This kind of damage I expect on a trans-world expedition. Maybe from an off in the woods, or falling debris from an unsecured load. Or maybe the swinging club of a wronged tribesman, or falling tree.

But a lamppost in the inner city of Melbourne? That’s hard to swallow! I fully expect the bike will collect a few war wounds along the way, but I didn’t want to start off with any.

Hey ho. I’ll have to start looking online for a new tank. Maybe one of those long range 10 gallon jobs? Watch this space…..

Not the most interesting of subjects, but an important one for the world traveller. What to take in terms of shaving kit and a wash bag. My home stuff generally comprises of a can of ‘Smelly’underarm stuff, a packet of disposable razors and a can of shaving cream. These tend to last a month or so and are quite bulky, but that’s no problem when the shops are at the end of the road and the bathroom cupboard has plenty of space. What I need for travel though is something a lot smaller that lasts a lot longer, which is more of a challenge.

Of course, being a biker and not likely to bump into anyone I know means I can stand the odd day minging like a stinker, or even grow a beard. The reality however is that I don’t suit a beard, and for my own sense of wellbeing I like to be semi-fresh at least. I looked at lots of ‘travel’ soaps etc., but these are basically a smaller can of the bulky stuff with less in for more money. Ok for a weekend in Paris and travel by fast jet, but not suitable for my purposes. I did some research and have come down on the following.

Roll on deoderant lasts a hell of a lot longer than the spray on stuff. I’m starting a new, er, tube? Pack? Thing? tomorrow and I’ll see how long it lasts. It’s certainly a lot smaller than a can of spray. The other item is a genuine straight razor, AKA the “cut throat” razor. I haven’t used one before, but if I can get used to it I’ll never need to buy another razor again. I like the eco-friendly idea of that, plus the convenience of never running our of razors combined with the lack of hassle with finding replacements. A small tube or razor oil is good for 100 shaves, or 6 months in my case!

Shaving in the bike mirrors with a cut-throat would also look uber-cool, but it’s got nothing to do with that. Oh no, of course not!

Not much round the world planning going on lately. My travel buddy has been busy at wor kand so have I, but I managed to break it all up with a day at the races recently. I’ve been joining a sidecar team to help out while the regular passenger takes a break, but mechanical and time issues have prevented much actual racing. After missing a couple of events we actually managed to go racing!

It was massive fun and I highly recommend it! We didn’t have high hopes as we missed the practice and qualifying, starting at the back of the grid. That was ace as we passed quite a few and no-one passed us. The radiator cap sprung a leak but we finished the race, and considering we were held up on every lap the lap times were coming down all the time. Roll on the next event!

Not much happening this Easter weekend, just a little touch up of some paintwork and a wash for the bikes. My partner in crime is away so no planning either, just a Happy Easter at home. While I was online I knocked up a QR code, just for the hell of it. I’m going to see if I can spray one on the bike, so at least somewhere there’s a link to the blog without any blatant advertising.

One thing at a time though, for now I’m happy just to have the graphics. Hmm, now if anyone tries the code without reading the text, they’ll just get this page again. And if they try the code without reading the text, they’ll just get this page again. And if…..

While mate A is recovering and on the mend, mate B goes and throws himself off at the weekend! Sorry if the images are a bit gruesome, but it’s always worth bearing in mind what could happen. (And also that you might not be so close to a modern hospital, ambulance or even telephone at the time).

Thankfully Norm is in good spirits and being operated on tomorrow, so hopefully he’ll be plated and pinned and on the mend very soon. All the best people with broken bones, I DO know what it’s like – but I can do without the reminders thanks!

Safe week everyone!

More prices for shipping and sea freight are coming in. It looks like the air service to Vladivostok has been cancelled for the rest of this year. The normal route is air-freight to Korea, then take the ferry to VK. Korean Air are not operating wide bodies jets this year, so that means it may be sea freight or nothing.

Air freight to Santiago or Buenos Ares has been quoted at very high rates, but something more reasonable has now come back. At this point it could go either way, which isn’t good for planning purposes. I expect the results will be out in a week or two.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to plan any route from A to B, when you haven’t decided where point A is yet!

All in black and I’m much happier, the bike is definitely more ‘Me’ now!

Meanwhile, my erstwhile friend has been badgering shipping and air-freight companies for quotes to Vladivostok and Santiago. Slowly (man these people are slow), the quotes are coming in. Possibly the biggest factor in choosing the route is about to be settle once and for all. A route will emerge so the trip moves to the next level.

For now though, having a black bike and a plan is enough. For now…..

I see a red bike and I want to paint it blaaaack! Well OK, actually I see a blue bike, but such a crappy blue I can live with it no longer.

Off comes the paintwork for a good splash of matt black. Also a chance to see what’s underneath, which thankfully looks fine.

Can’t wait for the post apocalyptic look once its back together again!

I went to see a mate in hospital yesterday, who had the misfortune of hitting a Kangaroo on his way to work. It’s made a mess of his arm, his elbow was in 7 or 8 pieces! He’s ok in himself, and receiving excellent medical care – but it has brought home the magnitude of what I’m planning somewhat. Ok, so they don’t have Kangaroos in Mongolia/Patagonia or wherever, but a goat/sheep/Ox/Elephant etc. can easily do the same damage. Add to that the fact that they don’t have the same emergency responders or medical facilities either, and you start to see how things can go wrong in a big way!

Not wishing to be the prophet of doom, I’m sure we’ll be fine. (And if not at least careful!). No riding at night will help of course, as that’s when the nasties come out! When we’ve decided on the final route the exact hazards will be more identifiable, but really it’s just like riding a bike! Right?

Gav, get well soon mate – as someone who’s already ridden across continents you have my respect. Right, now I’m off to look at jackets to replace my aging (but excellent) Hein Gereck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hySXkuv4HQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I’ve just fitted a taller screen to the KLR. It looks like an insect! I’ve also been thinking about the colour. Blue has never been a lucky colour for me. Maybe satin black?

A mate has recommend this stuff. Kind of a spray on vynl wrap. Lasts a couple of years, protects the paint, then you peel it off and start again. Looks OK.

Black? White? Any thoughts???