The purpose of this page is to answer some of the questions we most often get asked.

FAQ  Click on the question to get the answer.

1. Jimmy Lewis vs. Rawhyde Offroad vs. BMW Off-Road Course? Cost? Expenses? Fun Factor?
2. Touratech Bags vs. Jesse Bags?
3. What Riding Gear do we use for the Adventure Travel?
4. What items do we take on ours Travels?
5. What Medical Travel Coverage do we have?
6. What does it take to get married in Dubai?
7. What navigational tools do we use?
8. Our choice of Camping Gear!
9. What camera's do we use?
10. Where did we purchase the Helmet Video Camera? How does it work? What is its quality?
11. Satellite Phone vs. Cell Phone?
12. What type of lap top computer do we use?
13. Why BMW Motorcycles?
14. What do we do professionally to get the time off and to afford the trips?
15. What is our favourite country?

1. Jimmy Lewis vs. Rawhyde Offroad vs. BMW Off-Road Course? Cost? Expenses? Fun Factor?

We looked at both options. Being in North America it would have been easier to take a course here.  We are familiar with Jimmy Lewis but did not consider his course.  The two courses we considered was the BMW Off-road course in Germany and Jim Hyde's (http://www.rawhyde-offroad.com/adventure_camp_testimonials.html)
Advendure course.  We actually met Jim Hyde in Mexico at Copper Canyon going down the road to Batopilas by accident.  Excellent rider, great personality and gave us some good off roading tips.  The main reason why we went with the German 3-day BMW course was because we didn't have to use our own bikes.  Everyone dropped their bikes at least 5 times a day.  You are more daring if you don't have to worry about fixing the bike afterwards.

Here is the write up we did on the BMW course in Germany, cost, itinerary etc. for information.  We believe that when you buy the BMW GS it should be mandatory to take the course.  It will give you great appreciation for the potential of the bike.

There were a total of 30 attending the course and four (4) instructors. Upon our arrival we were broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups.   Which ended up being one (1) beginner group and three (3) intermediate groups.  Since we were the foreigners our intermediate group was instructed in English.

Pretty much all the bikes ridden were BMWR1200GS and Adventures, with one BMW650GS.  All bikes were parked outside the maintenance shop colour coordinated and labeled with the attendees name (German precision).  Within 5 minutes of the course we were doing Gymnastics on the bikes.  Standing on the seat, both legs on one side of the bike, learning how to balance the bike on an uneven surface riding in circles.  Then it was off into the woods already, up the steep climbs and we all wondered what we had gotten into.

First Day Itinerary: All day at the Off-Road BMW Enduro Park
We learnt how to balance the bike with your body weight, riding around obstacles, tied circles and locking the steering.  Another exercise was stalling the bike on a steep hill, climbing and descending steep hills and emergency braking by locking the rear wheel (with ABS off and on).  We were all physically and mentally drained after spending all day overcoming one obstacle after another.

Second Day Itinerary:  Approx. 6 hrs on Military Grounds, 2 hrs in the Off Road BMW Enduro Park
The morning was spend on actual asphalt at the near by Military Grounds, we rode the bikes about 20km to the grounds, and learnt the limits of the BMW on pavement during slow maneuvering. David actually got to track his knees and boots on his Adventure.  Again emergency braking by locking up the rear wheel and using the front brake for control. In the afternoon we spend 2 hrs in the  BMW Enduro Park practicing and doing water crossings. And then we were of into the training grounds of the military tanks.  Finally it all came together.  We ended up single tracking through the forest and sometimes there were no tracks just trees and stumps.  Only a handful attempted the water crossing, which made for some great entertainment and pictures.

Third Day Itinerary:  All day at the Off-Road BMW Enduro Park
The day was spent practicing everything we learnt and improving on the weak points.  Using the front brake while descending a steep rocky hill.  We also tried to master riding in deep sand, where a lot of crashing occurred.

Included in the cost of the course which was 725 Euro per person was the motorcycle, Lunch and Supper at the hotel in Hechlingen, Snacks during the day, a T-shirt and Certificate.

CRASHES: Yes, everyone had a few crashes.  Some were more spectacular then other.  I had a huge crash the first day going down (tumbling down) a steep downhill.  Luckily I was wearing the Dirt Bike Chest Protectors and only ended up with a very bruised collarbone and angle.  Mike out did my crash by using the front brake full force going 70km/hr on gravel.  The BMW protection bars and cylinder cover did not withstand that force.  There were a few cylinder covers replaced during the course.

