View Full Version : Alaska to Ushuaia then Africa!! BRUM BRUM!
Hey Hey People!
Exciting times AHOY! Sam and I are planning a bit of a road trip mid/end next year which is going to be MEGA! Whoop whoop!
The plan is... Travel from the tip of Alaska alllll the way down through South America to Ushuaia then potentially flying over to South Africa and travelling up home to the UK... all on motorbikes!
Wheeee!
The only stumbling block we kind of have at the moment is that I've never ridden a motorbike before (haha!) so am kind of having to get on board quickly and get me some off roading jaunts sorted! Sam has done muchos on a bike though (travelled around the world pretty much) so I have an experienced one to help guide!
We're going to be doing it all for charity although not fully set on which ones to go for - any suggestions would be fab! We've got a meeting in the next couple of weeks with a campaign called Get On... they're very interested in following the whole thing through and have suggested filming and things too. They recently helped a load of celebrities get on bikes (people from Corrie and Blue Peter etc) so they could get them down to Africa for a Charity cause.
As we're doing it for charity, if there's anyone here that has any journalistic links to people who might be interested in doing an article over what we're doing... that would be mega helpful. That or TV/Radio links too! We want as much coverage as possible so we can raise as much wonga as we can!
So... yeh! Wheeeeeeeee! Hahaha! Can't wait! The bikes we're sorting out are KTM Enduros 690 R... should be a giggle!
Watch this space! BARM BAAAAAAAARRRRRM! ;D
Pheebs on a bike? This can only end in tears ;D
Be thankful she's not doing it on roller skates!
I shall see if I have any contacts that may be of use to you although you'll need more of a solid idea of dates/route/details before you can approach really. Am happy to write any press releases (along with the help of our guru Mei Mei)/do photos etc if you wish :)
Sounds like an amazing adventure!! Rather envious! I'll be keeping a close eye on it! :)
Hahaha! I know Desmo! It's going to be hilaaaaaaaarious! :D Can't wait though!
Bikey bikes we're getting for the trip:
http://www.phmotorcycles.co.uk/bikes/motorcycles/ktm/690_enduro_r.jpg
:D Mind we'd have to change a fair bit to get it up to speed with what we need it to do :)
Kitten - Send off date won't be set for a while yet as need to get training done and speak with the Get On people too :) The actual route is pretty much in place... we say we're thinking about Africa and the only thing that would stop us is funding... but we'll do it. I'm sure of it :D More details will follow!
Willhelm - you can always come plaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :D
If I win the lottery - I will :p
That's one heck of a journey, so I'd start with something shorter (like the UK) first. I did 3,000 miles in a coach and that was knackering enough for me - with a comfortable seat, no driving, and a suitcase! ;D
volospian
27-07-2011, 09:09
That'll be hard work... did you see that thing with Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor driving down Africa? That was a major undertaking and had teams of people smoothing the way for them.
Most of central Africa is a bad place to be. The troubles in the DRC and Sudan are having a destabalising effect on Chad. There is a major disaster happening in the horn of Africa, which covers Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia (already a danger zone). There's the conflict in Libya. The "Arab Spring" is affecting the stability of Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Egypt.
Because of the size of the DRC and the Sudan, you will have to cross at least one of those countries. If you decide to take the route that means you spend the least time in one of those countries, you'll need to travel up the west coast, and that may also mean you come close to Burkina Faso and Cote D'Ivoire.
Even those African countries that could be considered relatively stable suffer from huge amounts of lawlessness, illegal weapons, carjacking, rape, murder and so on.
As for South America.. have you thought of the Motorcycle Diaries route? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Motorcycle_Diaries_(book))
It's all about the challenge Mark, you should know by now I don't do things by halves! ;) I've a year to learn and do some practice journeys (France and Scotland will be visited!:)) plus these guys at get on are up for helping me out aaaand I have Sam as an experienced rider! Weh hey!
Will I've got a year to make up what funds are needed... It's not going to be easy!
Hey hey vol! Yeh we're aware of the problems in Africa.. these trips are never going to be particularly safe from time to time. We're waiting for this upcoming meeting to occur to sort out various ideas for routes but Sam in the meantime has started contacting motorcyclists he knows who have done the journey plus he's already done parts of north Africa! We'll be doing it proper though, don't you worry! :)
Well this sounds very you and exciting! I am glad you are finally doing what you've always wanted to do! Good luck with it all!
Can I join in that sounds awesome.
Be carefull but you should be fine, dad did England to south Africa when it was war torn in a landy. Had to spend loads of time at boarders waiting for them to reopen.
Get on your bike test and get some experience.
But to say I'm jealous is a bit of an understatement.
The Alaska - South America bit is the most appealing part of the trip for me - though some of the sights in Africa would be amazing too. You have to go and visit the active volcanoes in Africa though!!
Bump!
Well this is getting exciting now! Training wise it's looking like it will be happening either next month or November... they're wanting to complete it all within a month which means by Christmas...... BRRRUMMM BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUM!
Hahahaha!
We're definitely doing the scoot up through Africa now, followed by the Middle East then Europe to Norway and back home! We're in discussion with various companies about filming and equipment and bikes... big big big fingers crossed we can nab some freebies so we can put more to charity!
We've chosen four charities at the moment... this may wittle down but we're struggling to cut one out:
Amnesty International (they have programs all over where we're going which is mega)
World Land Trust (David Attenborough charity... number of conservation places in South America we'd like to visit and promote... go go wildlife saving goodness! WHOOP!)
Riders for Health (Charity in Africa who donate motorbikes to villages to help local people transport aid)
Local Air Ambulance (something both Sam and I support in the UK)
Can't wait. Seriously cannot wait. :D
So glad it's coming along nicely and you'll love it.
Filming as in possible tv/web show?
I vote ambulance charity. But then that attenborough one sounds like it would be more rewarding especially if your visiting some of the places.
I think we'll be supporting all four charities! And yup, possible tv stuff... kinda a bit nervous as know I will make a tit of myself on a bike and being filmed... eak!!
Heh, nevermind!
*geek mode*
Ohhh sexy biker chick on tv
As I said I'm green with envy, can't wait to see what you get up to and tv would be awesome.
Ahahahahaha!
Firstly, as opposed to tight leathers and the such, I will be in attire that is so bulky that my look and movement can only be compared to an indulgent, over eating, clumsy power ranger. With that in mind, after a long day of off roading, something tells me when I yank off my helmet my hair won't cascade down like a herbal essence waterfall, nor my skin be as radiant as the sun... I will look like a baked potato with matted hay stuck on it, complete with face creases from a snug fitting helmet!
Then... when finally out and about... after being away a few months with limited clothing, undies and 99% camping... I will be oh so glad that the internet and TV hasn't developed smell-o-vision!
A sight to behold I'm sure... but as opposed to one of "sexy" more one of comedy!
;)
We will keep all updated :)
If on your way down through the "lower 48" in the States, you will probably head almost straight down I-5 from Blaine, Washington down through Portland, Oregon. Then it will continue down through San Francisco and Los Angeles ending you up in San Diego.
But if you decide to take a slightly different route and come down I-15 through Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, please be sure to look me up. I live about 30 minutes south of Salt Lake and would be tickled pink to meet you.
If on your way down through the "lower 48" in the States, you will probably head almost straight down I-5 from Blaine, Washington down through Portland, Oregon. Then it will continue down through San Francisco and Los Angeles ending you up in San Diego.
But if you decide to take a slightly different route and come down I-15 through Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, please be sure to look me up. I live about 30 minutes south of Salt Lake and would be tickled pink to meet you.
Bumcheeks
I typed a response and it didn't post... megafluffnuggets!
Sam and I will be popping to Calgary as Sam knows a mechanic there who can service our bikes! We will then be coming down via Wyoming and then across Salt Lake City...
.... so in short... would you like two smelly visitors at some point end of next year?!! ;D We know you heart the off roading so if you're up for it we could go have a day or two of that considering you know the areas?! Whaddya say!? :D
Other news - things might be getting bigger than we expected! We knew the campaign were interested in filming our training to put snippets on websites and potentially put a bit on a tv show they're doing loads of other stuff for... but now... they're kinda looking into putting together a whole series on just Sam and I.
Blimey gov! Heh. If it pulls off (big if) it would be fantastic as it would mean more coverage for our charities and more sponsorship! The whole TV thing though... eak!
KTM is still in the running although not holding our breaths knowing how tight they can be (fingers fingers crossed). They've now thrown into the ball game BMW's and Yamaha. The Yamaha not only looks like a transformer but is a BEAST. As in... BEAST! It's heavy as. Later today we're going to go have a peak at them again in Bristol as my memory is a bit foggy over them.
KTM would be ideal, but we shall see what happens, we won't be ungrateful either way!
Will know more in 2 weeks! Whoop whoop!
I'd love to show you around a couple wheeling spots!! I know of several, and ones I don't know of my buddies in the Utah Jeep Crew will certainly know of more. Hopefully it would be early enough in the year to be able to do Skyline Drive before the snow closes it.
And as for temp roomies, I hope you're not allergic to cats...:D
[EDIT] Oh, and as for going through Calgary, wish I was heading there, too. Several of my Canadian military friends live in that area. Would be fun to see them again.
Good luck with it! All sounds very exciting :)
Kell_ee001
20-09-2011, 21:13
Glad to hear it's still all on track! :D
Isn't the Skyline Drive on the East coast? (Potentially being daft here!)
We've been watching Mondo Enduro and it's certainly getting us excited!
There's a production meeting coming up soon... will be interesting although not getting too hopeful! We'll keep you updated!
Thanks for all the comments guys, you're mega :)
I wanna come & take piccies when you set off.:D
Isn't the Skyline Drive on the East coast? (Potentially being daft here!)
I do believe there's quite a few Skyline Drives around the country. But the one here is the only one that you can see the entire Great Salt Lake from. :evil:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f319/ujc-event-picture-video-thread-1118250/
Check out post number #5 in that thread for some pics of a similar location.
