Touring holiday as a newbie

[random11]

Hi all,

I have been reading these threads with interest for a while, and have found them very useful and interesting.
I would value your opinions. I am planning to do my DAS in the new year, and would like to go on a bike tour of the west coast of the US in late summer / autumn next year.
Do you think this is a feasible plan?
I know that all people are different, different rates of learning, confidence, skills etc, but in general do you think i will be experienced enough for a trip like this after a few months riding? (I have driven for 14 years in the UK and abroad). Are there any trips/courses you can recommend prior to doing something like this?

What are your views on doing something like this alone?

Cheers

[chilli]

Hello mate!

I've not ridden, but I have driven along the PCH and all around the west coast, and its a piece of cake!! So, I guess you'd have about 6 months experience on a bike? Why not?! Got anymore details, or is it still just a thought?

Cheers.

[Kiwi_uk]

Shouldn't be any problem mate but I would recommend you complete an IAM Advanced Training as a minimum. The training for the advanced test will give you some useful skills to survive on our roads and if you can do it here you should be able to do it anywhere. Best thing is the cost, bloody cheap for what you get out of it.

You can find your nearest clib from here. Contact them and see what they have to say. www.iam.org.uk/iamgroups/groupdirectory/

[hiccy]

I've had my bike two months now and am piecing together a long distance jaunt for this summer so I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to contemplate such a holiday. Sounds lovely

Only thing I would watch is the riding experience stipulated by the holiday provider: I'm thinking that in vehicle rentals it is very common to require a minimum of one years experience. Hopefully that wouldn't affect you.

[twit]

Rode to Australia from the Uk less than a year after passing my test. All environments and weathers etc. Top laugh! Go for it...!

[chilli]

twit said:

Rode to Australia from the Uk less than a year after passing my test. All environments and weathers etc. Top laugh! Go for it...!

Jesus, how long did that take??!!

[twit]

chilli said:

twit said:

Rode to Australia from the Uk less than a year after passing my test. All environments and weathers etc. Top laugh! Go for it...!

Jesus, how long did that take??!!

Just over a year taking into account having to turn back at one point to get repairs... KTM I was on disintergrated!!! But it did get a lot of abuse! Mega year though, best of my life!!!

[random11]

Hi all and thanks for your input.
I am just at the initial stages of planning this, so I will definitely be checking out that I don't need to have been riding for > year to rent a bike, and looking at various routes.

It sounds like getting the DAS out of the way followed by the IAM is the way forwards.
I am sure I will have a few more posts as I go through that process - along the lines of "U-turns: how do I do that then?", "wow 40 is FAST!" and "what first bike?".
Any of you based in London - I will be an enthusiastic beginner looking to go for rides come the spring.
cheers

[woodlands]

I will be doing Route 66 in September '07, and as it happens 2 of the group will be doing their das during Spring Summer. Apparently no problem with riding experience, but we will definitely hire some harleys for a weekend during the summer to rack up some additional experience.