|
11 Jul 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cork, Eire
Posts: 1
|
|
Through Europe
Hi guy's
Leaving for three week through Europe next week. Hoping to go through Italy, Greece, Turkey, up through eastern europe and back to the ferry in france. Hoping for some advice on a few topics? is Turkey or any of the eastern european countries troublesome with insurance/entry etc? If need to replace bike tyres are most countries ok or not? (1998 honda fireblade) are campsites bike friendly and any essential equipment recommended? I have never done a trip like this before and going solo so appreciate any help/advice on offer
Thank's
Stevo
|
11 Jul 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
|
|
That's a stiff itinerary for three weeks....
Italy and Greece and I suppose Istanbul or Ankara aren't the problem for buying new tires, but Bulgaria and Romania this might only be possible in their capitals.
Can't speak for Turkey, but the EU countries are all satisfied with the green insurance card. Entry into all these countries is no issue.
Major roads through BG and RO are OK for street bikes, but secondary roads are more comfortably done on an enduro. Slovakia, Czech Rep, Poland have mostly good roads.
In the east european countries, esp. RO & BG, I wouldn't bother to search for camp sites. They are scarce and rooms are fairly low priced.
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
11 Jul 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi
In the east european countries, esp. RO & BG, I wouldn't bother to search for camp sites. They are scarce and rooms are fairly low priced.
|
Second that. I've been told by locals that a) there are practically no camp sites in Bulgaria and b) even if there were any, they'd not be safe. Hotels are decently priced though. Careful in Serbia, don't drive at night and especially not by yourself. I've been told - once again by locals - that the streets are not safe at night. Camping in Poland and the Czech Republic should be just fine - been there done that.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
16 Jul 2009
|
Moderated Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 42
|
|
Camp site in Bulgaria
Just for information, we run a good campsite in south-eastern Bulgaria, close to the Turkish and Greek borders. There is another British-run one in northern Bulgaria, so it is no problem to cross the country, stopping once in the south and once in the north. Romania has lots of good campsites, some owned and run by Dutch people, and equally good as ours.
Look us up on Camping Bulgaria at Sakar Hills
Happy travelling
Martin T Jeffes
Sakar Hills Camping
Nr Harmanli
Bulgaria
|
16 Jul 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
Martin, that's good to know. My wife's Bulgarian, so I'll make sure to visit you next time we're there
It'd be interesting to know tho how you deal with safety. Don't get me wrong, I haven't had anything stolen in Bulgaria and in my experience, Bulgarians are among the nicest, friendliest and most enchanting people I have ever met. But I've been warned by practically every local not to drive around Bulgaria in a foreign car or motorcycle, and to generally be very careful.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
17 Jul 2009
|
Moderated Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 42
|
|
Safety in Bulgaria
MJungowski,
thanks for your reply.
The question of personal safety and/or risk to property and possessions is something that we have not had to look at. Our region, tucked away in the south-east of Bulgaria, may be a bit of a backwater, and, therefore, crime is not a problem. It is probably the case that in the larger towns and cities, and perhaps on the Black Sea coast, crime is on the increase, with, in the cased of the Black Sea region, some of it is being perpetrated by expat Brits living there or on holiday.
Our campsite is on the edge of a village called Biser, and all the locals know us, and, indeed, welcome us, as we bring income to the local shops and cafes from people who stay with us. So the locals look out for us, and would be quick to report anything unusual.
One of the things you quickly learn if you travel around eastern europe is that in each country that you visit, the natives of that country have a deep distrust of the natives of the neighbouring countries, and advise against you going there.
The only country that I would advise caution in is Serbia. We know of people having credit cards cloned by officials at motorway toll booths, but we've driven through the country without stopping, and found it to be ok.
Bulgaria is great, once you look past all the concrete appartment buildings in the towns, and the derelict factory buildings. The people are friendly and patient with us Brits, who struggle to master their impossible language. The countryside is beautiful, our house is surrounded by 10,000 decares of vineyards, with views to the Rhodope mountains in the distance. Don't worry about what other people tell you about personal safety, come and see for yourself.
Best wishes,
Martin T Jeffes
Sakar Hills Camping.
|
18 Jul 2009
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
|
|
Camp site in Bulgaria
Martin,
Am planning coming through Bulgaria on the way to Istanbul around end Oct / early Nov. Will your campsite still be open?
Have been through Bulgaria before to Istanbul, but via Varna and Burgas last time.
May enter from Macedonia this time, not yet decided.
Cheers.
|
18 Jul 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
Martin (aka Mr. Namesake ), I just found out that your campsite is actually pretty close to where my wife is from (Dimitrovgrad). Which, in other words, means we'll definitely pay you a visit next time we're around.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
19 Jul 2009
|
Moderated Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 42
|
|
Hi McCrankpin,
we can be open into early November, and it shouldn't be too cold by then. My son lives on the site so there's no problem. We plan to close the house down for the worst of the winter, but that won't be until late December, so look forward to seeing you.
MJungowski,
I know Dimitrovgrad, it's about 30 miles from here. Not one of Bulgaria's prettiest towns, but it has a good weekend market, for anything to do with cars and hardware stuff, which is ok. Let us know when you are over here, and we can meet up. There's a phone number on our website. Camping Bulgaria at Sakar Hills
Cheers,
Martin.
|
19 Jul 2009
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
Hi Martin,
Your site is well placed for us on route to India leaving 15 August, we should get down your way around mid September, make sure the s cold and we'll see you in a couple of months.
Pete & Caf
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
19 Jul 2009
|
Moderated Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: bulgaria
Posts: 42
|
|
Hi Pete & Caf
I've just looked at your website and am most impressed.
Here in Bulgaria there are no Indian restaurants, well maybe one or two in the capital, but not down here, so what's the chances of you rustling up a curry if you come to stay with us.
Cold s always ready for weary travellers.
Look forward to seeing you.
Martin
Sakar Hills Camping.
|
20 Jul 2009
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
Martin, no problem so long as you have a big enough pot to cook it in as our cooking pan isn't going to feed many.
Pete & Caf
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
24 Jul 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: brasov romania expat england
Posts: 37
|
|
romania part of your trip
hi stevo if you need a place to stay in Romania your welcome at our home in brasov. the campsite in Bulgaria does look good, from there why not head towards the black sea nesbar and varna are nice and as you cross the bugarian/ romanian boarder there is a village called vama veche where you can camp on the beach or take a room at one of the small hotels nice bars and cheap food a place chill out and party a bit. then theres a good mountain road to bring you to us you can have some washing done and give the bike a once over have all to tools you need.
hope to see you soon
mike
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|