Announcements

**David 65** · #1 21 Feb 2015

Got up to 8 wks, route France, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Kursk, Kazakhstan, Altaj and into Mongolia. If for any reason I have to head back, or run out of time. I hope I can cross back into Russia and highway home on my crf250l. I've read loads of posts, many 2/3 yrs old now. I'm thinking with a 5 liter can and the larger tank. I'm ok for 250+ miles, May need to find a 18inch rear tyre.
Any advice on routes, maps and things to see. Leaving 3rd May

**BDG** · #2 7 Mar 2015

Hi David

I did Manchester to Mongolia in 2014, 2 month trip on a 690.

Due to the situation in the Ukraine I went via Turkey, Georgia, round the top of the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Altai/Russia then into Mongolia and flew back from Mongolia.

Our route wasn't the most direct and i wish we'd had more time but I'm so glad we went lower down than your route as Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were the real highlights along with Mongolia.

I'd be inclined to give the Ukraine a miss at the moment so it's either further north in Russia or via Turkey.

You can find more details of my trip here
Shaun's Blog Archives - Speed Couriers

and here
A few pictures of last years ride out to Mongolia. 2 x 690's, 2 months, 10,500 miles,

If you've got any questions I'll do what I can to help.

You'll love it.

**lbendel** · #3 7 Mar 2015

Note that the unrest is Ukraine is limited (for now) to the south. In the north, the situation is normal and the borders are open between Ukraine and Russia.

The most obvious detour if the situation deteriorates is Poland - Lithuania - Latvia, if you're short on time.

Laurent

**James Rothwell** · #4 8 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDG

and here
A few pictures of last years ride out to Mongolia. 2 x 690's, 2 months, 10,500 miles,

If you've got any questions I'll do what I can to help.

You'll love it.

Hi,

What was the name of the hotel you stayed in Dushanbe?

**WesleyDRZ400** · #5 8 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Rothwell

Hi,

What was the name of the hotel you stayed in Dushanbe?

Its the hotel mercury, i stayed there also and left my bike there for a few weeks. nice guys there

They have computers in each room with wifi also, cash machine directly outside to

hotel Mercury - about

**James Rothwell** · #6 9 Mar 2015

Great, thanks Wes!

**BDG** · #7 9 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400

Its the hotel mercury, i stayed there also and left my bike there for a few weeks. nice guys there

They have computers in each room with wifi also, cash machine directly outside to

hotel Mercury - about

Yes Wes is right that's the hotel, superb as well and not too expensive for the level of luxury. Perfect place for me to get over food poisening!

**DEAN Rus** · #8 12 Mar 2015

I'd suggest to change the route to berlin-wasrzawa-brest-minsk-moscow-kursk
I'm not sure that Ukraine border crossings will be easy.

**Geezer-J** · #9 13 Mar 2015

If you get to Mongolia let us know and we'll be happy show you a few good places.... run a bike shop here with heaps of spares etc incase you need them too... Oasis is an ok place to stay and many bikers come through and stay here.

**colebatch** · #10 13 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEAN Rus

I'd suggest to change the route to berlin-wasrzawa-brest-minsk-moscow-kursk
I'm not sure that Ukraine border crossings will be easy.

Brest Minsk is a pain in popa for Western riders. It means they have to get a Belarus vis for just one day. Its easier to go via Latvia in order to skip Ukraine.

**thecivvie** · #11 13 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by colebatch

Brest Minsk is a pain in popa for Western riders. It means they have to get a Belarus vis for just one day. Its easier to go via Latvia in order to skip Ukraine.

That was my concern and I changed my plan to go in via Estonia. May meet David along the way

No man is truly married until he understands every word his wife is NOT saying.

**David 65** · #12 14 Mar 2015

I've taken my truck into Belarus, it's not a fun place. I Have a truck driving friend. Does Holland into Central Russia via Ukraine. Kiev too Moscow crossing is ok. Then box east and south east to Kursk, Volgograd and into Kazakhstan.
I'm beyond excited.

**David 65** · #13 12 Apr 2015

As departure approaches, visas arrive. Some last minute interest from 3 companies with some kit. More later, iv decided to write a Ride Repor. Iv done a few white ups on shorter trips and they were well received. The world seems to be covered with WiFi, Internet cafes, so nothing ventured etc .
My Facebook page is Little Rouge Explores and will get spot up dates.

1st question, why are my photos upside down?