Riding 2Up

In preparing for a trip of this nature arguably the most important decision is which motorcycle. The key considerations were; cost, safety, comfort, reliability, capacity, dual purpose, ease of maintenance, accessories, practicality.

Many bikes tick some of the boxes but only the GS managed to tick every box except cost. The high up-front cost was somewhat allayed by the high resale value and the longer maintenance intervals and hence lower service costs.

The GS is very much built for the purpose of adventure riding and with it's light weight and lower initial price than the GSA was the ideal choice. Be it road riding with sports bikes or off-road adventures the GS doesn't disappoint.

Intensive route planning and documentation research (e.g. visas, carnet de passage, insurance etc), medical vaccinations and budgeting expenses has all been integral preparation to this trip to ensure we are fully prepared for departure in December. Key activities to be undertaken before departure include:

Senior First Aid and Remote Area Survival Training

BMW Training – Maintenance and Familiarisation

Pascal will seek out BMW Bike specialists to demonstrate to him the detailed mechanical functions of all aspects of our R1200 GS and receive intensive training to ensure he is able to attend to maintenance and repair damage whilst on the road. He will also be undertaking a course at the BMW off-road centre in Canberra to gain invaluable off road training for the varied terrain ahead.

Personal Training

Riding a motorbike over long distances for a sustained period requires a tremendous amount of strength, energy and stamina. A self confessed bookworm and couch potato, Arja will be aiming to get as fit as possible over the remaining four month period before departure. The key for her to stick to an exercise regime is variety and her training will consist of an odd mixture of cycling, hiking, pilates, swing dance and self defence!

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