Kitten - you will be more than welcome! As will everyone! It's going to be a mega set off, I canny wait!
Darrin - amazing! Looking forward to meeting you in a year and a bit! :D
Darrin - just showed Sam the pictures and he was like "OOO I wanna bike that!!" Hahahaha! So we're in but will be thrashing about on our bikeroos! :D
And I will try to keep up in my Jeep!! :D
\o/
We're having to go to a meeting next week overseas and in turn... we might be paying KTM a visit too in Austria :) Happy days!
Not much to update here... it's all a bit nuts for all the bike people at the moment as it's all the major bike shows!
Completed Theory though (huzzah!)... am waiting to go to the bike show to learn some more on bikes and then starting training by end of this month! Whoop Whoop!
Can't wait. So excited. We're starting the blog and website soon although a bit stumped for names! My bike is going to be called Hobbes (from Calvin and Hobbes) due to it being burnt orange and growly! So we're looking at Calvin and Hobbes quotes (something travelly I guess)! Anyone have any suggestions though then pop them this way! :D
T-minus 9 months and counting!
OoOOoo exciting times ahead.. .website launch this weekend (WHEEEEEEE) with twitter and bookface feeds too!
Have had some good news from our adventure suits... we're being sponsored! Wheeee! No news for the bikes until February (boo hiss boo!) but will be starting training first two weeks of Feb (wahey!)
All... is looking mega in the land of motorbiking!
:D
Good stuff, can't wait for it to begin will be following intently and with some disgust that I've never done anything like it.
It's all starting soooo soooo soon! I am *the* excited :D
Thanks Gilly! And Glaucus, you will have to post us messages whilst we're away through our webby!
Just found an amazing camera to film our riding... gobandit camera. It's brilliant... hooked up to wifi and so can do live feeds! You could see us whizzing about - live - on the poota! Haha! Hahahahaha! That... would be funny! It also transfers footage to your iphone where you can edit it before uploading to various social networks.
It's not properly released yet and I am trying to get their contact details as we would love to advertise them! Would be amazing!
LeperousDust
18-01-2012, 02:34
Soooo sooo ****ing super jealous 'mam. Sounds absolutely EPIC. I'll stop berating the gobandit camera on your facebook wall if that helps btw as well. Probably won't help if they start spying on you asking who that **** Alex is :)
Ahahahaha! I don't mind your feedback at all! It's nice there's a few more cameras out there we can apply to for sponsorship! :D And you've given me a few more suggestions too! Wheeeeeeee!
You should come for a spin!
I'd come for a spin but I'd probably be a liability ;D
ahahah!
Well we'll be doing lots of off roading if you wanna come play! :D
Del Lardo
20-01-2012, 11:12
Sounds like your planning is coming along brilliantly :thumbsup:
Certainly is! Webby will be up in next few days... Stupidly excited! To top off a good Friday I received another email with a sponsor interested in helping out with helmets! So generous! So helmets and gear for two... It's pretty exciting!
:)
A Place of Light
21-01-2012, 13:18
Good luck.
I think you're biting off more than you can chew, but then it's not my place to talk you out of it (that and you wouldn't listen anyway, lol) so I'll simply add that you should do as much research as you can.....then do some more.
What makes you say what you have? :) Sam's done this before so I have a good lead and we have the backing of Get On, Capitalize, Big Earth and possibly KTM, as well as training (to advanced level) and off road courses set... and a trip to morocco to prep for dune riding in Africa.
:)
Let me know what I've missed out!!
My only concern, which I think I've mention before, is your lack of bike experience. Training is all well and good and know Sam has the experience to hopefully guide you through, but riding a bike in varying terrain is going to be tough. Very tough. But then again you are mental so you'll probably manage just fine :D
Indeed, it's going to be tough buuuut there's lots of inspiration out there! Like one chap recently trained to do the dakar within a year of starting riding! That's nuts! But he did it! Good man!
Lots and lots of rather intense training in the next 6months... not to be taken lightly! That, coupled with fitness training and also the support of the campaigners (I am so so grateful to these groups, they're superb!)... all I need is the mental drive to get through it!
I think... mentally that's going to be the hardest part. After picking your bike up countless times riding through dunes... or getting a few miles in a day because of muddy roads and poor terrain only to end up cold and wet and in a tent... to get through that you need to have the drive and passion to keep going.
And well... I think we all know if I set my mind to a challenge I get it done and normally with a laugh and smile! We'll see how long they last on days when the bikes break down and I'm cold and wet looking like a prune! ;)
Put it like this though, if I'm not good enough by August (this is by Sams standards as well as my own and trainers we meet up with) it will be delayed...
... but that would mean fail... which I won't let happen ;)
Follow on the webby when we have it up :) You can watch us prepare for it and train! It will be funny I'm sure but you will see I am going to be taking the training super seriously :)
Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Cheeeeck me ooout!
First time on a motorbike as a non pillion! A good handful of photos and some videos too! Ahahahaha! LOVED IT! Was told I am an natural! Thank the Lord considering I'm off in 6 months with Sam :D
volospian
20-02-2012, 10:22
Grrr... I know the guys are only expressing caution and trying to keep your feet on the ground, but still.
Don't let anybody put you off. Don't believe anybody who says you cannot do this or that it will be too difficult for you. It will be no walk in the park, there's no denying that fact, but never too difficult. You know that sometimes you will have bad days. There will be days when you are caught in driving rain all day and have a bad nights sleep in a damp tent to look forward to, you will give yourself aches, cuts and bruises, you'll get angry and frustrated and there may well be times when you wonder if you can go on... but you can, because the next day, the sun will shine and the road will be clear. You'll meet interesting people, see amazing things and revel in the adventure.
And when you finish, it will be the most amazing feeling in your life. You will have done something many others barely have the confidence to even dream about. You know it will be hard, but if it wasn't hard I don't think you would be doing it. Good on you for actually doing something like this. You are an inspiration and seeing you organise this makes me believe that my own "dream" of entering La Carerra Panamericana is still possible.
Good luck, and may the road rise to meet you! :)
Grrr... I know the guys are only expressing caution and trying to keep your feet on the ground, but still.
Don't let anybody put you off. Don't believe anybody who says you cannot do this or that it will be too difficult for you. It will be no walk in the park, there's no denying that fact, but never too difficult. You know that sometimes you will have bad days. There will be days when you are caught in driving rain all day and have a bad nights sleep in a damp tent to look forward to, you will give yourself aches, cuts and bruises, you'll get angry and frustrated and there may well be times when you wonder if you can go on... but you can, because the next day, the sun will shine and the road will be clear. You'll meet interesting people, see amazing things and revel in the adventure.
And when you finish, it will be the most amazing feeling in your life. You will have done something many others barely have the confidence to even dream about. You know it will be hard, but if it wasn't hard I don't think you would be doing it. Good on you for actually doing something like this. You are an inspiration and seeing you organise this makes me believe that my own "dream" of entering La Carerra Panamericana is still possible.
Good luck, and may the road rise to meet you! :)
Great post :D
Agree though, peeps are just worried because we care!
volospian
20-02-2012, 14:05
Agree though, peeps are just worried because we care!
I know, I just didn't want Pheebs to feel that we don't believe in her ability to do this. :D
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee! Thanks Vol for the doooooo ittttttt post!
Hehehee!
I do know people voicing their concerns are because they care though and for that I am very grateful for :D
CBT tomorrow! Ahahaha! Awesome sauce! Website is stilllllllllll taking forever (it's going to be mega worth it though!) but should be operational on the diary/front page by tonight!
We've a heck of a challenge financially in front of us. Convinced we can do it but it's not going to be easy :)
Really excited now! Will post more!
I think Pheebs can do whatever she puts her mind to. I pity the fool who says otherwise :D
Sent from my Galaxy S2
I say... to all those who think we can't do it... a fiver to each of our charities and a pint on our return! :D Whaddya say people?!
;D
My Dads mate did a trip last year. Over 2 months he did 13,000 miles went through 2 sets tyres, 850 litres fuel (60p a litre, but not always good) and 2 chains.
There were crap days biking on 'roads' like this:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/Muban/boatdrink/P1010509.jpg
But there were great days too when they got to see amazing sights. Sometimes like this:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/Muban/boatdrink/P1010432.jpg
He had the trip of a lifetime and I know you guys will get to experience that too. Awesomeness :D
Wow that horse would make lorry sized metal poops! Ha!
You know I'll probably regret saying this but I'm excited about the hard bits with mud and obstacles! Cannot wait to do off road training!!
First things first, cbt tomorrow!!
volospian
21-02-2012, 09:21
Good luck with the CBT!!
That horse is ludicrous!! But magnificent. hope it goes well Peebee.
volospian
22-02-2012, 14:39
You passed? Woohoo!!
iirc it's not a test, you do the day and you're certified :)
but yes, wooooooo!
Sent from my Galaxy S2
volospian
22-02-2012, 15:36
Ah, right. I assumed you had to do some kind of test thing. I know nothing about bikes :D
You just ride about for a bit and you get a certificate.
The only way to fail is kee going through red lights or something. You just keep riding about till they deem you component or you run out of time. I only know one person to fail went through red lights and cut a lorry up badly.
Still well done.
Cheeky update from another forum I am posting on... :)
As some of you have seen... we PASSED! Hoorah! It was a bit of a damp and dull day heading over to Swansea and I was awash with sleepiness, nerves, want-for-a-pancake (shrove tuesday) but it was a lovely day all the same!
Smart Motorcycle Training (http://www.smart-training-swansea.co.uk/) in Swansea were phenomenal. Ianto, who we have met a few times before, cracked me up so much throughout the day! He really knew how to blow away the nerves! With very clear, concise and simple instructions the guy was full of beans and keeping us on our toes all day!
As I had the Get On hour on the friday previous I felt a little bit more confident in what I was doing but the thought of pootling along on the open roads amidst traffic didn't half put the heebie jeebies up me! Ianto managed to build my confidence though and with Sam pootpootling along aside me in the car park I was more than happy!