What we learnt was to always look ahead to where you are going and stand up on the pegs.  It is all about balancing the bike with your body weight.  Don't worry about the big rocks and let the bike move under you. AND IT IS OKAY TO USE THE FRONT BRAKE GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL.  That was a tough one for me to overcome.

Accommodations are very cheap in the area.  BMW will provide you with a list of Pension's close by.  Rooms are charged per person (not per room).  We paid 14Euro a person/night and that included full breakfast. 

Note that Jim Hyde's course is about $1200US and does not include the bikes, whereas in Germany it is 725Euro includes the bikes, lunch and supper.

2. Touratech Bags vs. Jesse Bags?

This is the most frequently asked question we get.  If you do ever buy a BMW do NOT buy the factory bags with it, one fall and they are garbage.  We are both happy with our choices.

Advantages of Touratech:
Aluminum, light weight, square, comes with internal removal bags, very hard to destroy and saves a lot of parts on the bike if you do crash.  Mounting height adjustable. German:) – Ruby is just a little bias to them.

Disadvantage:
Not very aero dynamic.  Anything over 160km/hr the rear end starts to gets funny. 

Advantages of Jesse:
Great support, fast shipping.  A lot more aero dynamic.  Some think they look cooler. Easier to remove from motorcycle and better locking system.

Disadvantage:
Heavy. Storage inside is a bit awkward. Mounting height not adjustable.

3. What Riding Gear do we use for the Adventure Travel?

Riding Gear is something you always can improve on and depends where you ride. Hot or Cold climate?  Our current gear works for both.  Also keeping in mind that guys do not get as cold as girls. We often get asked why we don't wear BMW clothing.  There is no denying that it is good quality, but after trying out the Rally 2 suit, it is way too heavy.  Not to mention it costs a pile of money. We have therefore tried different brands and are happy with our current set up, but it doesn't mean that we have stopped looking for even better.

RIDING GEAR
- We both wear Arai XD Helmets (between $650 to 750US), and have to say for this kind of riding it is "the" helmet. We also own every other helmet out there for the other motorcycles, but the peak on the Arai Helmet really helps for long days in the saddle to keep the sun out of your eyes. We love the visor that flips up and allows us to wear goggles.
- Pending on the climate we have two (2) pair of Motorcycles Cloves.  A winter pair (Frank Thomas - Aqua Pore ($100US) and summer pair (First Racing or Alpine Star SMX Air Carbon ($80US)
- Olympia Motorcycle Jacket ($170US) - A girls jackets, it has a removable windproof jacket inside and otherwise the Jacket is porous.  I only wear the inside jacket when riding in the cold.
- We both wear Fieldshear Four Season Mesh Pants (100US).  Amazing in the hot weather.  When it gets cold we just wear our rain pants over them.
- Mike wears the Fieldshear High Flow Mesh Jacket ($100US).  Again he wears his rain jacket if it gets cold over it.
- The best boot out there is SIDI Discovery Boot ($250US).  Unbelievable, waterproof and crash resistant.  We have worn them every day for probably now 1 year straight and they look like new. They are light enough for short hikes.
- Mike wears the UFO Back Protector ($70US).
- Ruby wears the Progrip Back Protector ($100US)
- We are currently looking for a better Rain Suit.  The previous one was excellent, but too heavy and spacious.

A lot of our gear we get on sale or check out http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/
They have excellent sale items.  Go to your local store and try on your size and then order from them.

4. What items do we take on ours Travels?

Here is our packing list for the six (6) month Middle East and Eastern Europe Trip: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Packing%20List.htm

5. What Medical Travel Coverage do we have?

MetjetAssist – Medical Evacuation

What happens if one of us gets seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident or even sick in some third world country? Do we trust the sanitary conditions of the hospital or is even technology available to help.  This is where MedjetAssist comes into play. (For more information please go to this link www.medjetassistance.com). We purchased the 5 year Motorcycle Protection Plan, which is $1450US (Family Plan).

Domestic air medical evacuation averages $10,000 to $20,000, and internationally, it can exceed $75,000. But not with the medical evacuation service of MedjetAssist. As a member, if you are ever hospitalized more than 150 miles away from home,

MedjetAssist will send a medically equipped and staffed aircraft to pick you up and fly you to the hospital of your choice — at no additional charge. No transportation cost limitations. No preexisting-condition exclusions. Just peace of mind each and every time you travel.

Unlike other evacuation services, MedjetAssist lets you decide which hospital will be your final destination. Plus, there’s no medical necessity clause. If you are hospitalized, MedjetAssist will be there to pick you up — regardless of the nature of your illness or injury.

