3. Getting Ready.

Getting ready for a trip like this is great, and writing it all down on a Blog is a great way to keep me focused and enthusiastic.   The time is just flying by.
    
I am also learning about writing blogs.   It's not only the writing, but getting and formatting pictures that takes a lot of time.   Any comments gratefully accepted.
   
I now use the Normal, Default, not Bold, Font.   I have learned to do some HTML editing, particularly when formatting text around photos.   I like the photos with the text, not just all at the bottom.  Photos are resized to 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, so they are good to see when enlarged.   That way they don't take too long to upload into the blog.  When I want 2 photos on a line I re-size them to 450 pixels wide, or set them as "small" when inserted.   I will see how all this turns out.     
    

I have contacted RB Motoren (MotorBikes) to hire a Yamaha XT660Z.  www.rbmotoren.nl   No problem, they said.   I will need it for 6 weeks, and they will fit panniers, topbox and GPS for me.   This may be an easier solution for me than buying.   I am unsure of the legal requirements to buy a motorbike in the Netherlands and how to register and insure it with a Green Card.
     
Maybe I can do it, but for 6 weeks, it is probably not worth the trouble and expense, and then I will have to sell it.
While I am there, I will see how to do these things for when I go back and tour southern Europe later.
    
I am due to arrive at Schiphol at daybreak.   When through Customs, I will take a train to Utrecht and taxi to RB Motoren.  I am sure everything will be ready.  
        
I have also learned about International Money Transfers from my bank in Australia.   It's not hard, I think,  but I must get all the account details correct.   IMT avoids Credit Card fees.
   
I have also received my Travel Insurance.  This is very expensive, I think, however, it is a necessity.   "If you can't afford Travel Insurance, you can't afford to travel", they say.   I have read the fine print and I am covered for motorcycling, providing I have a current Motorcycle Licence with the correct codes for the capacity of the motorbike.  (Some policies only cover mopeds, 50 cc).   I also must wear a helmet, even if it is not required by law in the country where I am riding.   
   
So Far, So Good.  
   
Other Stuff.
Airline tickets booked.
Check Baggage size and weights for airlines.
Baggage allowance = 23kg (one piece L+W+H <154 cms)
International Driving Permit from the AA.
International Currency.
Get GPS Maps for Zumo.
Get Travel Insurance, mostly for medical coverage and evacuations.
Hire a Motorbike.  
     
LN2N2012
     

2. The Ride Plan.

I have wanted to visit Nordkapp since we were in Norway in 2006, but rather than in our camper-van, a motorbike ride would be the way to go.  
     
Our ride through the the Americas taught me just how rewarding motorcycling is.   Everybody wants to hear about your adventures, but even more than that, it's about the freedom of the ride and the wind in your face.   
     
It's the ultimate experience.   Sure it can be dangerous at times, but so is working for a living.
As they say:   "No pain, no gain.   No guts, no glory."  

And, as any dog will tell you:  "Never refuse the opportunity to go for a ride, and let the wind blow in your face."
    
(Not sure whose dog this is.   Found the pic on the web.  Thank you, if it's your dog) (good dog).
     
I plan to hire or buy a motorbike in The Netherlands and then ride it via Germany to the Czech Republic to visit family friends. 
     










Then up to Nordkapp along the west coast and back to The Netherlands via the inland roads.  








Google maps estimates 8,000kms, (5,000m).






   
LN2N2012
   

1. Blogging first steps.

Well, it's my turn.   I have infinite joy reading about others who explore the world.  It's my turn to join the Blogging Age.   I hope that you enjoy reading, and maybe I'll see you on the road one day.   Here goes.
I have always enjoyed being on the road.   Even my work involved being on the road.   But now I do it for pleasure.   This trip is a solo, but there were four on our previous adventures.   You can read about them if you like.


1.     44DR,  Four for de Road, The Longest Drive.
Driving our campers from London to Kolkata. 


www.travelpod.com/members/jennykelly
Jenny & Des's Blog

2.    42MCA,  Four to Motorcycle the Americas.   North to Alaska.  Riding our motorbikes from Ushuaia to Prudhoe Bay.  (Argentina to Alaska)
www.travelpod.com/members/jennykelly
Jenny & Des's Blog
www.picasaweb.google.com/42mcagg
Lou & Lynn's Pictures


Motorcycling is the greatest way to see the world, IMHO.   People just want to talk to you.   Petrol and coffee stops take a long time with the locals questions.   That's great.  We are living everyone's dream.   And, it is safe.
   
LN2N2012