Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kirkcaldy
Posts: 7
UK to Istanbul

Hi, Am looking at doing a quick trip (3-4 days both ways) to Istanbul, very limited time.....As far as travelling 'fast' through Slovenia Croatia Serbia and Bulgaria. Anyone done this route and any advice?? My limited research shows poor roads through some of these countries and lower speed limits for bikes.
Thanks for looking.

Martin
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Apart from your time limitations I suggest that you take a look at the weather that decended recently on the Balkans.
Also for the Alps, if you are thinking of going via that mountain range.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by martinl View Post
Hi, Am looking at doing a quick trip (3-4 days both ways) to Istanbul, very limited time.....As far as travelling 'fast' through Slovenia Croatia Serbia and Bulgaria. Anyone done this route and any advice?? My limited research shows poor roads through some of these countries and lower speed limits for bikes.
Thanks for looking.

Martin
Which airline are you flying by?

If you are really planning on going by motorcycle, what are you hoping to achieve in this time frame?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Dec 2012
strimstrum's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
All main routes to Istanbul are for the most part paved with very good road surfaces. This time of year travel through the Alps and Balkans will present quite a few problems on two wheels (I drove to Bulgaria by car last month and it took around 35 hours from Calais). Also winter days have a limited amount of daylight.

In the summer however, it is an excellent trip with several route variations.

Just to mention that in Bulgaria last week the snow had arrived and it was cold - I took this picture at the Motocamp in Idilevo.
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: kirkcaldy
Posts: 7
Flying with Pan European airlines docsherlock, thanks for asking. Its an A-B ride. Get to Istanbul, find a roundabout, go round it, and head home. Not leaving until 17th March,so hopefully weather is more settled by then. Will look at routes through mountains. Cheers guys.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Dec 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I've done this route two ways - going through the balkans ona750 elefant took a lot longer, but I wasn't pushed for time so could have gone quicker. The route is more winding and there are a lot more borders to stop at than the alternative.

In October I did UK to Istanbul in 4 days via Italy on a 45 year old bike. 1 day to Dijon, one to Modena (via Tunel de Frejus, cold round there, will be worse now), then one day down to Bari, ferry to Igoumenitsa overnight then 1 day to Istanbul. Sore arse but admitedly uncomfortable seat and mega vibrations.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by martinl View Post
Not leaving until 17th March,so hopefully weather is more settled by then. Will look at routes through mountains. Cheers guys.
Best to stay clear of the big mountains - anywhere that has a skiing area for instance - even at that time of year.
Basically, the mountains will always slow you down, even without the weather as a factor, and you just don't seem to have time on your side; that points towards the use of motorways all the way out, and back.
In my riding of the Alps, for instance, I have managed about 250 miles after a long day in the saddle. OK, there was a certain amount of sight-seeing and general gawping and taking of photos, but not all that much.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
London to India: Istanbul to Iran route tips? mrbrjohns Route Planning 1 3 Nov 2012 18:35
Shipping to Egypt - Istanbul or Athens Cello Trip Transport 0 22 Oct 2012 20:32
London to Istanbul billyedit Route Planning 12 12 Nov 2011 02:03
Mount Shasta now, Istanbul soon leftfield123 Welcome to HU 2 24 Oct 2011 16:02

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
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!

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 19:54.