Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB - Hello from Bristol

Hi, I've just joined the HUBB, so thought it polite to write a line or two to introduce myself, :thumbup1:

I have been riding for a few years now, including around seven years as a Despatch Rider in the London/Thames Valley area. I also managed to work my way up the ladder to road-race at National level in this country during the 1980's, competing on a TZ250, before a heavy accident at Donington Park ended my racing aspirations :rolleyes2:

For most of my life I've been riding and tinkering with Japanese machinery, but up until a couple of years ago had only ever riden in the UK - although I've driven a variety of 4x4's in Europe and North East Africa.

I work offshore in the commercial diving industry (Life Support Technician - LST) and benefit from getting decent breaks at home, in between trips offshore. A couple of years ago I bought a second-hand '07 BMW 1200GS Adventure, with the main objective of making a few trips into Europe, and maybe a little further afield.

I have had a couple of 10-day/2500 mile trips into Western Europe, using a combination of camping, B&B's and hotels, but I'm now starting to seriously think about going a little further.

Later this year I'm planing a trip to Syria, & if time permits I'd love to extend the trip down into Jordan, so that I can visit Petra.

I completed the BMW Off Road Skills Level I course a couple of weeks ago (I'm still aching!), and also did my I.A.M. course last year, figuring that I finally need to do something in my old age that might rein-in my 'Urban Riding Technique' that evolved on the streets of London many moons ago. I am pleased to say that the I.A.M. worked it's magic on me, and I'm a reformed character now (honest!).

I have made a few mod's to the GS; a full Akropovic 'shot-gun' exhaust system, K&N filter and a Power Commander III, I've two custom maps installed that are switchable on the move - so I've a choice of a genuine 50mpg+ on decent fuel (although it's not too smooth around town), and less mpg, but more omph on the second curve - giving around 42mpg on a run. I had the 'economical' curve set up to get maximum range for when I'm travelling longer distances oversea's - once I'm on my way I hate having to stop for anything - that's the DR in me I'm afraid :scooter:

A couple of other mod's include an additional power socket for charging my 'mobile and other electrical items, plus some after-market steering lock-stop limiters - rumour is the BMW stock items arn't up to much - although that Level 1 course with the BMW ORS proved otherwise!

Soo, right now I'm planning to head for Syria - a dash down through Eastern Europe & Turkey. I can set aside around three-and-a-half weeks for this one at the moment, which I know is pretty tight - and means I'll have to miss on some of the sites that are a must-do, but I'd still like to make the trip - do people reckon it's do-able - UK to Petra, and back via Palmyra and one or two others in three-and-a-half weeks?

Cheers,

GB bier

p.s. I've just ordered the 94-litre double-hull expedition fuel tank, lined with a bullet-proof keeev'lar bladder, and filled with 'Explo-Safe' - just in case I take any incoming rounds on my way to Starbucks..... :2guns:

:D