The Trans America Trail

**reofix** · 25th July 2010, 22:07

Maybe Aug -Sep time frame ... Would like to take my time though . To hell with blatting across america at 300-400 miles a day

**richyrich** · 25th July 2010, 22:24

Ii wouldn't mind having a go at the tat.
i could cannibalize my dr for all the good bits

which would be best way-east to west or opposite way? .

**bart** · 26th July 2010, 13:26

Originally Posted by richyrich

Ii wouldn't mind having a go at the tat.
i could cannibalize my dr for all the good bits

which would be best way-east to west or opposite way? .

Apparently the maps are only for east to west.

http://www.transamtrail.com/

You buy the maps, roll charts, and gps stuff for US$290

**cooneyr** · 26th July 2010, 13:59

Originally Posted by bart

Apparently the maps are only for east to west.

http://www.transamtrail.com/

You buy the maps, roll charts, and gps stuff for US$290

If you have a GPS route there should be no issues ding it the "other way". Most GPS units will run backwards along a route and you can convert them easily on a PC anyway.

Roll charts are directional though unless you have a damn good head for numbers (lots of subtraction), really trust the distances and can get left means right and right means left correct every time. The road names will all be what you are turn off rather than what you need to turn onto.

**3L4NS1R** · 26th July 2010, 17:47

Originally Posted by gav24

We're off then!
2013 it is.. maybe... erm ....sort of....possibly...

My current travel plans take me to end of 2011. With a year of rebuilding my finances, I think this would be an excellent way of putting me back to $0.

Consider me in for this possible trip.

**XF650** · 26th July 2010, 20:44

Local guy is headed over there shortly, along with a bunch of other Kiwi's - their bikes are in transit.

**gav24** · 26th July 2010, 20:54

undercurrents of interest...

...cool....

So far its decided that we will do East-West

Will have to go when the trail on top of the Rockies is open/clear - Thats mid winter for us

I think that I'm camping as much as poss to save on $$$

I already know that I want to use a bike like a DR650 (cant afford a HP2 enduro yet!) but we need to figure out whether to take our NZ bikes or buy then sell/ship back US bikes. Basic shipping costs are fairly easy to get - but what about the extras that may be needed, I bet just insurance if riding a Kiwi plated bike?
If we ride US bought bikes what else do we need to do, rego/warrants or US equivalents...

Of course all of these statements should have very liberal use of the words "If" "maybe" and "might". I'm mad keen, but a young family, mortgage and lack of $$$ may put paid to a 2013 plan. But if I can nail down a few costs and a definate plan now it might just happen...

Reckon Barts in the same boat as me on this one, aye Dad!

Mums the word for now!

**gav24** · 26th July 2010, 20:57

Originally Posted by XF650

Local guy is headed over there shortly, along with a bunch of other Kiwi's - their bikes are in transit.

Lucky B

rd!

Is he on this Forum? We need to hit him up for details! and I hope a ride report for us "dreamers"!

**XF650** · 26th July 2010, 21:27

Originally Posted by gav24

Lucky B

rd!

Is he on this Forum? We need to hit him up for details! and I hope a ride report for us "dreamers"!

Mate doesn't visit here (too busy riding his new Tenere 660) but I'll chase him for more info in a couple of days..
I met another one of the group at the Field Days who's doing a story of the trip for one of the bike mags (riding a XChallenge).

**Padmei** · 26th July 2010, 21:43

What about taking a bike over there without smog plumbing or if it's removed? Might not pass their equivalent of WOF?

**bart** · 26th July 2010, 22:03

Originally Posted by Padmei

What about taking a bike over there without smog plumbing or if it's removed? Might not pass their equivalent of WOF?

I was thinking about that. They have strict rules on exhausts etc, especailly in California.

I'm swaying towards selling my bike just before going. Buying new over there. Throwing on a big tank and a few minor mods. Send it home once the ride's complete.

It may be easier to start new than prepare a bike for such a long ride (new brakes, chain, sprockets, bearings, cables, and all those other bits you don't usually worry about).

**bart** · 26th July 2010, 22:14

Originally Posted by gav24

Reckon Barts in the same boat as me on this one, aye Dad!

Mums the word for now!

Yeah, the TAT seems like just the right adventure for me. As much as I'd like to see Africa or South America, I don't think I could be assed with all the boarder crossings, language barriers, bribery, hostage dramas, getting raped etc.

The chances of me going are remote, but a remote chance is better than no chance. I can earn a lot of browny points in 3 years.

**gav24** · 27th July 2010, 21:14

Originally Posted by bart

Yeah, the TAT seems like just the right adventure for me. As much as I'd like to see Africa or South America, I don't think I could be assed with all the boarder crossings, language barriers, bribery, hostage dramas, getting raped etc.

The chances of me going are remote, but a remote chance is better than no chance. I can earn a lot of browny points in 3 years.

I actually think that most of my brownie points will come from language barriers, bribery, hostage dramas, and hopefully getting raped between me and the missus!

Like you say though, perfect adventure for us though, and 300 - 400 miles per day blatting across america sounds like my kind of fun for a few weeks.

My DR originally came from the US (as did all of the suzuki summer special bikes a couple of years back) and the new Pro Circuit pipe and jet kit came from California so I'm sure that issue isnt huge....
I am swaying hugely between taking my own bike - getting it set up before shipping would be half the fun and a great build up for the trip, and buying one ready to go in the US.
Need some shipping figures and paperwork hassles cleared up to really make my mind up.

Bart, a remote chance is a good start - from small acorns etc etc...

**Eddieb** · 29th July 2010, 19:57

These guys along part of the TAT, and around some fantastic country.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=603054

**gav24** · 30th July 2010, 11:05

Just made a quick call to Taurus shipping, and they reckon these are some ballpark figures to go on:-

1 bike in a crate AKL to LA = $1800 - $2000
up to 8 bikes in a 20 foot container = $4500
all riding gear and extras can be added to the crates if needed.

Other extras will be US port fees of around $7-800 per bike or $2000 for a container.

Plus each individual bike will need a Carnet so you dont sell it in the US, $???

Crate storage can be arranged at the port so same one can be used for return shipping, return is about $1200 - $1300 if same crate is used.

...... How does that grab anyone, now a few approx $$$ are known?

seems we need 8 of us I reckon, then we have to get them from LA to Tennessee... Road trip!

This is only one quote - what about air freight to Tennessee direct? Hell, to save $$ I'll pack myself in the crate as well!