Q & A
When are you going?
I fly to United Kingdom on the 6th April, 2013.
How long are you going for?
Indefinite period but probably six months.
Where are you going?
The intention is to ride from United Kingdom to Australia via China. Starting point is Wales in Uk followed by Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and home to Australia.
This week there has been heavy snow in Europe. If the bad weather continues I may have head south in an attempt to avoid the worst of it.
Are you travelling alone again?
This time I will be travelling with others.
A few days after my arrival in UK I meet with Jim Griffith. We head off together across the English Channel to continental Europe.
We meet with Jens Hussmann in Germany.
A large group comes together in Kyrgyzstan ready for the crossing into China. The group share the services of the mandatory guide through that country. The group consists of the following people -
Myself (Australian - motorcycle), Jim Griffiths (Welsh - motorcycle), Jens Hussmann (German - motorcycle), Artur Ferrari (Brazilian - motorcycle), Jim Jones (Welsh - motorcycle), Jon Beardmore (British/NZ - 4X4) and Vaughan and Kimberley Brown (British - 4X4).
After exiting China into Laos the group breaks up. Griffith, Ferrari, Hussmann and myself then ride together all the way through to Australia.
How do you get your bike to United Kingdom?
It is on the container ship CMA CGM Quartz en route to the English Port of Tilbury. It arrives on the 12th April and should be available on the 15th April.
Any freight agent can organise this for you. Be warned the cost can vary dramatically - anywhere from $2,500 to $500.
Why are you doing this?
Surprisingly that is the most asked question I get. Travel is broadly very popular and I am no different. Any form of travel is attractive to me. If I could afford to do the fully escorted tour staying in five star accommodation - in a heart beat I would be there.
Combining travel and riding motorcycles gives the experience an added dimension.
What visas are required for the proposed trip?
Most countries will give Australians a thirty day tourist visa when we present at the border. The following countries require us to apply in advance (especially if self driving ) -
Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China and Vietnam.
What do your family think?
My wife Shirley is very supportive although she did impose a condition to giving her consent. She wanted me to travel with others and not solo as I did on my last trip. No she will not be joining me.
My children are all living independently and are excited for me.
Is this trip safe to do?
My personal safety is very important to me - I want to contribute towards my families well being well into the future. I can only do that if I keep myself healthy and safe.
No matter where we go no-one can give an absolute guarantee of safety. I read somewhere that Thailand is the 'unsafest' place for Australians to travel - who would have thought.
How much is it going to cost?
All the big costs are incurred before I leave home. Air fare, freight, insurances, Carnet, visas, guide fees through China, etc. etc.
Day to day costs include such things as fuel, meals and accommodation. Fuel - motorcycles are not heavy users and a tank will get me long way. The journey will probably cover a distance of fifteen thousand kilometres . Meals - I have to eat no matter where I am so no real increase in costs there. Accommodation - I will be carrying camping gear and we will camp where we can.