We made our way out onto the road and things seemed much easier gear changing than they had in the car park... I'm guessing this was due to more room for acceleration and movement! I was constantly chatting away to myself in my helmet though reminding myself of the actions (alongside Ianto talking to me all the time on the comms... he was such as star at reassuring me, such an absolute star).
I did, however, manage to stall three times on my first roundabout...
First Stall... Me: "Oh Bugger bum poop and fudge... right... must be the nerves... start her back up again... brumm"
Second Stall... Me: "Seriously!?!? Seriously! Maybe too much clutch again!?"
Third Stall... Me: "Whaaaaaaat the MONKEYS is going on!?! Getting biting point... accelerating enough... why?! WHY!? I need to get my butt into gear.. oh. Oh hang on... gear. FUDGE I've been sat in second! YOU PRATT SOUTHERN!"
Hahahaha! I felt like such a muppet! I think that was probably my only major glitch (on the busiest roundabout in history too... what a nincompoop!) I did have the odd boshing the gear into neutral as opposed to second but after an hour or so out I was much much smoother!
Sam had a good day too! He enjoyed being back on a bike as it's been a while! He found it odd having to do exaggerated movements to check mirrors so the instructor could read what you were doing but other than that (and finding it odd not to stand up over humps... he's used to off roading in his KTM 990 Adventure) he loved it! I did think he might find it all a bit tedious seeing as he's ridden for 8 years and done half way rtw already... but Ianto and the team made it interesting enough for us both which was awesome of them! Sam was nervous though about not passing! I guess the pressure is on when you have an expectation of 8 years riding! Curse Dubai licence and being unable to transfer!
Anyway, I yabber on! A wet sticky-rain day but a great one all the same! Am still smiling now and excited about Mod 1 (although remain nervous in a good way!) Our first big step though... :D
Some piccies of the day for you:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qgAZGmD0nlI/T0VnHCgN5wI/AAAAAAAAA1A/81_KHFWveGg/s648/Ianto+and+Clare+-+Smiles+at+the+beginning%21.jpg
Ianto, my Welsh instructor from Smart Motorcycle Training in Swansea and I outside prior to the day starting!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9RdJxayRkJQ/T0Vm4DFZA_I/AAAAAAAAA1A/2TK-wYuLKa8/s648/IMG_0605.jpg
Me riding into a container! Haha! I did manage to turn... it's just the way the pic looks! Honest gov!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDGzdISluBc/T0Vm5Nmlt8I/AAAAAAAAA1A/ByhHtMv1sio/s648/IMG_0614.jpg
Both Sam and I on the bikes! Couldn't be a happier duo!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1EDNEAzR5ec/T0Vm9UoJ5yI/AAAAAAAAA1A/ZfC_lAwjS-8/s543/IMG_0616.jpg
We'd just gone out on the roads for our first ride about and had stopped for a warming cuppa! I was only just properly settling in and eager to jump back on asap!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GS6cX8pT-Rk/T0VnCKO8ZMI/AAAAAAAAA1A/8JhzfnLZNOQ/s543/IMG_0620.jpg
POOCH giving Sam and snog! Chris - another Smart Motorcycle Swansea Instructor - had a beauuuuuuuuuutiful malamute husky pooch! He was ENORMOUS but stupid friendly! Absolutely adorable hunky man of fluff!
The website is due to be launched over the weekend where there will be much more information about the day and what we're doing/riding/gear etc so please take a look in the future at www.chasinghorizons.co.uk
In the meantime, you can see more piccies and videos here: Chasing Horizons Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769) and regular updates on Twitter - Chasing Horizons. (https://twitter.com/#!/ChasingHorizon) Please pop on and take a goosey goosey gander at our frollickings! We'd love to see people on there :) Thank you so much for all your support and well wishes!
NB You can fail... if the driving school is good and they think you're a danger they *should* fail you. Many don't... the reason I like this school so much is because they will fail you (ex coppers so they've seen plenty enough accidents in their time to not want to be responsible for people who are not good enough out on the roads!)
:D
Psymonkee
23-02-2012, 15:04
Wahey :D
Massive dog! :D
Bit of a generic post here... sorry :( But if you've seen my twitter and facebook etc Sam and I have been up to 4am 5am in the morning working on the below so considering it's near 3am I am SHAFTED! ;D Hahaha!
Please those guys, let us know what you think of the site! We love it :D
www.chasinghorizons.co.uk
HOORAH!
The website is up and running! Sam and I are really chuffed it’s *finally* made it to the wonderful world of the interweb! Due to minor glitches here and there, it’s been slightly delayed in coming but we pulled off a few all nighters, drank ourselves a high sharehold of caffeine and VOILA! We’re off!
We’re awaiting on the arrival of some gear before we put the details up in the gear section… not long though (I cannot tell you how excited we are about this!) There will be reviews of Rukkas Arma S and Rukkas Armiinas suits as well as the X Lite 551 helmets so keep watching and let us know if there’s any details you’d like us to particularly look at with regards to the items! As for the bikes… we’re nervously awaiting some news and will be putting more details up in the next couple of weeks.
Please do go have a snoop about and feel free to make comments! If you have any feedback or questions you’d like us to answer in our FAQ section please ping us an email or post in the thread :) We'll respond as soon as we can!
sayhello@chasinghorizons.co.uk
If you fancy it, jump onboard the twitter and facebook pages – all updates of piccies/videos and blogs can be pinged to you wherever you are!
Chasing Horizons Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Chasing Horizons Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/search/chasinghorizon)
LeperousDust
28-02-2012, 04:09
Well done for giving it all a web-face :D
volospian
28-02-2012, 09:09
Nice site! The only issue is that the scrolling message seems to cut itself off in mid scroll. Apart from that, it's looking fantastic!:D
Pumpkinstew
28-02-2012, 14:41
Love how the site is looking :)
Was looking at your route and spotted the Darien Gap map pin claims to be in Alaska.
... and that you're going through Syria?
Vol - what browser are you using! Will check into that!!
Stewbie - hahahaha yeh Sam noticed that earlier re Alaska! Funny funny ;D We will change it asap :) Yup... at the moment through Syria :) It obviously all depends on the political climate when we are in certain countries... the route may change! But that's our route to date! :D
Thanks for the responses guys, much appreciated :)
volospian
28-02-2012, 21:08
Vol - what browser are you using! Will check into that!!
)
Dunno, ie8 I think...
Hiya, had a look - unsure about the use of some apostrophes throughout the copy (seems to be some confusion with possession) as they don't read quite right in some cases but the big confusion I've got is that if I click on any link that you post which takes me to the /charities page, that just opens up Google Maps with pins in Weston Super Mare FC, I can't get to any other page via the links from facebook, it just launches all the time. This is on the iPad. :)
Other than that, looking great!
Love the site... will go through it in more depth later :)
BB x
Ahh we did type articles at like... 3am in the morning ;D Hahaha! I won't be editing them though as to be fair, I should imagine it's going to be a bit rough around the edges with us travelling and being exhausted when we do them! Hopefully it will add to the charm :D
As for the charities... we've tested a few times now and it's working :/ Not sure why it's happening for you :(
Going to speak to developer on Friday and ask them to double check!
Mei - thank you :D
I can video it on my phone if you like and you can show them what's happening. Very bizzare. The places on it are places you've pinned, and I've never been there so the info's got to be coming from your end somewhere *fnar*
Re: apostrophe et al, I wouldn't worry, as you say you're going to be writing on the hop so that'll be the last thing people are bothered about :D
That is really odd!! Unfortunately my developer isn't going to be about until probably Friday :( But if you could video it that would be amazing as it means I can send it direct to him in hope he can fix it earlier!
Does it happen with all links? Ie:
www.chasinghorizons.co.uk
www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/route/
www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/downloads/
Thanks so much for your help and pointing this out :) We don't have all the technology to test so rely on feedback :D
they all work fine..will video & upload for you!
Maybe it's just through Facebook then?!
Wow! Where is that horse Mubs?
BB x
Maybe it's just through Facebook then?!
Perhaps. But it's the /charities link that's the problem ..will try the others tomorrow & from PC, see what happens
volospian
01-03-2012, 09:05
Wow! Where is that horse Mubs?
BB x
It's the statue of Ghengis Khan, somewhere near Ulan Bator... I think:)
Yup, it's the Ghengis Khan equestrian statue at Tsonjin Boldor. Linky (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03genghis.html) :)
Sooooo... today we were practising the mod 1 test and I was doing mega up until the point I decided to take the swerve test at 30mph... but on my arse as opposed to on the bike!
What a muppet! Wasn't having any problems and just needed to bring my speed up slightly. Chris told me to release the throttle once through the speed trap so when I headed back round, I concerned myself more with the speed and upon bopping through the speed trap my head went blank other than "I need to slow down now... Ooo look I'm heading right for the cones.. Ooh lets brake... wham bam thank you ma'am wheee I'm on my butt!"
Not the brightest of things but I tell you what... so happy I've thrown myself off a bike in a controlled area and now know what it feels like and what I did wrong/how I could have avoided it. Better now than on the road. Despite dented pride, thwacked headlamp and bruised hip and knee... I did manage to get back on and do it again to a pass standard although it took me a couple of runs to get the speed and confidence back up.
Such a bummer as I was doing really well with the whole test and my ride around day on Friday was spot on and included plenty of dodging pot holes at speed, steep turns and control!
Never mind, onwards and upwards! I'm sure there will be more incidents in the future (off roading specifically in mind here!) so I'll take it on the chin (and knee... and hip), learn from it and move forward!
Test on Wednesday... will try my best not to do any sideways manoeuvres!
Absolutely right, s/father always says is better to learn to fall than learn to ride.
Glad you're ok, sure you'll bounce back quickly!
Bit of a bummer, but as said you'll bounce back and be fine.
Had several comings off in my first year all down to me and not involving anyone else.
Well other than the day before my first test when a stupid **** went though a red light and I went over her roof, failed the test the next day for hesitation, as a lorry flashed me, to let me out a junction.
Seems a little harsh you were failed for hesitation :( Boo hiss!
