Chasing Horizons
- Thread starter pheebs
- Start date
HAhaaaaaaaaaa! Thanks muchly!
Both passed! Wheee!
A few minors handed to us both (by an incredibly muppet of an examiner!)! Sam was handed a few for being over cautious and one for going 60mph instead of 70mph. Upon returning he was bluntly asked:
Moo of an Examiner: *dryly* "Do you know the difference between Give Way and Stop?"
Sam: "Erm... yeh one you don't have to stop at if it's clear and the other you have to stop no matter what.."
Examiner: "Then why did you stop at a give way?"
Sam: "Er.... because I wanted to check it was clear?!"
Examiner: "Well it was"
Sam: "Erm. Sorry?"
Fair enough, at the end of the day if it's not considered as the correct protocol then Sam should get a minor.... but he could have put it more elegantly and less like a muppet!
I picked up two - one doing a slightly late life saver check (in a quiet off street... bum nuggets to me!) and another for not turning my indicator off quick enough (two car lengths into the road and I realised it was still flicking due to my numb thumb (can't feel my left thumb) not pressing hard enough on indicator). Fair enough though, will accept those minors!
Good day though! Rode back and was just so relieved! Left us both exhausted!
Did get a right telling off though by the instructors... and that was before I was anywhere near the bikes! Haha! They were being... erm... miserable shall we say! Shame as it tarnishes our views on examiners (made me think "they must be a certain breed of species to do this job... miserable lifeless twonks!" (stronger words may have been thought but censored here
)
More of that on the blog tomorrow (right now, the blog is being back burnered for the celebrations of white chocolate bran flake cakes, earl grey tea and Left 4 Dead 2 on steam)
Next though... getting our bikes! Bit of a nerve racking time as we're waiting for some news... failing that I have to wait for the remortgage to go through which will be in about 4 weeks time then we will go SHOPPING!
Needless to say, the colour will most probably be orange
Both passed! Wheee!
A few minors handed to us both (by an incredibly muppet of an examiner!)! Sam was handed a few for being over cautious and one for going 60mph instead of 70mph. Upon returning he was bluntly asked:
Moo of an Examiner: *dryly* "Do you know the difference between Give Way and Stop?"
Sam: "Erm... yeh one you don't have to stop at if it's clear and the other you have to stop no matter what.."
Examiner: "Then why did you stop at a give way?"
Sam: "Er.... because I wanted to check it was clear?!"
Examiner: "Well it was"
Sam: "Erm. Sorry?"
Fair enough, at the end of the day if it's not considered as the correct protocol then Sam should get a minor.... but he could have put it more elegantly and less like a muppet!
I picked up two - one doing a slightly late life saver check (in a quiet off street... bum nuggets to me!) and another for not turning my indicator off quick enough (two car lengths into the road and I realised it was still flicking due to my numb thumb (can't feel my left thumb) not pressing hard enough on indicator). Fair enough though, will accept those minors!
Good day though! Rode back and was just so relieved! Left us both exhausted!
Did get a right telling off though by the instructors... and that was before I was anywhere near the bikes! Haha! They were being... erm... miserable shall we say! Shame as it tarnishes our views on examiners (made me think "they must be a certain breed of species to do this job... miserable lifeless twonks!" (stronger words may have been thought but censored here
) More of that on the blog tomorrow (right now, the blog is being back burnered for the celebrations of white chocolate bran flake cakes, earl grey tea and Left 4 Dead 2 on steam
) Next though... getting our bikes! Bit of a nerve racking time as we're waiting for some news... failing that I have to wait for the remortgage to go through which will be in about 4 weeks time then we will go SHOPPING!
Needless to say, the colour will most probably be orange
Right! Have been up to the eyeballs with work (or trying to get it! Self employment - sheeesh!) and am just waiting for a home made pizza to be baked! Om nom nom! Sorry I've not dropped a note before!
Your ride sounds amazing! We would LOVE to do Asia/Australia/New Zealand super amounts! Unfortunately time and monies is going to be an issue for us to do this side of the world in one stint but we may squidge it in!
Budget wise... not including buying bikes, training, gear, flights etc... to actually cover 50,000miles on two bikes in 16months we're estimating approximately £20,000.
Really... to be safe I'm trying to arrange it so we have £25,000 to take. This is pretty much EVERYTHING we have in one pot! Haha!
It varies massively when it comes to daily costs depending on which countries you are travelling through but at the moment we're avoiding one HUGE cost by avoiding countries with carnets... which is an absolute budget crippler! If we were to head to... say India or Australia then we'd have to have a deposit in a bank with anywhere up to 400% of the value of our bikes.
So... our bikes are looking at around £6,000 each... meaning we'd need an additional £48,000 in cash tucked away in a bank. Which... at 26 years of age I certainly do not have!!
Oooh dinners served! Will be back with some more mind boggling figures (which makes me weep a little) later ;D
Been busy again running about like a loon as ever!
In the next couple of weeks we will be launching the FAQs page on Chasing Horizons and this will have more on budget and expenses! I will link this here when it's up!
Just a quick bosh though - new blog entries and photos on the site for our training on Module 2! They include the likes of:
and
For more have a looksy here:
Our Diary
Enjoy the read peoples! If you get a chance, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter as the more people we have, the more our sponsors will give towards our charities!
Thanking you!
Facebook Fan Page
Thaaaank you SUPER amounts
In the next couple of weeks we will be launching the FAQs page on Chasing Horizons and this will have more on budget and expenses! I will link this here when it's up!
