Travel Plans to the U.S. ?

[traveler]

Given the strong pound and euro, and the very weak dollar, I was wondering whether anyone had plans to come over to the states and ride.

I realize we have a gov't everyone hates and unfriendly idiots running our TSA and HSA, but how many of you can't pass up a bargain?

Oh, and did I mention the cheap (relatively) gas?

Come on over and ride. Not all of us are complete a-holes (I'm a partial a-hole )

I've encountered many European motorcyclists over here while riding, and enjoyed riding with them. It's a big country here, lots of room to explore. And Canada is not to be missed, especially the the Rockies and B.C.

[Ant]

Awww see now thats just cruel  
It has crossed my mind but I'm relying on it lasting until 2009 since I already have plans next year! The thing that puts me off is the cost of renting a bike for a decent length of time and not having to worry about mileage limitations etc

It is definitely on my agenda for some time in the not too distant future though  

[Guy]

Awww see now thats just cruel  
It has crossed my mind but I'm relying on it lasting until 2009 since I already have plans next year! The thing that puts me off is the cost of renting a bike for a decent length of time and not having to worry about mileage limitations etc

Check out Knopf Tours. They have a container going from Heidelberg to Orlando in Oct, and back in Dec for $775 one way (just tryin' to make you come to the States   ) It may not be the best riding season, but it ain't all bad in the fall.

[Ant]

I'm sure my boss would love it if I told him I was going to the States for 3 months
That price really isn't too bad though, in fact it is pretty damn good considering what it is. Plus it'd be cool to travel around with the GB sticker and number plate on the back of the bike  

[traveler]

I've met some from Europe who have purchased bikes here, used them for touring, and then sold them (probably at a loss) at the end of their journey.

Others rent, though the selection isn't what might be available in Europe.

Were I to chose to visit Europe, I would probably rent. But for those coming over here, it would seem that shipping your own bike here might be a more reasonable choice, especially given the exchange rates.

[bubba zanetti]

Just been chatting with my cousin in Bournemouth Engerland about coming over, renting a bike and doing the Rockies and Glacier NP. He wants me to come over there and ride. What a ghastly thought !!!   We will figure something out in the new year, but he stands to reap big for the pound in the US.

[jaws100]

A friend wanted me to travel and do a bike ride in the States this year. No afraid not, I have a real hang up about my fingerprints having to be taken to get in. I'm not a criminal, so I have a problem with this measure among others(Govt)  . So many other places I can go without this "Security Practice".
I have travelled to the States many times between 1990 & 1998 and thoroughly enjoyed my time in  the U.S.A & the people  . Have been to Florida,Georgia, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Illinois and New York.
Thinking maybe about going to Canada next year.  

[Global Rider]

Given the strong pound and euro, and the very weak dollar, I was wondering whether anyone had plans to come over to the states and ride.

Not so much to ride, but to shop. The dollar savings have been great. I'll still take the odd day ride through the northeast.

Oh, and did I mention the cheap (relatively) gas? It's a big country here, lots of room to explore. And Canada is not to be missed, especially the the Rockies and B.C.

And there is a drawback. It is a big continent and to see a lot, you have to drive a lot. I may spend a lot more on gas in Europe, but the fact that you don't have to ride very far and therefore not need to use a lot of gas to see a lot, more than makes up for the difference. Then, accomodations are way cheaper in Europe. So, expenses balance out.

[tenbears]

I've met some from Europe who have purchased bikes here, used them for touring, and then sold them (probably at a loss) at the end of their journey.

Did that this year. Didn't lose much on the bike at all – around 200 quid. So in effect it cost me that for 6 weeks and 12,500 miles... bargain really. There're a few places you can hire a decent sports tourer but most outlets supply lumbering bimmers and Hardleys, and if you tot it all up [plus the deposit] it's alot of money.

Off to Russia this July via Finland!  

[traveler]

Did that this year. Didn't lose much on the bike at all – around 200 quid. So in effect it cost me that for 6 weeks and 12,500 miles... bargain really. There're a few places you can hire a decent sports tourer but most outlets supply lumbering bimmers and Hardleys, and if you tot it all up [plus the deposit] it's alot of money.

Off to Russia this July via Finland!  

Good for you. We'd like to hear about your tour, and what you bought, how it worked, etc...

[tenbears]

Good for you. We'd like to hear about your tour, and what you bought, how it worked, etc...

Will do!

Trying to sort Russian VISAs out at the mo, which is proving a little tricky. I'm going with three others from different forums and initially they thought they had them sorted. Apparently you need an 'invite' from the place you'll be staying – which in our case was one of the camp grounds, but its all gone terribly silent and emails haven't been replied to.

Fortunately, and through one of those great serendipidous moments, I managed to bump into a Russian guy recently [last week] at my wife's big corporate do over at the Eaton School rowing club at Dourney Lake near Windsor. Like us, he enthused about all things bike and was impressed by my recent trans US/Canada jaunt. We talked and shared cigarettes on the balconey while I told him of our plans to visit Russia via Finland... I mentioned the problems we were experiencing with obtaining visas. He then perked up and said he knew the 2nd in command [in the police] at the Russian Consulate and visas would be just a single phone call away!

Now I realise that could all be just the BS of the moment, but he appeared genuine – being very well travelled with 6 fluent languages under his belt. We parted sharing phone numbers & email details. I mailed him shortly afterwards and rather than a blank inbox, I received a reply shortly afterwards... he's currently in the process of establishing exactly what information we need to supply the Consulate with. Fingers crossed!    

[BossBob]

I met a Scots biker who tried the self same trip, had to turn around at the Finnish border and abort.

Apparantly what he thought were his Visas, were not, they were an invitation or permission to apply for a Visa. He tried to go in by train to sort it out and come back for the bikes but the border wouldn't let him or help him sort it. There were also considerable difficulties getting insurance and I don't believe breakdown cover of any kind was sourced.

I'd check all the small print very carefully, and hope you have a good trip if you get there