Been off the radar for a week or so due to training and working our socks off!
The training so far has been superb! The team at Smart Motorcycle Training have said I am a natural (oo la la!) however, I made a superb fluff up and decided it would be a stupendous idea to throw myself round some cones on my derriere at 30mph as opposed to the bike! Not my finest moment but fortunately in a controlled environment. It served as a good lesson of what to do when you hit something small (... e.g. not brake when on top of it! I'll only end up on my butt!)!
So I have encountered my first tumble (of which I am sure there will be many when the off roading courses take place) and despite being a bit bumped and bruised, all is good!
We've now had our Module 1 tests too... and passed! Weh hey! Here are a few of the clips from the day...
Sam starting up for his Module 1 Test featuring Ianto our nutty Instructor!
MKUQMYbLH-o
I was slightly nervous here after throwing myself off the bike during the practice swerve test a week and a half prior:
RkXVT0Vr1MA
Sams awesomely controlled slalom and figure of 8... a little too tight though for Iantos nerves!
c4q1Wl44CsM
Celebrations and mickey taking... Having passed with no minors and Sam with two (one due to forgetting rear observation and the other for riding too slow... when doing the slow riding section of the exam!) It's probably going to be the only chance I will have one up on him when riding so I relished the opportunity whilst it lasted!
Qy6dS7t7tbM
We now have a nice Sunday ride planned this weekend and then will be out on Module 2 on Monday! Feeling a bit more relaxed about this one... Module 1 just felt so sterile being in a playground like fenced off area! Still a wee bit apprehensive but fingers crossed eh!
Lots more vids, pics and diary entries below:
Chasing Horizons Webby (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/diary/)
Facebook Chasing Horizons (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Chasing Horizons Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/ChasingHorizon)
If you get the opportunity, any "likes" on our Facebook page would be massively appreciated!
Cheers guys and girls! Looking forward to joining you all soon on the road!! :D
Module 2 done and passed!! New diary posts and pics here:
Our Diary (http://WWW.chasinghorizons.co.UK/diary)
Be warned, it contains miserable people and cursing!! ;)
WHEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! :D :D :D
We received this parcel yester:
http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/March2012Package2.jpg
.... packed full of our kit!! Beautiful Rukka gear (Armas and Arminnas Jackets and Trousers!)
Super dooper chuffed and happy! Will be doing reviews on them a bit later today with videos and piccies so watch this space!! Also had confirmation our helmets will be sent out in the next 2 weeks and had the start of all the PR kicking off with a couple of press releases (May is going to be mental with magazines / events and press stuff!)
http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Scan.jpeg
It's all becoming quite real now! Only 4.5months to go.... and having to wait another couple/few weeks for bikes! Exciting!
Anyone interested in kit reviews on the RUKKA Armas and RUKKA Armiina you can read and watch videos here: http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/clothing/
Loving our new kit! It's mega :D :D Looksy look look:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L_XJa94IDOQ/T5HI1X9wjdI/AAAAAAAABCw/DFxaZI4jCPM/s600/Clare-Rukka-Armiina2.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0hZbs8vZkiQ/T5HI2uynA7I/AAAAAAAABC0/oeHxdXht2bg/s600/Sam-Cheesy-Grin-Rukka2.jpg
\o/
Bikes coming first week of May :D
YEeeeehAAAA!
Wow! It's all becoming so much more real! How exciting!
Yay! But you didn't post Sams 'best' picture ;)
A wee update (or a mahoosive one!)!
Well. As said the past few weeks have been manic. I cannot explain how hard it is to juggle the amount of calls and arrangements we have been needing to make! Here's a shortened list of all we have been doing:
Sorting out medical side of things (details to come soon as jabs etc are in a couple of months)
Figuring out exactly what gear we need... then revisiting this list and reducing it down again... and then doing that again (we have to travel light and budget)... and then finding where we can get them at the best price ... then revisit the list again! You get the general idea ;)
Sourcing bikes.We've been dangled a carrot for a deal with regards to a couple of bikes but this has been going on now for over 6months and we finally had to make a decision and go elsewhere. If anyone does this kind of thing, make sure you have an earlier deadline and aren't such suckers for marketing spiel... 3months before is pushing it a bit!! Especially for me seeing as I've only been on a bike 7 times!
With regards to bikes, sorting out what adaptions we need to make. Once again, making a list, revisiting, finding where we can source them at what price, finding costs for anything that needs to be fitted by mechanics, revisit lists etc.
Liaising with our Charities! Yeh we've been greedy in having three but they're all so superb and cover all expanses of our challenge so we're mega happy to be supporting all of them! But sorting out things for events so leaflets, posters, shaky tins, handouts etc as well as press opportunities is quite a handful!
Sorting out event bits and bobs. Where on EARTH do you find two mannequins for example!! Haha! Luckily TranAm have leant us a couple which are standing in our dining room (scared the Be'jesus out of me when I came downstairs the following morning! Hahaha!) Display boards, transport, storage of things, gazebos, tables, chairs, bikes, maps etc etc.
Arranging all the PR. So much going on here and it's all about to kick off! So constant phone calls and emails to various media connections.
Sorting out website bits, conducting *previews* arranging for kit and gear delivery, taking photos, blogging etc. Hours of fun here!
Insurance... with Sam having a "new" license again this has been a right pain in the bum but eventually Bike Sure have come back and helped us out massively with insurance! As we only need it for a few months before we hit Canada and then back in Europe we were struggling to find anyone who would help us out (it was all year insurance deals etc). Can't sing Bike Sures praises enough here and super quick/friendly :)
Building garages to home our bikes-to-be! We built one a few months back but had COUNTLESS problems with the roof (never EVER buy from Gardens Building Direct! Utter tripe customer service and poor quality stuff!) so today have spent the day outside replacing it! Lush!
Finishing off the house and preparing it for renting out. Only odds and sods left but they all take up hours at a time (gravelling the front garden, fixing a couple of doors, painting the outside wall, emptying the house of junk etc)
Sounds daft... but seeing friends and family. We have only 3months and a bit left. With such a lot going on all the time we're trying to fit everyone we know and love in before we head off. We will have a launch party but it's just nice to catch up before hand!
Working! We have to do our own work too so whilst all the above is happening we're working through the evenings and nights to get projects done and dusted!
Finding time for us! Not happening much! But we're trying to switch off and do non-bike-challenge-related-things too from time to time!
Annnd... I think that's about it! Each item is simple enough to deal with one or two at a time but we are constantly juggling phone calls, emails, running to and from locations, tools, more phone calls, emails, collections, events, geeking out on blogs and internet, reviews, photos, crunching figures, researching, visiting people, docs, working, trying to sleep, phone calls etc!
Admittedly last Monday I had a major down day. After 6 months of speaking with people who would constantly promise returned calls and emails... no one was answering their phones and if they were they were being rude:
"I'm sorry they're not available"
"They're away from their desk"
"They're in a meeting... and I don't know how long the meeting will be, want me to put you through to voicemail?"
"Oh they're away now for two weeks, can it wait?"
"I'll just put you through *beep beep...... beep beep.... beep beep* *line cuts out*"
"If you leave a message they'll get back to you"
"I don't have an answer yet. I'll let you know next week."
The thing is... with regards to some of the calls I have been making I don't mind if people just are honest and say "we can't help you" or "we're not interested" etc... that's great for Sam and I as it means we then can focus on different avenues. But to have people say to us "Amazing great, that's superb, we love the idea, we'd love to help, leave it with us and we'll get back to you this week..." and then that rolls on to two weeks... then a month... then they're away... then they don't take calls... then they're interested and will finalise details... then no response... then no answers.... it's a complete mind mash.
So last Monday I just burst into tears! The above, combined with being shattered and also still suffering from a knee injury so unable to exercise and feeling like a fatty... I just broke! I officially had given up! I felt horrendous as I could see no way of doing the challenge, monetary wise or physically and what's more I had been rejected by all contacts all day. Worse of all though.. I felt that if I couldn't pull myself together I would be letting so many people down, namely our charities.
Sam was such a sweetie though. After cuddles and tea I was sent to wake up with a shower for my frazzled bed hair (getting changed in the morning has not been happening lately due to so much being on!! It's a case of fall out of bed, make porridge, drink tea whilst checking emails, get out note book of godliness and calendar, start organising, emailing, calling and working!) He then took me outside to DIY... probably one of my favourite past times!! Granted... it started raining and thundering (cue us holding up our rakes and shovels cheering... probably not the wisest of ideas )... but it was lovely and he picked me back up!
Tuesday Sam took on various phone calls and we made some executive decisions and by Thursday the bikes had been sorted for pick up in a weeks time, various kit arranged, insurance done, event organising all organised, mannequins collected, parcels received and picked up and work completed.
Not only that but we have had some LOVELY phone calls and support from friends, charities and sponsors this week which has really helped to pick me up.
So!
Next week... we get the bikes!! I cannot wait, I am so relieved it's all coming together now and feel we can really get moving! We *can* do this challenge! So far, so good! Last week, yeh I had a blip but I'm back and with a vengeance! We're a little short for time but by heck, if I have anything to do with it we will make the date and we will do all we can to raise as much monies and awareness for all our charities!
Wheeeee!
Right.. time for a glass of wine me thinks
Good on you girly. Sounds like you're back in the saddle x
Glad things are moving again. I just don't think I'd have the determination and drive to attempt what you're doing. I'd loose heart far too easily. You seem to be getting there by hook or by crook though. Fingers crossed for a good week next week :)
x
Wow we’ve had a mad mad few weeks! Updates below!
New Bikes!
Finally! Sam and I managed to lay our hands on these two beautiful KTM 690 Enduro R 690’s!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R2rbDUmP6r0/T7LmR-YqzwI/AAAAAAAABEQ/YBRsW_ghw40/s960/New-Bikes%21.jpg
Lovingly named Calvin and Hobbes we’ve been grinning ear to ear... well I have been... Sam on the other hand has been a sad sad bunny as his bike kept going *POP* detaching the throttle body detached from the Engine!
