Need advice...please help!

[trial_07]

I'll try to make a rough plan of the route before the end of this week. We will be "evading" the cold weather, so stopping in northern states as we find our way to the south. I've been to Kentucky for a world BMX championship when I was younger, it was a 20 hour trip.

How does it work in US regarding health insurances, is it expensive? In Quebec it is free, as long as we have that medical card. And I guess we'll need a passport?

 

[trial_07]

If we make it to Wisconsin, we could make a few stops in Ontario before. I still don't know what would be best: south-east or south-west United States (California or Georgia/Florida)?

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Both. I think you should try and do a tour. If you're planning on an 8 month trip, you should try to go to a few places. Here's my suggestions:
-California (MX heaven)
-Arizona
-Texas
-Florida
-East Coast for Steel City and Binghampton

There's lots more places, but those are some of the motocross hot spots. For offroad I'd add Utah, Colorado, Idaho, a lot of the Eastern USA and I'd scratch Texas.

 

[trial_07]

From Florida to California or from California to Florida is a long ride. If we can travel at tracks that will let us sleep there the trip will be relatively not so expensive. California is very tempting as a final destination...

 

[Chili]

I admire your enthusiasm but I think you'll need to save up your cash for this trip rather than relying on working while on the trip. Other than supplying illegal labor you will be very unlikely to be able to get work permits to do any kind of work in the USA.

 

[Patman]

Paying for health care out of pocket would be costly. You should check if your coverage will be valid in the US (I think it is for minor stuff).

 

[Chili]

He would need to purchase Travel health coverage, not horribly expensive but enough to make a dent in a youngsters bankroll without a doubt. Also make sure you know the full extent of the coverage and there is no "extreme" sports exclusion in the policy.

 

[trial_07]

Yes we are going to save up cash because we won't rely on getting some jobs. I didn't know working in the US would be illegal though. Once the route is planned, we'll try to estimate how much all of this could cost. Do we have to pay something to cross the border with our bikes?

 

[Chili]

Do we have to pay something to cross the border with our bikes?

No.

 

[Tony Eeds]

Live the dream, like Terry said.

You will never regret the decision to take this trip and this trip will change you dramatically. Bless your mother for being so supportive.

I can't help but think that many of us would be willing to step up and help you out. My daughter says I have a storage bin with a screen door, which is to say that my house is "full", but I'm betting many of us would be glad to help out with lodging or a meal and a tank of gas.

Contrary to other opinions though, I would not "plan" a route, but generally plan on a direction and let fate take over.

Invest in a laptop and keep a journal of your trip, you will not regret it.

Invest in a good camera and a smugmug account, so you can upload photos and link to them.

Also, start a thread in the Ride Report forum about your trip and update.

Make this more than just a journey to ride bikes, make this a journey into your soul. Find the corners of box, jump outside the box ...

Lastly, set up a PayPal account. I, and I'm betting others, would be willing to toss in some money for gas. All we ask is that you share the journey.

 

[trial_07]

Of course I will write about our day-to-day adventures and post some pictures. Plus, I enjoy writing.

Tony Eeds, I am impressed at how people show some generosity. I'm not asking for charity, but a shower and a roof to sleep for a day or two would definitely be welcomed.

I realize this won't only be a motocross trip, we'll have the opportunity to make new friends and explore areas I thought I could only visit in my dreams.

We will leave from Quebec around October 2008 and come back for April or May 2009. That totals up to approximately 7 months.

I'll try looking up some info on the net concerning health insurances and all the legal stuff. I guess I should order a passport also eh?

While I'm thinking about it: Any idea where the Dirt Week will be in 2009? And when?

 

[trial_07]

Info concerning health insurances:

From RAMQ Health Insurance :
"During a Trip or a Temporary Stay
When travelling or when outside Québec temporarily, persons holding a valid Health Insurance Card can receive healthcare services covered by the Québec Health Insurance Plan. However, in most cases, the Régie de l'assurance maladie reimburses only part of the cost."

Concerning private insurances, some don't cover high risk sports. I was not able to find any price, I guess I'll have to make a few phone calls.

 

[snb73]

All have given sound advice. I agree with Tony's suggestion and urge you chronical the journey. Perhaps you might even get it published. There was a movie years ago about the love of surfing, "Endless Summer".

A paypal account is a great idea, for us home bound individuals to offer some support and live vicariously through your adventures.

I would suggest an enclosed trailer. That way you always have a dry place to sleep. If you plan your journey and contact some tracks, most are always looking for flaggers and trade ride time for work.

