I knew I shouldn't have read this.......
Aha the $100 questionBrilliant ride report which I've thoroughly enjoyed reading. A question for you please Tim.
If you were to do it again would you do it on an 1150 or 1200 or something lighter like your 640 or a 690? Does the comfort on the road of the bigger bike outweigh the benefits of a smaller bike off road? I guess it depends on how much off road you do but I'm still curious especially as I rode my 690 to Mongolia over the course of 2 months via the Stans before flying it back. Cheers.
Just read through this, somewhat late for the party
I suppose I'm like many on here, a million and one reasons why I could never do such a trip, I suspect it'll be one of my great regrets when I look back.
But tremendous to read this account of a wonderful expedtion. I'm in awe.
Good to hear you enjoyed it and do understand your sentiment.
All I can say is, if anyone does find a window in their life when something seems possible, then you'll also find a million and one reasons why you must.
One the other hand looking back with regret would be harsh on yourself because as you say, there's really are often a million and one reasons you didn't or couldn't and that particular window wasn't open but others were
This ride report's been a long haul so we'll travel these last few miles with a large glass of single malt in hand.
Rick and Baz already have their tickets and been waiting at Calais for 16 hours in order we can all cross the Channel together.
Pete and I buy tickets for the same crossing and we're all directed towards the check in.
We ride where directed and board the ferry.
Upstairs on the open deck I'm waiting for Rick, who's sure to have a smoke up here.
Then Pete tells me he and I had been put on an earlier ferry, Baz's luck had struck again, we set sail leaving them in Calais.
With the white cliffs of Dover coming into view once again, we'd travelled for 3 months, passed through 22 different countries and covered 17,000 miles but most importantly had met hundreds of wonderful people.
They say travels broadens the mind.
What had I learnt?
Well, to avoid Russian truckers and Azerbaijani ommelette makers obviously!