Since having it new... he’s ridden the bike a total of 5 times and 4 of those occasions we ended up broken down at the side of the road! Once we managed to catch on camera... and luckily in the dealers car park too! Weh hey!
Q9MCQA3JhxA
After weeks of problems and the technicians at Fowlers (our dealership) not having a clue what is wrong with the bike... we’re now awaiting a brand new one! Fowlers have been mega and helped out as much as they can... the duff bike is currently with KTM who are trying to figure out why it keeps happening, when we find out more we’ll let you know!
For a more in depth story about what’s happened including videos and pictures take a look at our blog post here (and sign up to our facebook! We’re always updating with news and competitions and all sorts!)
Stop - Hammer Time Blog (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/stop-hammer-time/)
Sam’s Bikes Final Kaputt (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/update-sams-bikes-final-kaputt/)
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Touratech:
Amidst all the above we took time out to pop along to the Touratech Adventure Travel Weekend to hold a charity stand and met some STUPENDOUSLY awesome people (including Sam Manicom, Caroline Taylor (the resident Doc for Nick Sanders Expeditions), Nathan who nuttily rode a 50cc back from the land of Oz in flip flops, Andreas Hülsmann a journalist and photographer (thanks for the tips on the D200!!) and so many more adventure riders (Jason, Lisa, Jon, Charlie, Kim, Rod, Craig, Barbara, Louise, Alec are just a few!).
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UXYCVu7trWY/T7T5zrR3yrI/AAAAAAAABJc/Mp92HpwDI94/s800/Touratech+Stand+Ta+Da.jpg
We learned so so much! SO much! Not only that but we had a tremendous time charity raising, so many people donated to the Wales Air Ambulance, Riders for Health and World Land Trust and everyone was keen in taking part in Guess the Weight of the Cake:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wfa2-G0VfBc/T7T53MnQZdI/AAAAAAAABJ0/_9KrsiDTgmw/s1023/WAA-Cake-Front.jpg
The winner was Mister Jason Spafford who guessed the closest to the whopping weight of 6.83kg!
So much happened and there’s a diary post to the day here if you want a proper read but such a great weekend!
Touratech Adventure Travel Event 2012 Blog (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/touratech-adventure-travel-event-2012/)
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Birthday Biking Surprises:
I managed to have the most tremendous birthday ever! Not only was it a gorgeous day, but we had the fun of tootling out and about on the bikes (Sam at the time had a courtesy bike of a KTM 990 SMT which was beautiful!)
When stopped off at our favourite lake (Blagdon) we took pew on a log in a nearby shaded wooded area to cool down.... when Sam completely threw me and popped the question! All caught on camera too as we were testing the Contour ROAM cameras we had :) Needless to say I said yes!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lwnZDwvSXvE/T8kELaYFLLI/AAAAAAAABKw/Z-iQOtOBHtc/s900/Engaged.jpg
The blog post for this is below:
Birthday Biking and Muddy Knees (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/birthday-biking-and-muddy-knees/)
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
So yeh! It’s all super busy! We’re currently sorting out our off road courses, are getting in all the kit for the bikes, have a couple of events to pop to and lots of people to meet up with before we head off... hopefully from the Travel Adventure Film Festival in Sherborne (that’s another story... randomly meeting Austin Vince and having a BBQ with him and a fellow biking friend who is also doing a mammoth RTW trip! Nuts!)
We have previews and reviews coming up on various items (including the Contour ROAM and XLite X551) and our website is bulking out with more and more details on gear, bikes, press and all sorts so do visit!
All go go go but all good good good! Not long now!
Once again, please please please if you get the opportunity “like” our facebook page as the more likes we get, the more moolah we will be getting for our charities from our sponsors! Yaaaay for charities! :D
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Yay more updates \o/, all looking good.
And congrats!
Thanks dudey!
Loads more updates on site... and also the following:
Hey guys!
Quick update here!
Bikey Mc Bikes:
Sam’s new bike (Stimpy) has arrived and is being a good little bike unlike his last one who’s throttle body kept popping off the engine! After happening 4 times, Fowlers swapped the bikes out which was mega by us! Still no news from KTM as to what was actually wrong with his bike… seems to be a bit of an enigma… when we find out we’ll let you know!
Diary Update Link and Video: Sams Kaputt Bike (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/update-sams-bikes-final-kaputt/)
Facebook Link (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Day of Champions 2012 (MotoGP) Riders for Health:
Sam and I were invited up to the Day of Champions which was just incredibly superb fun! We met so many people from all over, did a little interview on their MASSIVE stage, saw lots of famous people (see video below… if anyone knows who the devil they are do let us know! We caught the Ride in too so hello to all those on the video!) and generally had a great day!
uWnmThxlGcY
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1EWML5R-7wc/T-olR-FWavI/AAAAAAAABNs/_GvvggLZJRg/s1176/Day-of-Champions-Parked-Up.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jylqz3UATN0/T-oliiKA_tI/AAAAAAAABOk/NzxhlWjg5oI/s900/DSC_0102.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QntmGJ540OU/T-oluADxsxI/AAAAAAAABOk/D8QciEuBK40/s1176/ss11.jpg
Youtube Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWnmThxlGcY)
Diary Update Link - Day of Champions 2012 (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/day-of-champions-2012-riders-4-health/)
Facebook Link (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Off Road Training:
Well… after 16 times on a motorbike (including my tests) I was thrown in at the deep end and went on a stupendous off road training day with Wheeldon Training in Devon! Never have I had so much fun! Despite a number of offs (mainly when stopped funnily enough) I loved it and learned so much! The team down there are amazing too… managed to cater for both Sam (8 years of riding – off roading and rallies) and me all in one! Videos to come… watch this space!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-leKrI4hZwm0/T-olsg189nI/AAAAAAAABOk/_owOZWIzcCQ/s1176/clare.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ava18FdAOhk/T-olk2qCmMI/AAAAAAAABOk/gfv1_S8YJgM/s800/jump1.jpg
Facebook Link (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769)
Thanks for all your ongoing support guys and girls! We super appreciate it :)
Psymonkee
26-06-2012, 23:56
^^^ I believe I can fly! :D
Hehehe! I think in one of the videos I filmed off roading I manage to get air and you can hear a muffled "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" in the background ;D Sam flew LOTS that day! :D
Kitten - fankoo! Toying with new camera so not quite used to it's settings but getting used to it slowly!
Meet Fluffy, the most STUPENDOUS awesome mega of boots in the whole entire universe.
WARNING: Do NOT look at picture below should you be epileptic.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bn_YFjjM1fU/T-36dth46FI/AAAAAAAABP0/vuoE8XflgMM/s318/MEGASTUPENDOUSAWESOMEBOOTSOFJOY.jpg
Oh and meet my cookie monster pants (well their my mans but I nicked them as I love them too). God Damn It. I am one mega fashion guru!
We've just had new akrapovic exhausts fitted which sound like BOOOM! Feel free to follow our trip here: Chasing Horizons Bookface (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Horizons/364291010263769) or read here: http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk
Today's getting a bit too much for me. I'm overloading on joy it's like Christmas. Exhausts, Fluffy, Scala Headset, new sprockets, screen and new episode of The Walking Dead on Steam to download... I may just explode.
Some more updates for you!
Lady love bits causing delays!
Sam and I have had a bit of a set back but nothing we cannot get past! From a recent smear test... (why do they call it this?! They should make it sound more fluffy! Foof test. That'd be better!)... I had some results back flagging up some cellular changes. Due to the level of change it is looking like I will have to have a minor op which despite being a day in-and-out experience will mean we cannot travel for 4-6 weeks after (it invalidates our travel health insurance)! This then easily drifts past our leaving date of the 20th August 2012!
Despite this being a bit of a pain in the nether regions (excuse the pun), we're glad it's something that has been spotted now and can be easily resolved! It just means a little bit of fudging with routes and leaving dates!
For all ladies out there may I big up foof checks once in a while in case things like this do crop up! Please please make sure you or your partners make these appointments... as manky as they are it's always an excuse for a glass/bottle of wine and some pampering afterwards and saves on any problems at a later date!
New Route:
Right. So due to the above our route is needing a little bit of a rework. If we were to leave in September / October time to Canada and then Alaska we’re looking at minus 20’s if not colder (it’s already snowing apparently in Alaska! Haha!). Naturally this means it will be at the most barely passable on bikes!
With a good excuse for a bottle of wine and some good om nom food Sam and I sat down with our world map and various annual climate charts and had a ponder. We’re now thinking if it is… worse case scenario… November / December time East and West is out… but Australia and Asia isn’t! Our current musings (only rough estimations on worse case scenarios!):
November / December : Australia
December / January / February / March: Australia and Asia island hopping (perhaps Japan)
April / May: New Zealand
June / July / Mid August: Alaska / Canada – Toronto / Back via top end of America
August / September / October: West Coast America / Central America
November / December / January: West Coast South America to tip then to Buenos Aires
February / March: South Africa
April / May / June: East Coast of Africa
July / August: Middle East and Europe
September: Europe - Home
If anyone has any ideas or thinks of a different route (which includes South America and Africa as it’s where our charities have projects) for a start date of November / December then let us know your thoughts!
Bike News:
Things are going stupendously with the bikes! With a big thanks to Fowlers Sams KTM has been replaced with a new one which means no more throttle body popping off! We are upgrading the bikes in the next few weeks which is super exciting we're just awaiting some quotes and time scales!
Riding wise, we are certainly getting much practice in! As above we had a day with Wheeldon Off Road school who not only helped tweak Sams riding but managed to get me going sideways and catching air! The basics are slowly sinking in and even though lately a few Green Laning expeditions have meant I have felt the need to hug the Earth a fair few times after sliding through mud, grass and ruts, we are loving every moment of it!
HJLXju0ejRw
Events and Fun:
As it's now looking like we'll be kicking around for a few extra months it means we can attend more events and do promotional work all round! Let us know if there's anything we can join in and help out with!
