I took my decision to do this. Next questions are when/where/how/whom with (if anyone)…
Well I just gave my resignation, so I’ll be “free” from work at the end of September, which also means at the beginning of the cold Canadian fall, and that will leave with little time before it starts snowing in places.
I also have some obligations to fulfill before I really take off for far away places, including paperworks, legal stuff, things I don’t want to have to be back for, so I believe I may start with a preparation trip around Canada and/or the States, which will certainly require less documentation and will allow me to possibly meet and solve technical difficulties in places where I may solve them more easily.
I think my first steps in the coming weeks – before I even take off – will be to write a checklist of whatever I need to do and/or take with me, including in no particular order:
- get more off-road suitable tires (continental/shinko/pirelli)
there are various discussions about off-road tires for the NC750X on nc700-forum.com and I feel I might go with the Shinko 705 - get some protection for the bike engine, radiator, and some basic tools/kits to help with unplanned events
- get a top-box and saddle-boxes
- get a GPS that will work with no data subscription and possibly everywhere
- get a tent, a sleeping bag and everything necessary for unplanned/minimal accomodations
- get a satellite phone? might be useful at some point…
I guess I’ll add to this list, and probably make a separate page of it, so it can serve other travelers. Obviously, I’ll update and amend it while traveling too.
I will also list all websites, blogs and other sources of information I’m using.
Now the last question is, whom should I travel with, if anyone? I can’t say I have a big network of friends, and even less riders, so I assume I may just start on my own, and see what happens. I’m also conscious that many people might be ok for a 1000km bike trip, but probably most of them – if not all – are not ready to leave their careers or lives behind, so any company I could have at the beginning may not last more than a few weeks at the most.
Another aspect is, how long can any new friendship last, when confronted to risks, technical and/or emotional issues, and usually different personalities? We’re all work under different levels of risk, pressure, stress, and what works for me may not work for someone else. Or vice-versa.
So, started browsing here and there, bought a book (“Adventure Motorcycling Handbook”), on top of the two other travel diaries I had already bought (references to be added). And we’ll see from here.