As things get closer, let us know your travel route. If you taking I-95 south from Quebec, plan on a few days in Maryland, I know of some great tracks in the area. I am 20 minutes from Budds Creek.

I would bet many clubs across the USA would support your quest. Good luck and keep us posted.

Steve.

 

[High Lord Gomer]

When my late wife graduated from college, she and a friend took a full month to drive across the country to appear for their first job. It's something you can only do before (or after) you have kids and commitments, and something you will always be glad you did.

Plan on spending some time in the NC, SC, and GA area. There are plenty of tracks worth visiting.

 

[trial_07]

Thank you Steve! I will open up a Paypal account when the time comes and everything is confirmed. Publishing the journey would be a great idea if I get to see, live, and experience enough things. I wouldn't want to write anything boring or trivial. There will be lots of pictures :yeehaw:

 

[trial_07]

When my late wife graduated from college, she and a friend took a full month to drive across the country to appear for their first job. It's something you can only do before (or after) you have kids and commitments, and something you will always be glad you did.

Plan on spending some time in the NC, SC, and GA area. There are plenty of tracks worth visiting.

I'd love spending a day in GA and see one my idols practice: JSR.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Just a question, why are you going in the winter? I thought it would make more sense to go in the summer as that's when there's more races and stuff going on. For a budget, I'd make sure you have at least $10000 CAN to cover food, gas, lodging, bike repairs, etc.

 

[trial_07]

We are going during winter because we work and ride here during summer. 6 000 $ CAN each was our objective, keeping in mind we sleep in the van/trailer and buy food from groceries.

 

[trial_07]

I've been told the cost of life in California is pretty damn high! How is this going to affect me anyway? Is the food really that much pricier? I'm really having a hard time figuring if I'm going east or west.

 

[Moose]

trial,

i'm doing almost the same thing as you (getting out and experiencing new places) this summer. i told my grandpa how i'd like to see stuff, and just experience new things while i'm young. so he booked a race schedule and a couple of presentations with his race team/project and i get to tag along to the better part of them. they'll mainly be western canada, but that's a lot more than i've seen.

i was thinking of doing the same thing before committing myself to a job/marriage but don't like to plan too far ahead so i'm giving it a couple years. just remember that there are a bunch of tight knit riding groups here on drn in pretty much almost all parts of the u.s. (michigan trail riders, so. cal, heartland spodes etc) and you'll probably make tons of friends that way. all i can say is good for you, you'll have a great time, and not many people can get the courage to commit to such a task. :cool:

 

[trial_07]

I can see us realizing this journey, and only the thought of it is exciting. For now we are two, but we welcome anybody who would want to join us. The trip length really depends on our budget. We'll look for sponsors, ask support from local businesses, organise a friendly race at the local track, etc...

I have already started to look for quotes from private health insurance companies. How good is this www.kanetix.com? Having to cut the trip short because of an injury would really suck.

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Groceries and even fast food are not significantly more expensive in CA, but hotels are a bit higher.

If you're going to do this, you've got to include California. Of the 13 states I've ridden in, CA is the one I most want to go back to and ride more. There are so many different kinds of places to ride there, and so many of them.

If I were to do it, I would start in CA and slowly make my way east across the southern states during the winter. CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, CO, TX, AR, AL, GA, SC, and NC. If it is late enough in the spring when you finish up in NC, you would also be able to hit a few in VA, MD, and PA on your way back up.

 

[Chili]

We'll look for sponsors, ask support from local businesses, organise a friendly race at the local track, etc...

I'm not trying to rain on your parade here but what possible benefit would there be to someone to sponsor or for a local business to donate for you to travel the USA and ride? Too many young racers/riders confuse Sponsorship and charity.

I have already started to look for quotes from private health insurance companies. How good is this www.kanetix.com? Having to cut the trip short because of an injury would really suck.

Having some experience with making a Travel health claim (my kid broke his leg at DW04) I can say that you will have to cut the trip short if you get hurt. Pretty much all plans would cover you for the initial treatment and to stabilize you, they would then expect you to return to Canada for any future treatment.

 

[trial_07]

Ok so call it charity then. Businesses are generous in my local area and I have no doubt they will support us. As for the injury, can't you just heal in the States if it is minor?

 

[Chili]

As for the injury, can't you just heal in the States if it is minor?

If you won't require follow up care ie. get a couple of stitches and head home then you can stay. Break a limb or have something that they feel should be followed up by a Doctor post injury and they will want you home to avoid further claims.