So what's the idea then?
As the title of this weblog suggests, "Journey to ?!"it will be an account of my journey on my motorcycle.
As I have no idea whatsoever where the journey will lead, what I will see along the way or how long it will last, you are welcome to view this blog and witness any highs, lows and possibly my complete undoing!
For anyone expecting pithy and insightful observations, sorry! It might be an ideal time to log out now!
What will this weblog contain?
I hope to post my journey in photographs and words. For those who find such things interesting, I hope to include routes, some technical stuff about the bike, my impressions of the places, people and (possibly the most disturbing!) some introspection/navel gazing from time to time! (If I work out how to do it, I will try and separate the different threads so that any readers not interested in any one aspect can jump to the bits that do 'float your particular boat').
Apart from staying within the boundaries of the EU and starting the journey in Spring 2005, I have no set plans. Ideally I will start in Spain following the logic that I have toured Spain on a motorcycle before and at that time of year it will be warmer than more Northerly climes. I can then move North as the temperatures rise.
Why limit the journey to the EU?
No borders, no Visa requirements and the benefits of the E111 medical cover. That's the practical reasons out of the way. A more subjective reason is that there is so much to see in Europe, so much history, art and culture that I want to experience. Should I imbibe culture of the Botulism kind, that's where the E111 comes into play!
Why no set plan?
Having been regulated by the neccesities of work from the age of fifteen, I think it's about time I tried to loosen-up a bit. Being organised, either by others or self, has been a feature of my life to date. I've always had a sneaking envy and a certain respect for those who can just 'go with the flow'. It would be easier for me to plan an itinerary and probably more comfortable too. One of the reasons for the journey is to try and break with this to some degree.
Why a motorcycle?
I did consider some alternatives. On foot, using whatever public transport is available, something like a Land Rover with a tent on the roof and a mountain bike in the back or something simple and still fun like a well fettled classic MG. I settled on a motorcycle because motorcycling is so involving (if you have never done it you are unlikely to understand). The advantages of a motorcycle are many, no left-hand/right-hand drive issues, comparative fuel economy, ease of access (especially in major cities) and the sheer fun to name but a few.
What bike?
Always a contentious issue amongst motocyclists! Type, size, performance, reliability, carrying capability and Marque loyalty will be hottly debated by any motorcyclist. All things considered there was only one real choice for me, BMW ("of course", anyone who knows me will shout!). The descision then was what model? As I hope to explore some of the less well trodden byways of Europe, it had to be the GS (Gelande Strasse, "overland & road") range. After some anguish caused by the launch of the new R1200GS, I settled on the R1150GS Adventure following advice and reasoning that the new bike wasn't yet fully proven whereas the Adventure version of the 1150 was designed with such travel in mind and held records for trans-global trips, often smashing the times set and with no mechanical failures of note. The global BMW back-up network had to be considered too. (Yes. I know, more justification! Contrary to popular myth, I do not
have a BMW roundel tattooed over my heart - yet!)
Not pretty but form should always follow function!(Click on images
to enlarge).
If you have got through this first post, congratulations! (I'm off now to see what it looks like).















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