TRAVEL
When the stresses and strains of work get too much, head to South America.
Suzanna, where are you both right now? We’re in a village called Puerto Perez on the eastern shore of Lake Titicaca, which is the world’s highest navigable lake. You decided to really go for it – two years on the road! Has that been difficult to organise and what about real life getting in the way? We’d planned a one year trip, however we were able to extend it to over two years by way of careful planning. Although I’d ridden since I was 18, I’d never been biking abroad before I met Kelvin in 2012. We went to events such as the Adventure Travel Show in London (where we attended a seminar by yourself and Austin Vince), HUBB UK and The Overland Event, inspiring. to and be rented granted which We out were career were our all house. fortunate breaks America? Kelvin and Why Mongolia, wanted did you to however choose go to Russia South we decided because on you South can pick America up visas as only you one go main along language and there – is Spanish to learn. – which I was keen Had you ever done anything like this before? In 2012 we went to Spain together and the motorbiking travel-bug set in. We then did a two week trip each year in Europe. Kelvin had previously done lots of off-roading, however I’d only been on tarmac. I joined the TRF (Trail Riders before confidence Suzuki are The renowned and of Why kit they DR650 is without big Fellowship) leaving, do DR650S faring? enough you for off-road. or its being ‘Bush-pig’ use to reliability and build to a older year too carry how my big. is lots We wouldn’t which parts and needed problem for we in break could South bikes diagnosis the find that America bank, spare didn’t require DR650 Ours are ticked a 1996 computer. all models these The and boxes. we were DR650SE’S fortunate within to find six months two of each other – they cost about £1500 each. I got mine first and we took it on a two-week ‘test-run’ to Italy. I wanted to see if I’d get on with it, and I loved it. Kelvin left the bike choice up to me because I’m physically the smaller. And, wisely, he wanted two identical bikes to make life easier in terms of consumables and tools. What luggage are you using and is it working out for you? We wanted to use dirt roads as much as possible and so we knew we’d both drop our bikes from time to time. So to minimise the risk to ourselves and the bikes we went for soft luggage. Although they are ‘universal’ and therefore not quite so easy to take on and off the bikes when we need to do repairs, clean the air filters etc, I wouldn’t change to hard luggage. We’ll look into better racks or Kelvin will fabricate something, as some point.
So what’s going to happen when it’s all over and you have to return to reality? Well, we’ll have to go back to work. However, our goal is to save our money and change our lifestyle so that we are able to travel much more. If we can find ways of working remotely, life on the road will become much more of a regular thing. The next continent in our sights is definitely Africa. together relationship? How has affected travelling Any your tips for other couples thinking of hitting the road together? To be honest we have actually enjoyed being able to spend more time with each other. Before this trip I was out the door by 6.30am and Kelvin often 7pm. schedules So, wouldn’t unfortunately, meant be quality home our until time together was really limited to the weekends only. The key is communication. If you are having a particularly bad day, are tired or anxious, just tell them. That’s not to say it’s all plain sailing, we do get a little impatient with each other at times, but I think that’s probably normal when you’re together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I recommend travelling with your partner. adventures Follow Suzie at… and Kelvin’s avvida.co.uk, @avvidacyril on Instagram and Facebook and other social media. Suzie also writes a physiotherapy based blog for travellers. Find this at avvida. co.uk/suzie-says