2012 will see two international motorcycle trips for me. Well, two and a half trips really.
In February, I will be travelling to Cuba, for a nine day organised motorcycle tour of the island. Three of us are going from the UK, myself, Paul Leeson and Ian Solley of 7 Ages Custom Motorcycles.
I am looking forward to seeing this island republic set in the Caribbean. Gladly, we don't need to do much in the way of organisation, as it will largely be done for us. We will be renting bikes out there.
Just 90 miles from the USA, Cuba is set in the past. That is one of the great things about Cuba where the word 'modernisation' probably doesn't exist. We certainly want to see this old-fashioned aspect of Cuban life, especially the old American cars that have been fixed up over the years to keep them running. I don't smoke, but I suspect some Cuban cigars might make their way back to England for my friends and family.
This is the route we are expecting to take.... click on the map for a better view.....
In June a small group of us are going to the Harley-Davidson rally in Portugal. Here is a video promoting the rally....
Those going to Portugal are Ian Solley (remember he and I went to Croatia together)....
Paul Rose (you might remember he rode with me in Maine and Spain)....
and my eldest son, Charlie (yet to take his bike test)....
We will be taking the 24 hour ferry from the UK to northern Spain and then riding the route below through Spain and Portugal. This will be about a 2,000 mile round trip....
Finally, the trip that counts only as half a trip, is to the H-D Euro Rally in St Tropez in southern France. The reason it is only half a trip? Shhhhhhh. We are going by car and having a bike shipped there on the back of a truck. Don't tell anyone! There is a good reason for this - Jackie and I will be delivering our car back to Spain the timing fits perfectly with the rally. So, we will stop on the way in St Tropez for the few days of the rally and then continue our journey south all the way down to Spain.
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15 comments:
sounds pretty adventurous- have fun and take lots of photos
Ok! Looking forward to you're adventures Gary, especially to Cuba! Good luck on all your journeys.
Looking forward to your pics of the Cuba road trip....wonder if you'll spot some old Urals riding about.....
dom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
looks good Gary. Ride safe!
Gary, I have seen the other places already, so looking forward to your Cuba trip the most. Safe riding, you are one lucky bloke.
Cuba would definitely be cool...
Awesome trips planned for 2012.
I can't wait to travel with you via the interweb and your blog posts.
Sounds absolutely wonderful - Looking forward to hearing of your adventures.
Cuba. I'm not sure I've ever seen a ride report from Cuba. I'm looking forward to that one in particular, but I'm sure I'll gobble up the others with equal relish.
~k
You luckybugger......I hope you make it down under next year, I am sure Geoff and I will show you some real kiwi hospitality
Gary:
can't wait for all your upcoming photos from your next adventures, "globe-trotting" around the world on 2 wheels.
better bring your own solar chargers, US type 2 prong plugs, or extra batteries. Oh, and there is a shortage of toilet paper and you are only allowed 2 eggs a day.
Other than that, have a good time
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Sounds like a fun year coming up. I've been to Cuba and you'll find it's like a throwback to the 50's - not only the cars, but also other technologies. But be very, very careful riding there. If you get in an accident, no matter how minor, they tend to throw you in jail until it all gets sorted out, which can take quite a while.
No Name – Yep, lots of photos!
Eve – I am looking forward to seeing Cuba a lot. Thanks for your good luck wishes.
Charlie6 – If I do spot any Urals, I will take pictures.
Chris – I will ride safe!
Sonja – Me too, never been to Cuba
Richard – Cool? I am hoping for warm....
Trobairitz – I will try to post every day from my trips.
VStarLady – Posting about the trips is nerly as much fun as doing them. You of course already know this!
Keith – I don’t think I have ever seen one either.
Roger – Getting down under is definitely in my plans for 2013. I can’t wait!
Bob – It is my intention to make the globe as small as possible. I have been bitten badly by the travelling bug! Like your eggs, I cracked up at your comments about eggs and toilet paper.
Canajun – Thanks for the advice. I will be very careful, I promise. Seeing the old ways of Cuba is what makes me really want to go.
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