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?
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!
Jeanie Davison 
i followed your link on the hubb..i’m looking forward reading your travel adventure.
but why don’t you ride the volty around oz and after that all the way to europe?
i think the motorway’s in europe can be scary on a vanvan.
and like the say on advrider.com…if there is a fork in the road, take it!
that applies also for a spoon 😉
Hi, great to hear from you!
I did think long and hard about doing a trans-Oz trip but the distances would just be too long and arduous on Volty, alas. I think the novelty of hundreds of kilometres of emptiness on a 250cc bike would quickly wear off – you really need a bigger bike to cover those sort of distances, I think. All the most interesting parts of Australia are off-road too, and Volty just isn’t built for the tough stuff!
I’m going to see if there are mostly non-motorway routes I can do on the VanVan to make use of its chunky tyres! Europe’s on the agenda but I’ve got Africa very much in my sights too… 🙂
Jeanie
what can or cannot be done is just a limitation of the brain. the imported thing is to go, but you already made that choice.
if you got time to spare.. a ride report of someone you’ll like http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=719974
cya on the road!
Another existential leap, Jeanie. Congratulations on going for it. Good luck with it all and do keep us posted on which fork you take.
Thanks, Frank – lovely to hear from you, hope all is well in Canada.
Yes, it’s time to get out in the world again and I can’t wait! Too much time spent around TV types in stuffy, airless offices – not enough spent looking for those compelling stories and people to put on the screen. This is my chance to remedy that -and how! 🙂
Jeanie
Hey jeanie
How exciting! Am quite jealous of your imminent escapades. I think you have made yourind up already but thought id give mu tuppence worth Having lived and travelled fairly extensively in Australia, I really think you would get much more out of a European trip. Not that Australia doesn’t have great things to offer, no one can deny that. I just think a motorcycle trip is more suited to Europe than Australia. Distances are so vast and often there is not much in between. In Europe there is variety round every corner.
Anyway, whatever you do will be great. You’ve already made the biggest step and that’s deciding to go in the first place. Have fun!!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Kate – really appreciate your thoughts.
You’re absolutely right, I think, about the distances involved. Large stretches of nothingness in Australia would be great on a bigger bike, but I have a 250cc road bike and with the best will in the world I think it could get quite monotonous once the novelty of being on the road has worn off! Also, most of the really interesting parts of Oz are remote and off-road, and sadly my little TU250X just isn’t made for sand and gravel.
As you can tell, I’m veering towards Europe…just seems the more viable option right now. I can always come back to Oz with a bigger bike later, if the mood takes my fancy! 🙂
Jeanie
Have a great weekend Jeanie. whatever you decide, please stay in touch and let us know where you will be, you never know, we may cross paths again. Take care xx
Hi Jeanette,
Great to hear from you – and yes, we certainly must stay in touch as I’m sure we’re destined to meet again at some point, somewhere!
Meantime, hope you’re really well and enjoying life!
Jeanie