 |

8 Feb 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
I thought there was some great stuff in Ashgabat, a few monumental statues built as an homage to Turkmenbashi (although he was still alive when I was there, might have changed a bit). There's a decent market and an amazing amount of white marble and gold on the state buildings - funny choice for a desert.
Darvaza is an absolute must, nothing else like it on the planet!
As for Ashgabat to Turkmenabat (the port on the caspian, right?) I left Turkmenabat at around 9 am, went to a market to get some food, then absolutely hammered it to Ashgabat and arrived in the dark, maybe around 9:30 pm?? I don't recall the distance but it was a long day, did stop to visit some ruins along the way though.
I left Ashgabat for Darvaza at around 4pm (bike wouldn't start!) and got there at around 1am after a few crashes (there was no road to the craters, did about a mile of deep sand in the dark which killed my time a bit).
|

8 Feb 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Darvaza is an absolute must, nothing else like it on the planet!
|
Hello, Henry!
You are right, but Darvaza involves some off roading that I can not afford on a big HD Electra Glide like mine.
It'll be under stress on the very bad stretch from Nukus to Beyneu in Kazakhstan on my way back, I prefer to limit the off roading as much as possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
As for Ashgabat to Turkmenabat (the port on the caspian, right?)
|
No, you are talking about the city of Turkmenbashi 
Turkmenabat is the town which is close to the TM-UZ border, on the road between Mary and Bukhara.
You've been there, mate?
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
|

8 Feb 2011
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Didn't go into Mary I'm afraid! I went up to Nukus, then back down to Ashgabat, then back up to Nukus (with the right visa this time) and over to Bukhara (long day) and Samarkand before heading north to KZ.
Would agree that the stretch to Darvaza is probably too much for an HD - I heard excellent things about the Mary road from some Canadians. Excellent as in new and smooth, rather than excellent as in 'well gnarly'!
|

8 Feb 2011
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
|
|
Ashgabat wouldn't tempt me back. It may have the world's tallest flagpole, but, um, that's not _massively_ exciting.... Not much else to do or see apart from a load of white marble buildings. (And some very pretty women.)
Darvaza - Incredible. The sand rules out going on your bike, but don't rule out going to see it. We went in our guides 4*4. You may find a way of doing something like that, and leaving your bike at the train crossing guards building on the main road, like we did.
I spent most of my visit to the Darvaza crater being extremely ill in the desert with food poisoning and heat stroke, feeling worse than I have ever felt and wondering if I might not make it out alive, but if I had the chance to go back again, even being ill like that again, I'd still go.
|

8 Feb 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
|
|
Thanks for your contribution, guys!
I appreciate a lot.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Hybrid Mode
|
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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
|
|
|