Overseas Touring - Introduction

by Grant and Lynn McEwing
email mcewing@bigpond.com

For 10 weeks starting July 97 my wife and I toured Canada and USA on a 1986 GoldWing Aspencade. The touring legs were interspersed with visits to family, in-laws and friends. The longest of the touring sections was a three-week tour to Newfoundland. The longest tour without a shower was the five-day section between Colorado Springs, Colorado and Calgary Alberta. The holiday was a challenge to organise and was certainly enjoyable.

A balance of camping, riding and visiting made the holiday enjoyable. We did things that we were comfortable and experienced with. We built on the experience of previous tours and camping trips. Prior to the holiday we were able to gain some initial experience and test the theories. Even though we lacked experience in some areas we were able to prepare ourselves using other sources of information: travel guides, Internet, other travellers, etc. In other instances we took a chance and enjoyed the adventure.

Background

I migrated to Australia in 1983 with my wife and son and have no relatives here. Our son moved back to Canada three years ago. Our parents are less able to visit us, than we are to visit them. Adding a motorcycle to an overseas holiday makes puts some excitement into a visit the overseas relatives. I enjoy motorcycling and motorcycle touring

Previous Trip in 1995

In 1995 we (wife and I) visited Canada. At that time I bought a 1984 GoldWing 1200 Standard. While my wife was visiting friends and relatives I travelled 18000 kilometres, solo touring. At the end of the tour, I determined a price, above the price, I was willing to sell the motorcycle locally and below the price, it would be more economical to ship the motorcycle back to Australia. I sold the motorcycle at the end of tour.

Australian Touring Experience

My wife and I went on weekend tours / camping on the BMW R80. We refined our equipment and packing lists to suit the soft pannier bags, tank bags and tail bags (Ventura) with capacity of 75 litres. In September 96 my wife and I did a 2 week north / south loop though New South Wales. Our list of equipment for a long weekend tour was very similar to the list for the two-week tour.

More information: mcewingg@optusnet.com.au

Last modified 13/06/2009