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A Fork In The Road

Hey, hey. Well a week since my last post, it’s been all systems go as I start packing up my Melbourne apartment, ready to move on. Life’s become a whirlwind of op shop runs, Cash Converters dashes, and other cross-city errands to sell, trade or otherwise offload the vast majority of my material possessions. Furniture, car, household goods…all are gradually being “re-located” to new owners. And all I can think is: How the hell did I end up with so much stuff?!

Which way next?

Which way next?

Happily, Volty’s been keeping me sane – regular daily rides down the coast are my “Happy Pill”, as I feel the sea breeze through my helmet and riding jacket, and enjoy the sensation of freedom on the road all over again.

I’m making the most of these rides. I’m still undecided about whether to do a cross-Oz trip on the bike or head to Spain to cook up a whole new two-wheeled adventure exploring Europe and Africa. But right now, it has to be said, Europe’s looking like the more viable – and cost-effective – option. And that being the case… it means I’ll have to sell my beloved Suzuki in a couple of weeks. This is of course gutting – regular readers will know how much I love my TU250X – but having looked into shipping/freighting options, I just don’t think I can afford to take the bike with me. :(

On the up-side, once I’m in Andalucía I’ll hopefully be able to buy the new bike I’ve already got my eye on – the sturdy, characterful Suzuki Van Van – which hopefully will be the start of lots of new moto adventures! :)

At this fork in the road, I’m excited about what’s to come but also rather trepidatious about which road to take. It’ll be another week or so before I finally make up my mind – I’m going to enjoy the Adventure Travel Film Festival next weekend and then see how I feel after mingling with the great and good of the adventure world!

Whichever path I choose, I can’t wait to be out in the world again, exploring new places, meeting new people, and soaking up lots of fresh life experiences. Bring it on! 

 
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Posted by on February 8, 2013 in Adventure Travel, Motorcycling

 

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Cape Town and beyond…

Table Mountain at dawn, 1st Jan 2012

New Year’s Day 2012 and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here in beautiful Cape Town again. I’m typing this from the wonderful Victoria and Alfred Hotel, as the sun rises over majestic Table Mountain – surely one of the world’s great hotel-room views.

Last night, the waterfront throbbed with New Year’s Eve revellers – including me – soaking up the incredible backdrop amid a colourful melee of African singers, marimba players and, at midnight, the loudest and most prolonged firework display I think I’ve ever seen, right over the harbour.

For me, this is the start of my latest road trip adventure in Africa. In a couple of days, I’ll be heading north from the Mother City towards Springbok, then over the South African border into Namibia to cross the Namib Desert and explore the mighty dunes and – if I can make it that far – the mythical Skeleton Coast in the far North West of the country. It’ll be my third trip in Namibia and I can’t wait to be back there exploring its furthest reaches and really getting off the beaten track again.

Meantime, a rented 250cc motorbike is proving to be a fabulous way of exploring Cape Town and its environs. I’m heading down to Cape Point today, taking in some of my favourite haunts and hiking in the National Park at the southernmost tip of Africa. This really is the place for outdoor adventures and I intend to make the most if it.

Happy New Year, y’all – and here’s to a 2012 filled with adventures great or small! Must dash, Africa awaits… :)

 
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Posted by on January 1, 2012 in Adventure Travel

 

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