No poseur machine: Tiffany Coates' R80GS, Thelma

When legendary motorcycle world traveler Tiffany Coates was in the U.S. for a speaking tour in 2010, BMW Motorrad USA offered to pay for parts and repairs on her 20-year-old R80GS, Thelma, which by then had carried her well over 150,000 miles on five continents. 

When Tiffany told her father the good news, his response was, “Bloody hell—had they seen the bike when they offered that?” 

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Vehicle rentals in New Zealand?

My wife and I are headed to New Zealand in March and I wanted to see if you knew of anybody down there who did vehicle rentals?  We are looking at renting a pop-top camper van to spend our 2 weeks traveling around the south island.  Any leads would be helpful! Thank you for your help.

 ~ Beau Johnston (www.LivingOverland.com Gourmet Cooking * Travel * 4WD) via email

How do I find information for shipping a bike or vehicle overseas?

What are some resources for someone wanting to ship a Jeep overseas, such as China or Australia?

- David T., USA (via email)

Overland travel: Genetically modified anti-malarial mosquitoes closer to viability for release into the wild

It’s been over a decade since scientists created a mosquito genetically modified so its ability to transmit malaria—which kills 750,000 people each year worldwide, mostly in Africa—was virtually eliminated. But so far the anti-malarial GM mosquitoes have not been introduced into the wild, because the modification carries no definite survival advantage and would likely simply fade out of the wild population over time. 

That may have just changed. 

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Equipment review: Arctic Butterfly sensor-cleaning brush

A few weeks ago I received an unexpected Royal Mail package from Tom Sheppard. Inside was an orange case the right size to contain a pen or a watch. 

Hmm . . . Had Tom decided to pass on to me his GMT Master?

Probably not.

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What is the safest way to carry enough water for an extended trip?

For years I've been getting by with using the big plastic water containers from Reliance. But now that I'm planning an extended trip into Baja this fall, I thought I'd better get a jump on better options. Any thoughts on the safest way to carry enough water for an extended trip?

- Tony in Los Angeles, via Twitter

What are your favorite tips for fresh-food storage on extended trips?

For extended trips (Pan-American, Trans-World, Cape Town to London) without a fridge/freezer, are there any tips for food provisions while traveling overland? Aside from canned goods, powdered milk, and trips to local markets for "fresh food" I'd love to hear what tricks your team has come up with over the years.

- B. Cooper, Austin, TX (via email)

Best pan for one-pot cooking?

I just got my REI dividend, and would like to buy one cooking pan for motorcycle travel—small and lightweight is what I am hoping for. Do you have any recommendations?

- Mark Ordway, Phoenix (via Facebook)

What are portable toilet options?

What do you guys use as a WC? Portapotties are good, but is there something better?

- Sergio M., Puerto Vallarta, MX (via Twitter @Serchlife)

How do you carry video equipment on a motorcycle?

I'm an amateur videographer about to head to Baja for a month of riding on my KLR650. Does anyone have any advice on safely carrying camera equipment on a bike?

- Alberto Q., Austin, TX (via email)