Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Advice for travel through Russia Advice for travel through Russia
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 17 Aug 2008
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Posts: 86
When I in Russia last year, the heat was more of a problem than the cold. We were in vlad in June, central Siberia in July and around the golden ring in August. Even the arctic circle in September was OK, with temperatures around 0 C.

Wearing clothes inside a good down sleeping bag actually keeps you cooler.

A sleeping bag works by using your boody heat to warm up pockets of air between the feathers. Extra clothes prevent the sleeping bag from functioning correctly as they insulate the sleeping bag against your body heat. The only clothes you should wear in a sleeping bag are a good hat or balaclava and dry socks.

Also if your clothes are wet or dirty they will ruin your bag.

In my extensive experience from climbing, camping, ski touring, adventure motorcycling and snowcaving, a water resistant down sleeping bag in a good sealine or ortlieb roll top bag is best. It's warmest, smallest and most comfortable. Get a good Macpac reflex coated bag and you be warm and dry, even if the interior of your tent gets wet.

Don't forget your thermarest, probably the best thing for a good night's sleep.

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 18 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Krakow, Poland
Posts: 62
Take care in Bashkiria
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Rarely saw police, and when I did see them, they were very friendly, usually just asked about the bike. Rarely even had to show any documents. Only exception was Bashkiria (Bashkortistan), where they were out in force and pretty greedy.
My description of the trip through Russia would be exactly the same: no problems with the only exception of Bashkiria. The same happened to my friends traveling one week later. I would be double-cautious in that region.

Regarding temperatures, I dig historical measurements on Weather Underground. For example, mid-May 2007 in Ufa looked like this: Ufa. Results available for nearly every major city of the world, usually at least few years into the past. Priceless.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sydney N.S.W. Australia
Posts: 147
Thumbs up
G'day Baron, I am in Vladivostok at the moment, the weather is fantastic.We left the U.K. on 20th June and apart from Norway (always wet) the weather has been great. Mild to warm days and coolish nights.We have not had any touble with the Russian, Kzakistan or Mongolian Police. On the rare occassions we were pulled up we could talk our way out of it. The were always friendly and polite. No one ever asked for, or was offered a bribe. I intended to do "the Road of Bones" but broke my frame at Tynda, so after repairs, headed to Vlad. My Mates rode to Magadan, although most of the way was on the Kolmya Highway. The rivers were still to high on The Road of Bones. They said it was bloody cold and wet the last two days to Magadan. They flew their bikes to Vlad and are shipping them to Austarlia. I am entering Japan via Vanino and Sachalin Island and will fly to Canada from Japan. In Vlad the Iron Tigers will look after you.
__________________
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 31 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Isle Brewers, Somerset
Posts: 10
Continuously amazed at what a fantastic resource the HUBB is for those of us planning or dreaming the first big trip!

Half a dozen or more responses to a question about riding East, from people who have done it or are doing it now is simply amazing.

My tuppence worth is to agree with Mountain Man about synthetic over down bags.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 1 Sep 2008
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Cowper View Post
I am entering Japan via Vanino and Sachalin Island and will fly to Canada from Japan. In Vlad the Iron Tigers will look after you.
Chris, please let us know of your experience getting into Japan via Sakhalin.
You need to get your carnet validated by the Japan Automobile Federation ( JAF For Visitors Bringing Vehicles with Carnet de Passages en Douane ), and the nearest office to Wakkanai (where the ferry arrives) that I know of is in Asahikawa, which is a good 200 km from Wakkanai. If customs won't let you off without validation, you will have to take a train or bus to Asahikawa to get your paperwork done.
Also see Motorcycling to Japan for information on Japan.

There is a direct ferry to Japan from Vlad, but customs even getting out can be hell there! The JAF office is closer to the port, though.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 5 Nov 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London UK
Posts: 59
I made the trip to Vladivostok this summer, .. June July 2008.

As stated, Police in west greedy, .. keep false walet with most 500 RRu. Police in East just want to pose for photographs.

Magadan is a bit of a 'Dead End', RTW people this summer had to re-route to Vladivostok to exit Russia.

Vladivostok Air promise great things, .. but bikes were getting stranded in Kamchatka and prices were hikesd up massivley.

Best exit, .. ferry from Zarubino (100Km south of Vladivostok) to Sok Cho in South Korea. From Korea,.. Air or Ship to Seattle or Vancouver. Use Wendy Choi or Areo International as your agent.

In Volgograd,.. contact 'Bikecity34', .. Roman is the owner,.. a great guy who will help you out and show you around.

Amur highway is ok, .. rough but nothing too severe between Chita and Khabarovsk. In Vladivostok make contact with the Iron Tigers, they'll put you up free of charge in their clubhouse and help you out with things you might need.

Good lucky,.. Russian Hospitality is amazing. Get some small tin badges made and give them away to people you meet,.... you'll get free accommodation most of the way.

All the best, ... Geoff 'Poor Circulation': Riding Around The World, ...................... on £20 per Day?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 21 Jan 2009
The 314559's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 41
I'm doing a similar route this summer. My first RTW. Through Turkey and Stans into Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia down to Vlad.

I'm building a Google map. See here. I placed some markers along the South-east Russia route with statistical climate information based on WorldClimate

What scares me most is the amount of rain during Jun Jul Aug... The hottest months of the year are also the wettest.

I don't know what is worst. Wet or cold? I'm riding a V-Strom DL 1000. Mud is not my favorite playground.
__________________
RTW314559
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 21 Jan 2009
The 314559's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 41
Poor Circulation
Blue 88,
I just wanted to tell you that I made the mistake of clicking the link at the bottom of your post. That was about 6 hours ago. I won't make it to work tomorrow.
Thank you. It's been great reading it all... Good luck with the book.
__________________
RTW314559
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 25 Jan 2009
The 314559's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 41
Baron,
I'm going to be in Turkey around May and in Kazakhstan and Mongolia during June July... Hope to see you on the road...
__________________
RTW314559
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 31 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 103
I know this is an old thread but didn't know where else to post this.

I stumbled on this web site: New Vladivostok-Sakhalin-Kamchatka Ferry Line Opens This Fall || News || Russian Transport Daily Report

With this info: New Vladivostok-Sakhalin-Kamchatka Ferry Line Opens This Fall

The regional authorities decided to give the green light to a new cargo and passenger ferry line, to connect Vladivostok, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The new ferry line should be open by this fall. There has been an agreement to transfer a ship from the Baltic Sea to Primorye that could operate the ferry line.

I've sent an email to find out if it's up and running but no reply so far. If anyone knows more about this I'd like to know please.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa travel advice Highlander1 Route Planning 13 21 Feb 2008 06:01
Reiliable Travel Advice Here... kentfallen Travellers Seeking Travellers 8 29 Jan 2008 01:25
Advice on driving through Russia and Kazakhstan GuyGoesGlobal Route Planning 5 25 Oct 2007 20:59
russia and safety, any advice? Dodgydago Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 22 Jun 2006 03:05
Advice for trip. UK > Russia > Mongolia Baron Bolton Northern and Central Asia 18 10 Apr 2006 15:02

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:29.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top