LeperousDust
19-07-2012, 20:23
I won't lie, I haven't read a single thing you've said in this post, BUT I did watch the video ;D:D. It looks super amazing fun!
Haha, brilliant video!! :) Perfect music too.
Sounds like you are definitely doing the right thing by delaying your plans and changing your route. Hope everything goes well with the foof op Clare xxx
volospian
20-07-2012, 08:30
November / December : Australia
December / January / February / March: Australia and Asia island hopping (perhaps Japan)
April / May: New Zealand
June / July / Mid August: Alaska / Canada – Toronto / Back via top end of America
August / September / October: West Coast America / Central America
November / December / January: West Coast South America to tip then to Buenos Aires
February / March: South Africa
April / May / June: East Coast of Africa
July / August: Middle East and Europe
September: Europe - Home
If anyone has any ideas or thinks of a different route (which includes South America and Africa as it’s where our charities have projects) for a start date of November / December then let us know your thoughts!
Won't Japan be bad as well in early spring? It's fairly high in the northern hemisphere. Also, why go to australia, head up to japan, then go back down to New Zealand and back up to alaska and canada? Wouldn't it be better to start in NZ, then go to Australia, island hop onto the asian mainland, head up the east coast of asia, across into Japan and then cross into Alaska from there?
I won't lie, I haven't read a single thing you've said in this post, BUT I did watch the video ;D:D. It looks super amazing fun!
For this I heart you :D More vids to come!
Haha, brilliant video!! :) Perfect music too.
Sounds like you are definitely doing the right thing by delaying your plans and changing your route. Hope everything goes well with the foof op Clare xxx
Fankoo! All will be mega!
Won't Japan be bad as well in early spring? It's fairly high in the northern hemisphere. Also, why go to australia, head up to japan, then go back down to New Zealand and back up to alaska and canada? Wouldn't it be better to start in NZ, then go to Australia, island hop onto the asian mainland, head up the east coast of asia, across into Japan and then cross into Alaska from there?
Ignore me, I didn't have my map in front of me and my idea of the world is a bit upside down! We would do it the way you have said :D Sam laughed at me when I read the route out! Haha!
/Muppet
Great vid, that corner looked really hard. But you do fall rather gracefully, that's important. :p
Hope all goes ok with the op, at least it gives you more time to play with the bikes and stuff.
Wee update from us here in... kinda sunny UK!
Medical:
Good news AHOY! After a few more meetings with the Docs we finally had a letter come through confirming that I have the all clear and do not require an op! Despite the fact it was only a minor op I was still not looking forward to the potential of it so am SUPER happy at this news!! I’m still sad we had to delay things because of all the above shenanigans but it’s best to be safe than sorry. Big thank you to my lovely hubby to be for being super supportive :)
Bad news though... we need to have pretty much every jab going for where we’re heading!! BOO HISS! Lists to be posted on the webby soon :)
Route:
After talking through various routes and looking closely at time scales, our route has changed for the last time! We’ve decided to chase the weather... always a plan batman!
So leaving around 20th - 24th November (date to be confirmed in next 2 weeks!) here goes:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TenLg2AkqlA/UEIYZniY0jI/AAAAAAAABWs/wqxoQqkaEuI/s580/MapRoute.jpg
EUROPE (November 2012)
UK – FRANCE – SWITZERLAND - ITALY
NORTH AFRICA (December 2013)
TUNISIA – LIBIYA – EGYPT
EAST AFRICA (January - March 2013)
SUDAN – ETHIOPIA – KENYA - TANZANIA – MALAWI
SOUTHERN AFRICA (March - May 2013)
ZAMBIA – BOTSWANA – NAMIBIA – SOUTH AFRICA (CAPE L’AGULHAS)
NORTH AMERICA (May - September 2013)
CANADA (TRANSLABRADOR HIGHWAY) – ALASKA (PRUDOE BAY) – U.S.A – MEXICO
CENTRAL AMERICA (September - October 2013)
BELIZE – GUATEMALA – HONDURAS – NICARAGUA – COSTA RICA - PANAMA (DARIEN GAP)
SOUTH AMERICA (October 2013 - January 2014)
COLUMBIA – EQUADOR – PERU – BOLIVIA – CHILE – ARGENTINA (USHUAIA)
Depending on monies and times, we are then considering routing back through Australia, Asia, Middle East, Europe and Home!
Training and Riding:
I recently had the absolute pleasure to do some more off road training with Black Desert in Wales (Tamsin and Craig). There’s a video coming soon of this and a write up... (lots of falling off, skidding, laughing and general fun!) I will post back when it’s up!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DLjA3R6REK4/UEIYaswEaoI/AAAAAAAABWw/1n3JPEyZJLE/s900/Tamsin.jpg
Tamsin Demonstrating AWESOME riding skills!
Kitting out the bikes:
Having spent months researching kits and tanks and upgrades for the bikes we finally found a kit that ticked all those boxes and made Sam go weak in the knees! In 2 weeks time we’re heading out to Switzerland to have both our kits decked out by KTM Basel with the below:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qal3ToT3DgU/UEIXassrt2I/AAAAAAAABWU/d2_qzK2gWZA/s720/BikeKTMBasel.jpg
BEAUTIES! Watch out on our website / facebook and here for updates on how it goes :)
Sorting out Visas and Documents:
Good grief, nothings simple when it comes to the world of paperwork! It’s almost been a full time job juggling it all with forms coming out of my ears for Carnets, Vaccinations, Visas, Duplicate Passports, House Sale etc!
So far, so good! For details on what Visas you need for North and East Africa, prices and how to obtain them then take a look at our recent post here. (http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk/visas-locate-spot-vaccinations-and-insurance/)
The only trouble we’re having is acquiring one for Libya... after calling through to their embassy I managed to be directed to a mobile number for details on how to obtain a Visa but unfortunately it’s always an answer phone message. I have a couple of friends looking things up for me so when I know more I will post!
Carnet wise it’s all a bit of a battle. Originally we were going to go through the insurance route as we were renting out our house and didn’t have a large enough deposit to put down to cover Egypts 800% carnet rates!! Now that we’re selling the house we can save a few bob by obtaining a carnet on a bank guarantee... but my good grief what a pain in the backside is it to get one! The RAC Carnet people are superb... but the banks are a nightmare! Trying to explain Carnets over the phone and also bank guarantees (which I have done before and been put through to the right department) I have had so many varied responses but mostly “We don’t know what you’re talking about, I’ve asked my supervisor and they don’t know, the screen isn’t showing anything so I guess we don’t do that service”!!
ArrGgh! I’ve managed to finally have some success though by going straight to my bank manager although I am still awaiting details on monthly costs! Currently with HSBC and normally they’re fantastic but right now... they’re being ditsy as can be!
LeperousDust
02-09-2012, 13:41
I can appreciate the vast amount of paperwork involved in house/visa/passport/everything jesus, I weep a little thinking about making sure that's all lined up =/ Good luck :)
Hey people
Bit of an update! We were supposed to head out to KTM Basel this week to have our bikes kitted but there’s been some minor delays with some parts so we’re hanging fire until next week! Eeee excited! For a sneaky view, here's one:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sX9dW9bkF70/UF42RHjlwhI/AAAAAAAABak/UhR33t46BAI/s900/storm3.jpg
YAY!
We both have had a pretty awesome couple of weeks! We popped off roading with some friends in North Wales (JABA Mundus!) and my good grief it was a giggle! I managed to hug a tree several times (some hilarious footage to come) and also had a fight with some big rocks! Fortunately this was at the end of the day and I came away laughing but with a rather swollen hand which made me sound like I had tourettes due to the colourful words which would spontaneously spill out of my mouth when changing gear on the way home!
Rainbooooow!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D1ttF7FEj4E/UF5DGZS79xI/AAAAAAAABcE/W1QoJxn8tYY/s900/Rainbow+Lushness.jpg
Empty my boots of a river...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sJuM7GWZJcc/UF5DHEhcA8I/AAAAAAAABcI/ajOfgHZXHhs/s900/Emptying+Boots.jpg
The result of a fight with a rock!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1nvuxhdD-ww/UF5DIassjSI/AAAAAAAABcY/pyQzxtbjIUg/s900/Sore+Armsy.jpg
Due to an injury as a kid I have no sensation in my thumb so just to double check all was well we did pop to the hospital to have it checked over and they said it was potentially a fractured scaphoid!! BOO HISS! I’ve since been back though for another xray and WOOHOO, they discharged me plasterless! A couple of weeks and I’ll be back on the bike fine!
I’ve been swotting up some more on visas and what... especially since all the commotion in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan. We’re keeping a close eye on it all and playing it by ear... rumour has it though it’s all calming a fair bit! Fingers crossed eh!
Also been learning how to change tyres... ahoy noobiness!
ktIfRrYgvUo
Other than that, all is mega!
Thanks again for all your support and follows, not too long now til we’re off! Wheee!
LeperousDust
27-09-2012, 11:55
Just got back from Basel (well via Luzern, Munich, Stuttgart and more!) Could have checked up on them for you ;)
Ahhh no ways! Hahaha next time!
Still in Basel at the moment, bikes looking good but am sooo sleepy from working early mornings until late at night!
Only 7 weeks left people :D It's all getting super exciting now! Can't quite believe it!
Super stressed out now!
3 weeks to go.
Bikes still unfinished in Switzerland.
Aieeeeeeeeeee!
Just... a bit... mental.
Still, fingers crossed it will work out :)
It will be fine :)
Hope everything is going well for you now.
1 week and counting!
Current emotions fall mainly under nervousness which is accompanied with its good pal knackeredness! Riding lately hasn't been a great pleasure, with 10-12hours on the road, generally at night and on next to nothing food wise. With everything being so last minute due to the bike delays we've been extremely pressured on time which has had us near breaking point. There have been moments where we have both sat exhausted and admitted that if everything did go to pot and we couldnt go we would probably sigh a huge relief! Most of these days and emotions tend to be overcome by a good hot meal and nights sleep though!
Saying good bye to friends and family is turning out to be quite emotional too, which naturally ends up tugging on heart strings!
