this early plan.

My original plan was to buy a decent Africa Twin or Transalp, however, i am now leaning towards a mint XT600e if i can get one, or perhaps a new Tenere(well, one thats been run in for me so almost new :) i have pretty much ruled out the Africa Twin altogether(i have owned a couple in the past) I love them, they are fantastic for munching miles but for my trip i don't fancy the weight. I've owned a transalp before too and loved it also, despatched one in London for a couple of years, put 18k miles on it and sold it for £100 less than i bought it for..lol, happy days!! a Mint Dommie is also an option!!

This will be my first 'long trip' and I would like to share the planning/journey/routes etc with any other likeminded people, I don't want to overplan, to me that isn't part of 'my' adventure, obviously prepping the bike and equipment will no doubt be meticulous,

have been a biker since i was 10 years old, never taken a car test as they leave me cold, have been a London Courier on and off for 20 years(had a break of about 8 years and foolishly found myself in an IT career which i dispensed with last year :) Am now back doing what i love, riding a bike all day albeit for almost half of what i used to earn as a courier back in the day!!

SO, get in touch if you are planning a similar trip, maybe want to ride some of the journey with me, meet up for a pint in some far off lands or just to swap experiences etc...

I do plan to keep a journal online, most probably here at HU...

A bit more about me, i'm 37 going on 19, i really don't take things seriously enough, i know i should but i just don't. I am a sensible chap but love to have a laugh, bit of a joker, love meeting people, love just watching the world go by.

for now thats it...

Paul