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**MountaineerWV** · #1 24 Apr 2008

I stumbled across this site awhile back and it is a great inspiration for when I can finally do my RTW! Thanks to everyone that takes the time to share their trips with those of us unable to hit the road just yet.

Unfortunately due to my current assignment, my journey will not begin until 2011 at the earliest! Don't feel too bad though because my job does allow me to live abroad and I'm getting plenty of traveling done in Europe.

A little about myself...
I'm 25 and grew up in West Virginia, went to WVU, and now live in Germany. I'm planning a solo trip of undetermined length. If my assignments over the next three years work out like I plan, the length could stretch out into the 1000+ day mark. (Hopefully!!)

When it comes down to planning, I only have a few guidelines. Basically, enjoy the moment and less is more.

A question...
If you could go back and begin your planning from scratch with the experience you now have on the road, what would you do the same and what would you change?

**DLbiten** · #2 25 Apr 2008

Get a cheaper first bike, spend more on the gear and pack less of it.

**Mike** · #3 25 Apr 2008

Welcome to the Hubb.

What would I do the same? Pretty much everything.

What would I change? I'd just do it sooner.. in the end, you can plan too much. Just get out there and do it.

**quastdog** · #4 25 Apr 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by HillbillyWV

A question...
If you could go back and begin your planning from scratch with the experience you now have on the road, what would you do the same and what would you change?

Everyone overplans and underprepares.

Don't waste time figuring out the route, the costs, things like that. With the current state of the USD, price of gas, etc. - when you hit the road, its what it is. I don't hear anyone changing their plans because of the cost of gas.

Do thoroughly test your bike, your gear, the stuff for carrying your gear, your clothing system (your layers, fabrics, etc.), your riding gear (try several sets of different types), your helmet, all your electronics and stuff like that. Try out everything before you take off - don't carry a bunch of photo gear (video, still, cords, cards, lenses, tripods) stuff like that without using it a bunch of times closer to home - and if its a pain in the ass, or you never use it on them weekend/weeklong trips, you probably aren't going to use it when you hit the road for the big trip.

If you think you'll have a web page, do it now - and try posting photos and stories about your weekend rides and if find its a pain in the arse to do now, it won't get easier later.

don't figure on taking anything on your trip you haven't used and tested, and learned how it operates in advance.

That's my suggestions for now.

**MountaineerWV** · #5 25 Apr 2008

Aight, thanks for the advice so far.

The over planning I get. It's easy to lose yourself comparing the cost and benefits on the smallest details...that probably won't matter in the long run. Haha, that's all I got right now though. I can't even jump on a bike for another 2 months.

Prior to the big trip, I was going to spend several months taking short trips and testing out gear in Europe. Probably try to make some of the meets and perhaps a HUMM in 2009 to get a feel for the entire experience. Basically to make sure it is for me, before I go off half cocked.

I've sort of tried to limit the scope of my planning to places that I would like to visit and a seasonal time line. Otherwise, just see where the road takes me.

**MountaineerWV** · #6 17 Nov 2008

Well, I finally bought a bike.

To be honest, it was not what I thought I would end up with. When I saw it for sale and spoke to the guy selling it...well, it just felt right.

There are a few mods I'll make over time, but I want to get some time on the bike first. I'm currently in Germany and looking for some off road places to ride, but I've heard that it's really frowned upon over here. I was thinking about stopping at some of the local dealerships and see if they knew of a club or something, but if anyone here has any suggestions I'd greatly appreciate it.

I'm located a little outside of Nurnberg, GE.