Looking for inspiration

[Shadwell]

As in the title i have been looking for inspiration for this years trip.

After separate trips to morocco, Tunisia and through Eastern Europe into Turkey in the last 3 years i am looking for something to do this autumn. Was not sure where to put this thread but as it may turn into an open invite i thought here was as good a place as any.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244253&highlight=salaam
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285086&highlight=tunisia
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=835018

I have 6 weeks off starting early Sep and finishing late Oct this year, 44 days in total. so i am looking to do something for about 5 weeks.

Limitations, i dont have bundles of money but im not skint. i dont want to fly my bike anywhere and would prefer to leave UK on my bike, but i could be persuaded to hire/buy when i got where i was going for the right trip. I would prefer to travel in a small group (i have already convinced someone to join in). I like beer and partys so not keen on middle east or N Africa this year.

Before the nay sayers start barking about "just go" or "find it yourself", i have done that in years gone by, just looking for ideas.

Vietnam or western USA are at the front of my mind at the minute.

Oh and i ride an F800GS, do ok off road although i crash....a lot.

thanks

shad

 

[DrAlf]

Himalayas and Enfields would be on my radar as would riding to Scotland and then ferry to Iceland – although it might be a little late in the year for that. 6 weeks off? Lucky bugger! Nice decision to have to make

 

[Shadwell]

Himalayas and Enfields would be on my radar as would riding to Scotland and then ferry to Iceland – although it might be a little late in the year for that. 6 weeks off? Lucky bugger! Nice decision to have to make

Thanks Alf, Himalayas is on my mates radar to so maybe... I am lucky to get 6 weeks of, unheard of before so im going to book something before my boss freaks out

 

[follow me]

Vietnam sounds like a great idea, which I'd be up for as its on my bucket list of things to do. Sadly new house plans have scuppered any hopes for a trip this year.

Though I have plans for heading out to the Western USA next year for a couple of months.... So that may work..??

Ian

 

[Shadwell]

Vietnam sounds like a great idea, which I'd be up for as its on my bucket list of things to do. Sadly new house plans have scuppered any hopes for a trip this year.

Though I have plans for heading out to the Western USA next year for a couple of months.... So that may work..??

Ian

thanks ian,

the more i read about vietnam the more i fancy it, i suppose only time will tell. it seems pretty cheap all round, cheap flight, cheap bike and cheap accn.... what could possibly go wrong

 

[nevil280659]

x3 On the India thing

India is an absolute blast - you'll struggle to do the really high stuff much later than September as the roads tend to get closed. The foothills around Shimla are a wonderful experience and you won't get altitude sickness! Everything is pretty cheap too so your money will go a long way. English is widely spoken and the people are wonderful.

Damon and Suzie at Blazing Trails (other operators are available) will sort out a two week escorted trip or try Bulletwallahs in Dehli - they do longer term rentals 350 or 500 cc bullets. If you're looking for company, the escorted trip is a great idea - I did the high himalayas a few years ago and it was an unforgetable experience.

I remember reading an article where a guy flew to Delhi and then bought a small Hero Honda (225cc) rode it for x weeks and then flogged it before leaving for home.

Anywhay, that's my 2 pence worth, It's a lovely problem to have, you're a lucky bloke!!

Have fun and stay safe

N

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Not ridden in India but been lucky enough to have been twice. A wonderful place with the most beautiful people on God's earth.

Give it a go, I don't think you'll regret it.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

A former work colleague of mine did India's east & west coast on a hired Enfield. He had good support and assitance from the hire company and a great time on his travels.

It was also very cheap for a westener on the Sub Continent and produced thousands of photgraphs for the office slideshow.

 

[Fanum]

FWIW, given your situation as described, I'd aim for the East as well.......India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand etc.

Huge cultural differences, life and colour, not expensive like Iceland etc, something to remember for life.

 

[twizzle]

ride to Turkey..... Fantastic place, great people and far enough away to feel really different.

 

[crumbles]

Thanks Alf, Himalayas is on my mates radar to so maybe... I am lucky to get 6 weeks of, unheard of before so im going to book something before my boss freaks out

Hi,if you want some ware to base your self in Kathmandu or anybody else come to that,message me as I have friends in the Thamel area who run a hotel,they will do airport pick up for you back to their Hotel.

This one.

http://www.agoda.com/asia/nepal/kathmandu/hotel_elite.html

 

[Timolgra]

Iceland

 

[Losttheplot]

Iceland

Looking at the dates, won't there be issues with melt water coming down from the glaciers at this time of year?

Small streams become raging torrents, a major issue if your going to the interior of the country.

That said it is a totally amazing place with the hot springs (blue lagoon) and geysers, volcanoes and northern lights in the winter.

I liked it (apart from the £6/pint bit- and that was 10 years ago).

 

[Shadwell]

Thanks for all the replies guys, i did not know india was on so many peoples bucket list. i like the sound of it so ill do some investigating this week.

I think maybe buying is going to be the way and i am sure there will be plenty of choice in September.

 

[Shadwell]

ride to Turkey..... Fantastic place, great people and far enough away to feel really different.

I concur mate, rode all the way to cappadocia last year. The RR is the third one in the opening post. I used to hate the Turks being a soldier of a certain age and growing up in Germany.

But after spending time in turkey and in particular Istanbul my view has completely changed my opinion of them. They are beautiful friendly people and it is definately my intention to revisit at some point.

I want to get all the way over to Lake Van and the Iran border

 

[AberdeenAngus]

riding to Scotland and then ferry to Iceland

Not from Scotland, you won't.

 

[lost@sea]

Just a thought

How about joining one of these tours.

www.ride-lara.com

Then keep the bikes on hire and bugger of to do are own thing for an extra couple of weeks then have a few + days R&R. Bonus is we would probably get a more in depth tour, then get expert advice to do more routes.

I know it is spending more for a part trip than we would spend on a hole trip by are selfs but something different.