Australia

I was once asked if a passport was required for Queensland. To the best of my knowledge… Not yet! Queensland is not ‘en route’ this time. This trip will take the most direct route to Darwin (Northern Territory) to meet the Perkins ship bound for Dili in Timor-Leste. The ride north of Adelaide to Alice Springs is a test of concentration along a monotonous Stuart Hwy. From ‘The Alice’ northbound the highway becomes much more interesting, and greener. Approaching Darwin the tropical conditions mean heavy afternoon showers, and hot steamy roads.

South East Asia
Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar

The road already traveled. From neglected Dili south west into Indonesian Timor and Kupang. Across the Sunda Strait on a grueling 16 hour ferry ride to Larantuka and the best hotel on Flores. 750 kilometres along the Trans Flores Hwy dodging volcanoes. Hop across Sumbawa, Lombok, Bali, Java, Sumatera, then on to Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar for the first major challenge of this journey. Can we reach the other side (Indian border)? Very good question! Visa for Myanmar needs to be secured in Bangkok. Visa for Pakistan needs to be secured in New Delhi.

Central Asia
India, Pakistan, Iran

Whilst significant infrastructure improvements have been made in the eastern states of India, this is an area not familiar with tourists. India is always a challenge to the senses, and dietary requirements! Traffic is congested and chaotic in the population centres. Towards the western exit to Pakistan the chaos subsides. Now in new territory… untraveled roads. Pakistani and Iranian roads are said to be in good condition. I guess there is only one way to find out. Europe is close and in a week or two Turkey will be on the horizon.

Eastern Europe
Turkey, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria

Onward through the EU. Waring countries in recent history are now fighting only for economic stability… and tourist dollars. From the Balkan coastline to the Austrian Alps.

Western Europe
Germany, Belgium, France, United Kingdom

Familiar territory, and time permitting, lots of detours into Italy, Southern France, Spain and Portugal. The ever changing European scene with financial problems and mass migration from Syria will require flexibility.

North America (Eastern)
Canada

High on the list of most riders is the “Across Canada” ride. Spectacular scenery, great roads.

North America (Western)
Canada, United States

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