The possibility of a lone exodus

After the group ride last weekend, i've been thinking more about the touring aspects of biking. Like most young people, after i get over the rush of how fast i can go, i start wondering about how far i can get.

Reading about seasoned tourers isn't something i find too educational at the moment; at my current level of understanding of things motorcycle, it's more baffling than anything, too huge a leap from the driver's experience of touring. I still have serious issues with this 4WD trip around the continent that Mr C and i are supposed to be heading off on in a few years, doing it on a bike seems even more of a logistical nightmare, even if i personally feel it would be a more engaging way to see the country.

But i came across this woman's ride across the Nullabor earlier, and i'm thinking it may be time to make some plans for a small trip on my own on the bike. What changed my mind about it was not the fact that it was a female attempt - it was 2 other non-gender specific things: she did it solo, and on a 250! Most riders whose cross-country accounts i've come across have big bikes - 750ccs and above. For someone who's had barely any riding experience, a jump from nothing to big bike is rather daunting, akin to feeling like i have to be Robert Pirsig, he of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance fame.

I'm starting from less than scratch here. I haven't even gotten as far as running my bike in. But it's heartening to read about someone who's doing it on a small bike (like mine), makes silly mistakes like dropping bike in unlikely places (the way i totally would) and missing No Motorcycle signs (how i'd definitely do).

It makes it feel very possible, a journey i can imagine undertaking, which is a change from the mystification that i greet anything more than basic riding with. There's a lot more involved in owning a motorcycle than getting to ride it!

While a sports bike like my little beast isn't the most comfortable touring option, the great thing about doing something like that alone is that i can plan it to suit me. It won't happen now - not enough experience with everyday stuff to think about a trip that extended. But it's definitely something to be excited about.

This world of possibilities!