What to do, what to do?

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 22:07

I have to make a decision between two good things, Which is not the worst place in the world to be but it is confounding even so. I meed to choose between the following 2 options:

1. Take myself and my bike to the USA for a one-in-a-lifetime trip. My wife comes from the States and we are going back this year, one way or another. We have been planning to go with some friends and take six weeks riding coast-to-coast as well as spend quality time with her family. Part planning of the route has begin and we are looking at going across the South and then up to the NorthEast which means we will do some awesome roads including the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherehola (sp) Skyway as well as, possibly, the Blue Ridge Parkway.

2 Buy a new bike. Not just any bike but one that I have been lusting after for 3 years. It s one of only 200 in the world and this will be the one and only opportunity to buy it brand new. It has just become available this week and it won't last long

So, two rare opportunities arise at the same time and I can only afford one.

Six weeks of memories that will last a lifetime or years or the fulfillment of a three year old dream which will last for years to come?

**The Lone Rider** · 7th January 2012, 22:12

Go to the states.

When you get back, do something different - buy a barely functioning bike and build your own.

I spent 3 hours grinding a seat pan today. Shitty welding that I did. In the end though, when the bike is done, there is absolutely nothing more satisfying then know I did it.

I've been working on the bike for more than a year. I feel lucky though... I expect it to be done before end of this year!

**Big Dave** · 7th January 2012, 22:20

I'd buy the bike and tour NZ.

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 22:25

Originally Posted by The Lone Rider

Go to the states.

When you get back, do something different - buy a barely functioning bike and build your own.

I spent 3 hours grinding a seat pan today. Shitty welding that I did. In the end though, when the bike is done, there is absolutely nothing more satisfying then know I did it.

I've been working on the bike for more than a year. I feel lucky though... I expect it to be done before end of this year!

Unfortunately I have no mechanical ability at all - and, to be honest, no inclination to change that.

I'll put you down as 1 for the trip though

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 22:31

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I'd buy the bike and tour NZ.

That's very tempting actually. I love the South Island and there are a lot of parts of the North I am yet to do on a bike

1 for the bike

**FJRider** · 7th January 2012, 22:32

Originally Posted by AD345

Six weeks of memories that will last a lifetime or years or the fulfillment of a three year old dream which will last for years to come?

Which dream is more important ... your's ... or your's AND you wife's ... ???

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 22:33

Originally Posted by FJRider

Which dream is more important ... your's ... or your's AND you wife's ... ???

Fortunately that's not part of the equation

If I do the trip she's going on ahead to Maine and I will ride to meet her

If I get the new bike we will just go straight to Maine and hang with the rellies

**ducatilover** · 7th January 2012, 22:38

I vote Big Dave's idea.

**mashman** · 7th January 2012, 22:54

+1 on BD's words

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 22:57

Originally Posted by ducatilover

I vote Big Dave's idea.

Originally Posted by mashman

+1 on BD's words

3 for the bike now. It's not exactly a tourer but a bit of bungee cord will get me anywhere

Needless to say I can't sleep at the moment, if I'm going to pull the trigger on the bike it will be in the next 2 or 3 days

**The Lone Rider** · 7th January 2012, 23:04

You don't need a new bike to tour NZ, and the opportunity to do so is a lot more available.

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 23:08

Originally Posted by The Lone Rider

You don't need a new bike to tour NZ, and the opportunity to do so is a lot more available.

True, but the choice is not between touring NZ or touring the US.

I could do the US this year and still tour NZ over the next few years (once leave balance and finances had recuperated from this years trip)

If I do get the new bike though I could do a mini NZ tour this year - maybe.

**Berries** · 7th January 2012, 23:27

Originally Posted by AD345

Six weeks of memories that will last a lifetime or years or the fulfillment of a three year old dream which will last for years to come?

Originally Posted by AD345

If I get the new bike we will just go straight to Maine and hang with the rellies

Right. So you can get the bike and go to the States. What is the question again?

**AD345** · 7th January 2012, 23:30

Originally Posted by Berries

Right. So you can get the bike and go to the States. What is the question again?

I've been to the States a few times now

It's just that if I get the bike I can't afford to take that bike to the States.

If I don't get the new bike I can take my current bike and ride across the States

Hope that clears it up