I'm not sure how the week is going to roll out. The house is sold tomorrow which means we can then afford the rest of our kit, we are then trundling up to London to get our visas stamped and then we have to finalise the prepping of the bikes! All in all I don't think we will have much time to think too in depth :)
So! Emotional times! Looking forward to seeing some friends this week and at the weekend when we can both finally switch off and relax :)
It's going to be a stupendous adventure for sure! :D
See you tomorrow??
Ps just realised I totally missed the newspaper article.
It was all great...till they mentioned where you lived...down to the road :/
How many 1000s of pounds of kit could have been stolen thanks to them?? Numpties!
BB x
Hello people! Not been around much so thought I'd say boo and give a mini update and ask how your new 2013 year is cracking?! :)
All is mega here, the trip is mental but fun! Currently in Egypt, Alexandria (stunning city) and have had a scary amazing and surreal few weeks! Libya is awesome beyond belief although my lasting memories of it now will coincide with days of spice girls and guns! I've met gorgeous people, experienced unbelievable kindness, support and hospitality, nomtastic food, guns, kids with guns, officials threatening me with their guns as I refused a kiss, infookingsane riding (Egypt is mentally frazzling to ride in yet hilarious!), Star Wars sets, roman ruins, broken bike bits, bribery, corruption, luxury, poverty, tanks, bombed hotel rooms to sleep in, £1 petrol stops for a full 30litres, camels, camel heads, tears, laughter, manic laughter, desert storms, Italian gropey doctors of doom, off roading, shewees, sand storms, torrential flooding and rains, snow, love and hate and sheer overwhelming joy and awe.
And to think, a year ago I couldn't even a motorbike and so many doubted we'd do this!
It's amazing. A complete eye opener and life changing experience! So happy! Do miss a few things (namely showers and friends and family!) but loving it!
How are you all didderling? What's news? If anyone fancies joining us at any part of our journey then do do :) hope you're all mega and smiling :)
Well I'm red with envy, you lucky sod. Pics on FB look stunning. What a story and life experience.
volospian
18-02-2013, 17:09
Nice one Pheebs.
One day... one day I will do La Carerra Panamericana and feel the same :)
So we're in The Sudan! It's a funny old place, bloody hot (50 degrees)! People are lovely and although I can't say it's my favourite place I have been we've had some amazing experiences and awesome campsites!
Check out our latest piccies :)
Photos of The Sudan (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.622945841064950.1073741825.364291010263769&type=1&l=4a8f86addd)
Ethiopia now... Mountainy goodness. About to embark on the hardest part of our African trip. Nervous as it could get dangerous but excited to see some more off road.
Here's hoping for a safe crossing to Kenya :) keep smiling people! :)
LeperousDust
01-05-2013, 00:04
Jealous.com!
Sorry don't post much as Internet tends to be shoddy buuuut we have just crossed Africa from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic :) in a weeks time we will hit he tip of Africa too! Then... We've done Africa!!! Over to New York!
Loving namibia, best country to date minus Libya! Lots of piccies on bookface :) can't wait to start a family and bring them out here, awesome stuff!
Sounds like the most awesome adventure!
It's fun and hard work too :)
Today we reach cape agulhas ... Then we have done our trip through Africa :) excited, exasperated, mind boggled, happy, relieved, sad, proud ... And so many more emotions :)
Not sure how I'm going to react!
Know this thread isn't everyone's cup of tea but I'm super chuffed at what Sam and I have achieved to date :) hope others have been inspired to follow their hearts :)
Del Lardo
25-06-2013, 19:03
Didn't want to ask on FB etc as you may not be able to give an honest answer which hopefully you can on here.....
What do you really think of your KTM bikes? I've been watching your FB feed with interest and they seem to have been nothing but trouble. Lots of problems with Sam's engine before you left, a few breakdowns in Africa and now your engine failure.
I know that you are putting them through a lot but surely that's what they are designed for?
Argh I wrote a response... and it deleted!
Rubbish!
In short - the break down in Africa was due to hitting a foot deep pot hole at high speeds so not really KTM fault ;) The break down now is a common problem and KTM have rectified it with a new part apparently! Yay! Sam's break downs before leaving was an unfortunate duff one off bike!
I love our bikes. Love them. So many people we have met have had such a variety of bikes and vehicles and all of them have had varying problems from minor to major major... it's kind of what you have to expect on such a harsh and long enduring ride :)
Pro's of my bike:
I can take it anywhere at all and ride it. Mud, sand, bog, rocks, boulders, tarmac, mountains, gravel, river crossings. No worries.
Simplicity. I can open up my bike so easily it's awesome. Maintenance is a doddle and so simple.
Fuel. I can ride 550miles on the road... maybe 400 - 450 on bad terrain without filling up. That's kinda cool ;)
Power. It's bitey, it's fast, it's saved my skin countless times. It can also sit at relatively high speeds comfortably on the road. Big plus.
Height. I can see for milllleeeesss!!
Noise. It's noisey. I like that ;) It's again saved my skin on many occasions
Sexiness. It's sexy. It just is. Om nom orange nom nom.
Poop things? The seat. It's bloody hard! But I use an air hawk so that wipes that one off.
I think the most important thing about my bike though is that it makes me smile :) I truly love getting on it, I cannot express the sheer *wheeeeeeeeee* fun I have on it!
And in all honesty... I think that's what is the perfect bike for a round the world trip. It depends entirely on the rider and what they want to achieve on the trip. If you want to do roads only then maybe it's not for you. If I was doing say a trip around Europe I may pick more of a road bike - say an SMT or even a Yamaha Super Tenere (that's cos I know I could take it on dirt if I wanted too though ;)) Some guys were on pre war bikes and they were loving their trip... but they broke down a lot and couldn't ride the hard terrains.
Swings and round abouts really :)
Why... you fancying a RTW trip on bikes?! ;)
Oh and generic update for all...
Hey hey people!!
So sorry we haven't posted for a loooong loong time! In short, wifi in Africa has been diabolical with pages taking 30mins to open and normally crashing when we go to post!
We have, however, had the most amazing, yet challenging time ever in the past 7 months and have finally managed to ride down through Africa to the very tip!
Here's a few snippets of our Charity Chasing Horizons trip so far from Europe to Cape Agulhas:
Switzerland:
We arrived and had our bikes serviced by KTM Basel before a loooong long trip down to Kenya where we had our next. Superb guys with an awesome new kit for us to try out (Defy Series - Quest - genuinely top kit!)... we were excited and new to it all
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bi2xkjua5yE/UcoX4mFO5MI/AAAAAAAACJY/4j5MBwm-XhU/w450-h338-no/Switzerland.jpg
Italy:
A week on we were battling horrendous weather and frustration from breaking in our new routine, the kits and just coping with the organisation of last minute things (visas etc). We were already exhausted. It was just after Christmas and I had become very dizzy but put this down to tiredness. Two days later I ended up being rushed into hospital with suspected encephalitis. The next two weeks was diabolical after nasty hospital visits, being inappropriately touched by a doctor and passing in and out of conscious states. Fortunately, it turned out to be a sort of hepatitis strain and I made a full recovery. This piccie was taken at mid night on New Years Eve... hospital loving!https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1mxjEToviHw/UcoX4HkeMlI/AAAAAAAACJQ/bxWJxt_FCvM/w450-h600-no/Italy2.jpg
Tunisia:
Tunisia... our first country in North Africa! We were excited and glad to slow up a bit travel wise. We met some lovely people, stayed at some beautiful places and in random peoples homes, brushed up on some Arabic and French skills, met 3 foot high chickens, were offered by the police to camp up on a roundabout in the city centre, went to Star Wars sets and rode salt pans and sand storms... we felt the trip had begun!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Oysz0eGasu8/UcoX2QLt01I/AAAAAAAACIM/cpsBAKgYjqg/w450-h301-no/Tunis2.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/482054_594741693885365_328929462_n.jpg
Libya:
This place... is just simply amazing. Yes we had the heebie jeebies put in us as it was during the time of the hostage takings in Algeria and also the week previous when the ambassadors were assassinated... but we loved it. Genuine people, AMAZING Roman Ruins, so much culture and a fascinating history. We simply cannot wait to return to explore the deserts in the South.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V4uNVAQdNW8/UcoiLU2j2GI/AAAAAAAACKE/0-QU-sETceQ/w450-h301-no/libya+22.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lKuLH7chp3o/UcoiMxhP-TI/AAAAAAAACKM/VtGTi9mT6E4/w450-h301-no/Libyalady.jpg
Lady praying in the Roman Ruins at Leptis Magna
Egypt:
Having been held at the border at gun point for hope of sexual favours and due to not being able to speak arabic, to riding out in the middle of no where for hundreds of miles in a stunning desert... we had a varied experience of Egypt. Granted, we will never EVER go through again with our own vehicle... the expenses and pain to do so along with the abundance of corruption just far out weighed the enjoyment. But we did experience some seriously stupendous artefacts, history and culture as well as some great desert rides. A hard hard country to travel but having met some amazing people there, we did okay!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WEO57stBQSA/UcoXxc8zOrI/AAAAAAAACFY/9XFfWTorvPg/w450-h301-no/Egypt+Alex.jpg
Alexandria - probably the top or on parr with the top City I enjoyed in Egypt. Lots of beautiful buildings and bustling streets.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zCd5LuukYRM/UcoXxcX-cEI/AAAAAAAACFc/jELzShxltj4/w450-h338-no/Egypt+Pyramids.jpg
Pyramids! Yay! Although we kept our distance and enjoyed them from a ride around the perimeters in sand instead :)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JM0kqp81o8/UcoXx2kHZFI/AAAAAAAACF8/rRg3FTj2GE8/w447-h668-no/Egypt+Tehir.jpg
Tehir Square amidst the protests a burned out riot van. Popped there to say hi and enjoyed watching all playing football!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOY0-5jyDWg/UcoXxe2L4eI/AAAAAAAACFQ/ug3jJocyEeY/w449-h301-no/Egypt+Desert.jpg
A trip through the deserts with wild camping.