Just a quick bosh though - new blog entries and photos on the site for our training on Module 2! They include the likes of:
and
For more have a looksy here:
Our Diary
Enjoy the read peoples! If you get a chance, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter as the more people we have, the more our sponsors will give towards our charities!
Thanking you!Facebook Fan Page
Thaaaank you SUPER amounts
WHEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
We received this parcel yester:
.... 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!)
It's all becoming quite real now! Only 4.5months to go.... and having to wait another couple/few weeks for bikes! Exciting!
We received this parcel yester:
.... 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!)
It's all becoming quite real now! Only 4.5months to go.... and having to wait another couple/few weeks for bikes! Exciting!
Thanks William!! Not seen the reddit (although we read COUNTLESS travel blogs and follow many that are live at the moment! Love it!) ... if you have a linky that would be mega!
Dangermouse... the Scala headsets are proving to be quite popular but not necessarily for excessive use. Riders reviews have suggested that they have a tendency to fault a lot when in frequent use (ie for the likes of what we're doing).
Midlands with cobra headphones and mic seem to be pretty mega. They have a ridiculous scope too.
We're going to have a bit more of a play about with some in the next few weeks so when we get a good idea I'll let you know
Dangermouse... the Scala headsets are proving to be quite popular but not necessarily for excessive use. Riders reviews have suggested that they have a tendency to fault a lot when in frequent use (ie for the likes of what we're doing).
Midlands with cobra headphones and mic seem to be pretty mega. They have a ridiculous scope too.
We're going to have a bit more of a play about with some in the next few weeks so when we get a good idea I'll let you know
New kit review done on RUKKA Armas and RUKKA Armiina! (See here: Chasing Horizons Preview Kit for piccies and lots of them and videos too!)
Super chuffed!
Bikes arriving beginning of May too then it's all GO GO GO with PR and training fun
*excited*
Super chuffed!
Bikes arriving beginning of May too then it's all GO GO GO with PR and training fun
*excited*
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:
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
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
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!
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!
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
Sam’s Bikes Final Kaputt
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!).
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:
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
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!
The blog post for this is below:
Birthday Biking and Muddy Knees
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
New Bikes!
Finally! Sam and I managed to lay our hands on these two beautiful KTM 690 Enduro R 690’s!
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!
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
Sam’s Bikes Final Kaputt
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!).
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:
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
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!
The blog post for this is below:
Birthday Biking and Muddy Knees
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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!
Facebook Page: Chasing Horizons
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
Facebook Link
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!
Youtube Link
Diary Update Link - Day of Champions 2012
Facebook Link
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!
Facebook Link
Thanks for all your ongoing support guys and girls! We super appreciate it
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
Facebook Link
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!
Youtube Link
Diary Update Link - Day of Champions 2012
Facebook Link
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!
Facebook Link
Thanks for all your ongoing support guys and girls! We super appreciate it
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.
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 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.
WARNING: Do NOT look at picture below should you be epileptic.
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 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.
Danm54 - Nope! Ahahahaha! ;D But then the lanes I have been going on are SUPER muddy and our tyres are the original so pants.
Bad excuse as Sam manages to stay up right ;D
Just uploaded a new vid... and have another coming tonight / tomorrow which is just basically me falling off the bike every few seconds Always worth a laugh!
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!
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!
Bad excuse as Sam manages to stay up right ;D
Just uploaded a new vid... and have another coming tonight / tomorrow which is just basically me falling off the bike every few seconds
Always worth a laugh!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!
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!
Hey hey people!
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:
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!
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 bikes (KTM 690 Enduro R 2012) decked out with the below kits from KTM Basel:
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.
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!
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:
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!
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 bikes (KTM 690 Enduro R 2012) decked out with the below kits from KTM Basel:
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.
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!
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! We posted an update on the other thread in ocuk (linky here) so do pop along there to see the pics of the bikes but for a sneaky view, here's one:
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!
Empty my boots of a river...
The result of a fight with a rock!
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!
Other than that, all is mega!
Thanks again for all your support and follows, not too long now til we’re off! Wheee!
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! We posted an update on the other thread in ocuk (linky here) so do pop along there to see the pics of the bikes but for a sneaky view, here's one:
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!
Empty my boots of a river...
The result of a fight with a rock!
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!
Other than that, all is mega!
Thanks again for all your support and follows, not too long now til we’re off! Wheee!
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Howdy!
Englishpremier... funnily enough, most of our trip will be off road or dirt tracks (it's what we're aiming to do!)! As Hamish has pointed out, despite the Chinese moving in and tarmacing up a fair whack of Africa, these routes have been done quickly and in the conditions and from heavy use of trucks it tends to be safer riding off them than on them with all the massive pot holes and what!
Even from Canada to Mexico we've found a trail completely off road! Wheeee! So road bikes would be a bit sucky
Griffo - super want to do Russia! We are looking at popping from South America across to Oz, Asia, Middle East, Russia, Europe, UK but it depends on moolah and time! We've said otherwise that Russia and Mongolia will be another trip we do in the future
Englishpremier... funnily enough, most of our trip will be off road or dirt tracks (it's what we're aiming to do!)! As Hamish has pointed out, despite the Chinese moving in and tarmacing up a fair whack of Africa, these routes have been done quickly and in the conditions and from heavy use of trucks it tends to be safer riding off them than on them with all the massive pot holes and what!
Even from Canada to Mexico we've found a trail completely off road! Wheeee! So road bikes would be a bit sucky
Griffo - super want to do Russia! We are looking at popping from South America across to Oz, Asia, Middle East, Russia, Europe, UK but it depends on moolah and time! We've said otherwise that Russia and Mongolia will be another trip we do in the future