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