Sudan:
This one took us by surprise. Loved it. Yes, we were boil in the bags (55 degrees celcius) and yes, being a Muslim country I suffered a fair whack with having to stay covered up but the riding, camping, company and people just blew us away. More pyramids than Egypt there did you know? Plus, a national park with lions and an insane amount of wildlife! Hard for climate, awesome memories.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7_sxclUQ1uA/UcoXxwjwbDI/AAAAAAAACFs/DhxACaGqlOs/w450-h253-no/Egypt+to+Sudan+Ferry.jpg
The Aswan to Wadi Halfa ferry... this was the cargo ferry which rocked up with both our bikes on and two big cars (a landrover and land cruiser). Can you spot them!? ;)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--3k9fR8eVsA/UcoX2HrfBNI/AAAAAAAACHw/rA6CfUJX3b4/w449-h301-no/Sudan+Camp.jpg
Just one of our few campsites... no one for miles. Simply stunning.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JUg2tIfOcKo/UcoX4Y3-uzI/AAAAAAAACJU/M4okvOaAAK0/w450-h301-no/Sudan+Whirling.jpg
My personal highlight... I think a top one for the whole trip up til now. The Whirling Dervishes in Khartoum, Sudan. An amazing weekly ceremony where guys dress up and spin round and round and round in circles for hours. Lots of singing, beating of the feet and just a superb ambience. Loved it.
Ethiopia:
A place which was top on my list to visit and well, it was truly gorgeous. We did have a slight concern just before having met some insane South Africans who had just travelled through Ethiopia in their car and claimed that the people there were so scary and threatening to them at one point they had to pull a cattle prod on them (we... were horrified at this!)! But, despite being quite a challenging place to get things done in (service is not high on their list ;)), the views and sites were one of a kind. I had a bit of a harsh time after I managed to get first degree burns on my legs (combo of kayaking, sun burning in 30mins and then taking doxycycline - a malaria tablet that makes sun burning UBER bad!). It meant I had to be driven about for two weeks which broke my heart but we had an amazing friend with us at the time which just made everything a million times better!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IlsaXY_rCjY/UcoXyzEgGsI/AAAAAAAACGI/hrOzSUGqu6w/w450-h338-no/Ethiopia+Simien.jpg
Around 4700ft up, the view was simply flabberghasting in the Simien Mountains!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pvCdZzkxqPM/UcoXzYoW8yI/AAAAAAAACGs/c4q7vItWMLQ/w450-h301-no/Ethiopia+Simien2.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zsxho3WFn_o/UcoXysCyQuI/AAAAAAAACGM/WwyvTdKIDZY/w450-h338-no/Ethiopia+Monkeying.jpg
Babooning around!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r180Z6eldqY/UcoXyNGoyUI/AAAAAAAACF0/bQl44-iFZLc/w450-h603-no/Ethiopia+Leg.jpg
My first degree burned leg. Swollen, blistered and having been trapped up a mountain in a thunder storm I made it all worse by tripping and catching my leg on a truck causing my skin to slide off. Very... very... unpleasant!
Kenya:
From this point in we had to pick up our feet a fair bit as we had lost about 5 weeks from my illness in Italy, delays in Egypt and a 10 day delay in Ethiopia. With the pressure to catch a flight from SA to make it to Alaska in time we had to get a move on. But. We did some awesome riding :) Kenya was so varied. We rode in via the Moyale Road as Lake Turkana was experiencing major flash floods and we had no one we could ride with there. The Moyale was an experience and a half... not necessarily technical for a biker but absolutely mentally and physically exhausting. We made it though and satisfied our three month craving of no bacon with a whole plateful from a friend in Nairobi! Nairobi itself was an eye opener... we had realised that security and safety was a major issue but not to the point of electric fences, big dogs, guards, cameras and interior gates to a house. Not only that but as we looked like tourists we had to get taxis everywhere as we were a robbery target (taxis required blacked out windows so people couldn't see us!) Madness! We met some amazing people though and it was very nice to be back in a place with supermarkets and sit down toilets! So much we didn't see which was a shame but what we did whilst riding out was beautiful.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uz4vVI3o0-c/UcoXzQefrqI/AAAAAAAACGw/rVERo81pVo0/w450-h338-no/Kenya+Moyale.jpg
Muddy Moyale Road
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gq1B7xXvn_c/UcoXzZaanII/AAAAAAAACGU/WZ3rkcA6pdk/w450-h338-no/Kenya+Eqator.jpg
Equator Line... wooo
Tanzania:
Again, a country we had to fly through but by far it had the most divine and just breath taking roads to ride which is all we could ask for. The main road down to Mbeya... it just stops you in your tracks. Mind blowing. Loved it, best road riding we did without fail (minus the mental buses!). Plus we got to go to the Indian Ocean which was cool as in a couple of weeks we were then at the Atlantic Ocean!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XVeCYrGkTYo/UcoqAd0d7FI/AAAAAAAACKw/xHyilN9rogU/w703-h186-no/tanview.jpg
Yummy
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WlYMK64p89k/UcoX2JgMx4I/AAAAAAAACIE/9Pl1iMpkIcw/w703-h527-no/Tanzania+Sunset.jpg
Malawi:
A funny little country and stupendously pretty. With a MAHOOSIVE lake surrounded by winding, perfectly tarmaced roads, a bundle of cyclists and curvaceous mountains it was a complete pleasure to ride through.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8ueUWuMQQg/UcoX0W3r8EI/AAAAAAAACG8/GSJavKSfXeU/w703-h179-no/Malawi+.jpg
Our morning break!
Zambia:
We were so excited about Zambia as we were meeting up with a project which our Charity Riders has set up in Chipata! When we met them we were just in awe of the work they do, so much dedication and passion to help deliver aid, results and help out their fellow community. It blew us away. The generosity of this country is phenomenal too, all muddled in with some truly wonderful sights too. Beautiful country.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OXQF91orvrQ/UcoX3gPIh2I/AAAAAAAACI4/uHbtEDFBKsw/w703-h527-no/Zambia+Riders.jpg
Riders for Health HQ in Chipata
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p53D4Lsbo5Y/UcoX3sDijCI/AAAAAAAACI8/XPq15YvNh20/w703-h471-no/Zamnia+Vic+Falls.jpg
Victoria Falls
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MEQpK4pBvJA/UcoX3FCyJ3I/AAAAAAAACIw/fHTu88RcWfs/w703-h471-no/Zambia+Eleph.jpg
Nelephaphants!
Namibia:
I think we found another favourite country here. So so vast, so varied and extremely camping friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed it here from riding with elephants, spotting dinosaur tracks, stroking a wild rhino, visiting ship wrecks, riding to the edge of Fish Canyon, dunes, the atlantic and seals that sound like a million chewbaccas. We are definitely returning here!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cSQCjfCsdh0/UcoX0z-vs5I/AAAAAAAACHI/JUR0vLTJhV8/w702-h395-no/Namibia+Boat.jpg
Ship wreck on the skeleton coast
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hIMeAPzZmRA/UcoX1PATbSI/AAAAAAAACIA/369Ph-8qJes/w703-h527-no/Namibia+Exercise.jpg
Keeping fit - skipping in the morning mists
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7K9_4Vv-U6Q/UcoX1EonDzI/AAAAAAAACHk/KBTFzWRAKiQ/w703-h527-no/Namibia+Clare.jpg
Dirt track riding
South Africa:
Again, sad we had to cut this one short but a really stunning place to be. We saw some sweeeeeet sunsets, amazing coastal lines, mountains and well so much more.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bz3EqnFGN3o/UcoX1sAWsjI/AAAAAAAACH8/aCGLYVDqiYY/w703-h527-no/SA+Sunset.jpg
Actual colours... lush eh?
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-F_srbRV76lc/UcotHEb8NFI/AAAAAAAACLY/1UllybfxQqs/w703-h527-no/sa+tip.jpg
Agulhas - the tip of Africa - we made it!!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QnvTCHnCh2A/UcoX1cLU9oI/AAAAAAAACH4/p9ilRO934kk/w703-h525-no/SA+Mark.jpg
Leaving our mark in the Agulhas Backpackers place... wicked wicked hostel!
New York:
A complete culture shock being back in a fully fledged westernised world. Traffic, people, more people, everything at the tip of your fingers and more, food and lots of it and super high costs after being used to paying peanuts for everything! We have met some incredibly kind and sweet people and had a thoroughly great time. It took a few days to get over the manicness and jet lag but we're back into the swing of it all now. Cool city to be in!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h2IlMPcNzKY/UcoX0uwYQHI/AAAAAAAACHQ/ESrN1uMpu2w/w703-h527-no/NY+.jpg
Not so much graffiti in NYC which is a shame really, we like street art! See... it looks awesome :D
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0EfwFTaYBU/UcoX0xVoXHI/AAAAAAAACHU/8ZH5uILrZIQ/w703-h471-no/NY+Man.jpg
The end is nigh... but the beginning of our USA trip has only just begun!
Annnd that's a brief up of what we've been doing! Our website has been a pain in the derriere to upload anything and it's very out of date but this is all changing now we have wifi. Generally speaking though we have posted loads on our Facebook page and we are now updating it frequently (daily now, although some of the off road we will be doing in Canada may reduce it to weekly).
We have a load of reviews coming on things we've done, taken, ridden with, ridden on, visas, how to cross etc but this may take a couple of weeks to get up to date fully!
Please do come join in the fun:http://www.facebook.com/chasinghorizons
:)
Thanks all for your support to date, you've all been mega :)
Dymetrie
26-06-2013, 07:23
Stonking!
Looks like you've had a really eventful and exciting trip, so far.
Looking forward to the more frequent updates and hope that the new continent is as much of an adventure as the first two :)
I'm knackered just reading about it! So pleased you got to live your dream & hopefully inspire others to do the same. Am following your FB updates & loving the photos. Seriously hope you're writing a book about your adventures before you go off on the next one!
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