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The last post!

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How do you summarise a motorbike trip around the world from Tokyo to Los Angeles?. With difficulty!
 
Well we are not into record setting. But we believe we are the oldest couple in the world to ride a motorbike “ two up” ie with pillion passenger, right round the world on one season 

Let’s start  off with the statistics for the little trip  - 

                                                                  Total mileage.        34,416 km *
                                                       No of days travelling        165
                                                     No of countries visited       29
                                                    Max temp on bike               41 deg C 
                                                   Min temp on bike                0 deg.C 
                                                        No of punctures.              One
                                                         No of breakdowns.         One 
                                                         No of fall offs.               Two 
                                                         No of traffic tickets.       None 
                                                 No of corrupt policemen.       None 
                                                             Sets of tyres               Three 
                                                           Nights camping.           None 
                                                  No of marital  arguments.   None ! 
                  
                                     
             *.  Plus approx 3000 km from Queenstown to Auckland and return 
                                                                                                                 
Statistics however only tell a dry story. 
The real story of this trip lies in the people we have met of so many different backgrounds, nationalities  and beliefs who have allowed us to glimpse into their lives.The story of this trip reaffirms our belief of the  universal niceness of people everywhere regardless of race, colour or creed. 

The real story of this trip for us lies in our better understanding of a badly misunderstood part of the world. The real story is how we personally cope with  the uncertainties and trials and tribulations of motorcycle  travel. Of how we assesses risk.    

Have we changed as a result of this trip?  Yes, we would believe so.  For the better !  

What is next in terms of adventure? Watch this space. 
Adventure is a drug - the more you have the more you want. Particularly when you are young like us 

And last but not least as I wrap up,  an acknowledgement of the support from the sidelines of  “Davies of Arrowtown” who has generously allowed his name to be taken in vain so many times. He is a real person ! Such a pity his generous sponsorship cheque keeps getting lost in the mail ! 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Finally here are some photos as a very small cross section of the trip.

Bluff. New Zealand. April this year 



The pack up 



Japan 



Russia - the old Russia 



Russia - the new Russia 



Mongolia 



Mongolia challenges 



Kazakhstan -



Kyrgyzstan-



Tajikistan




Uzbekistan



Turkmenistan 


And so on  across the Caspian sea to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey,Greece, Albania,Montenegro etc to London and then Montreal to Los Angeles 

And finally, as seen on a cafe wall in Turkmenistan of all places, the second to last  word.



And from my “ pearls on wheels” riding companion who has been absolutely amazing (and behind me all the way!)




I have enjoyed writing the blogs I trust you have enjoyed reading them. And now it is over and out! 





                                                              
                 
              
    1

Comments

Stuart of Blyth said…
Bye for now - till the next time.
25 October 2019 at 14:36
Michael Yang said…
What an amazing trip!! Really enjoyed reading about and seeing your journey! Hope you are back home safely and enjoying the rest. Look forward to seeing future posts!!
29 October 2019 at 09:45
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