World Nomads – Medical Travel Insurance

World Nomads is specially designed for adventurous independent travellers. World Nomads insurance is focused on what is really important, medical & emergency evacuation although it covers other areas such as your baggage, cancellation costs, dental and liability depending on your country of residence.

You can buy your coverage on line at www.worldnomads.com for up to 6 months. Just before the 6 months are up you will receive an e-mail inquiring if you would like to extend the coverage for additional time period.

We have been lucky enough not to require either service up to this point.

6. What does it take to get married in Dubai?

Not an easy task to arrange your wedding in a foreign country.  We started with our research on the internet approx. three (3) months prior to the wedding date and came upon the Confetti Abroad Wedding Organizers (www.confettiabroad.com).  We were looking for the cheapest and simplest wedding possible. No such thing in Dubai.

Legalities:

One can only be married by a Minister in UAE.  The Wedding Organizer arranged our ceremony to take place at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel.  Our minister was Pastor Daniel Splett from the Church of Dubai (The Evangelical Church). He is actually from Calgary, Alberta Canada, but has been living in Dubai for the last 13 years. The following documents are required before you can get married:

- One has to participate in a Marriage Preparation Program and a copy of the certificate has to be provided.We chose the Life & Family Resource Centre in Calgary.  The two (2) day course was taught by the Catholic Church.
- Proof that you are free to marry. ie. Certificate of Divorce.
- Statement of Legal Eligibility for Marriage.  Confetti Abroad set up the appointment with Clyde & Co (Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales) in downtown Dubai the day before the wedding to sign our Affidavit.
- Information Form for Completion of the Certificate of Marriage

After the ceremony the wedding coordinator will get the Certificate of Marriage translated into Arabic and recorded at the Dubai Courts Inc.

Our passports are required for the registration of our marriage.  In our case it took eight (8) days before we got our passports back, which of course meant we were unable to leave the country.  The promised three (3) day turn-around did not occur, it would be an issue for anyone who is booked to return to their home country prior to getting the passport returned. In these eight (8) days the marriage certificate has to be stamped by the Notary of Public, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian Consulate.  Our delay was actually caused by the Canadian Consulate.

Cost

Translation and Recording of the Marriage Certificate
at the Dubai Courts Inc of Fees and Stamps                                  $600.00CDN

Fees for the Pastor to conduct blessing ceremony                          $300.00CDN

Photographs                                                                            $800.00CDN

Service of Wedding Co-ordinator                                              $1,000.00CDN

Meal at the Le Royal Meredien Hotel                                            $287.00CDN

Affidavit                                                                                  $33.00CDN

Marriage Preparation Program (Calgary, AB Canada)                       $120.00CDN

TOTAL                                                                                                 $3,140.00CDN

Full payment of $2,689.83 had to be wired to Confetti Abroad prior to arrival.

The cheapest package available for a photographer was $800.00, which included 60-72 photographs on high-resolution digital format during the Church Ceremony and then at the hotel.  Also to edit and re-touch where necessary and to create 1 Sepia and 1 Black & White special effect.

Both Ann McElhinney & Angela James, the wedding co-ordinators from Confetti Abroad were very professional and worked with us to keep the cost down for our wedding.  A special thank to both of them for making Feb. 20, 2006 a special day for us.

7. What navigational tools do we use?

Detailed information of GPS hardware, Navigational software, maps and guidebooks can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Navigation.htm

8. Our choice of Camping Gear!

Detailed information on type of tent, stove, cooking stove and utensils, sleeping bags and thermorests can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Gear.htm

9. What camera's do we use?

SLR Nikon D200, Point & Shoot Pentax Waterproof Optic, Sony Mini Camcorder and JonesCam Helmet Video Camera.  Detailed information can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Camera.htm

10. Where did we purchase the Helmet Video Camera? How does it work? What is its quality?

Detailed information and pictures of the Helmet Video Camera can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Camera.htm

11. Satellite Phone vs. Cell Phone?

Detailed information and pictures of the Satellite Phone can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Phone.htm

12. What type of lap top computer do we use?

Detailed information on type of lap top computer can be found on our website at: http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Computer.htm

13. Why BMW Motorcycles?

Under Construction

14. What do we do professionally to get the time off and to afford the trips?

Nothing comes easy. It is all possible pending on how much you want to give up and what is important to you. It did take a few years to get in the senior positions we are in now, to be able to do what we want (kind of). We both are contract consultants and work as project managers for Oil & Gas companies.   

The sacrifices we had to make are priceless compared to the incredible, unbelievable and unforgettable memories we take away from each trip.  Why wait until retirement, when you might not make it there. How do we do it?  We live below the standard of our combined income. 

13. What is our favourite country?