Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Ukraine/Russia/Kazakhstan + Military relics? Ukraine/Russia/Kazakhstan + Military relics?
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
Ukraine/Russia/Kazakhstan + Military relics?
I'm looking to head over to this region in July and would love some tips for where to go and where not to go. I'm probably only going to spend a month total travelling, with 6 days planned to get from the UK to the Russian border and back. I'd love to have more time to travel further east and on to Mogolia but I don't think that'd be possible Also, given I'll be on a Suzuki Bandit, I need to stay on some half decent roads!

Also, it may a touch obscure, but if anyone knows of any old military sites and Cold War relics around that region please could you point me in the direction.

Thanks
__________________
expro.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Where NOT to go.
Chechnia and the small south-east corner of Russia close to the Caspian Sea and Georgia. Many foreigners are kidnapped. We don't get to hear of them in UK because exceedingly few Brits go there, but they regularly kidnap other who do.

Military relics.
Volgagrad (was Stalingrad). There are many WWII relics, memorials and museums there and around there. Even the popular guide books will assist. But not with Cold War stuff, mainly because they still exist and many are operational. Locals know where they are, what they do, but prefer to keep quiet!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 42
Cold war relics
Take a look at this link http://www.ukrainianexpress.com/menu2/VIP-2#m1
There are many things you can participate in if you like military equipment.
I have not been but would like to go this summer.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
Thanks for the advice!

Is it safer around the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, or is the whole region still a bit dodgy?

The military thing looks cool, I'd love a ride in one of the Migs! Now, can I stretch my budget enough to include that? I'm mainly interested in the old abandoned military stuff, there's nothing quite like wandering around old military installations that have just been left by their owners. I figured that given the distinct drop in the cold war infrastructure over here i.e. RAF Upper Hayford and Greenham Common, that similar steps may have been taken in cash strapped Russia. I may have to do more research, there's got to be something there that won't get put in prison for!
__________________
expro.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Astrakhan
Posts: 1
Smile About the Caspian region's safety
I think it's misleading to say that the whole Caspian region is dangerous for foreigners. I live in the Astrakhan region (Russia), where Volga flows into the Caspian sea, we have frontiers with Kazakhstan and Dagestan (one of Caucasus republics). A lot of foreigners (from Italy, Norway, etc) work in our ship-building plants and there haven't been any cases of kidnapping. My professional activities include permanent contacts with foreign citizens and most of them have the most favorable impressions about our quiet city.
Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Military objects
One thing which is must-do for people with such kinky inclinations, of course, is Borodino. It's the place where Napoleon got his first slap in the face trying to conquer Russia. The slap did not stop him, but made him think a bit.
Then, this was also a battle zone during WWII.
Basically, it is a large area with loads of monuments commemorating the elimination of batallions etc. It has a nice museum and is generally a nice place to visit. It is abt 80 kms to the West of Moscow.
Inside Moscow there is Park Pobedi. Military museum, tanks, guns etc.

In Kiev there is a monument commemorating victims of WWII annex military museum. Lots of tanks, helicopters, planes, rocket carrying trucks, armoured trains etc.

Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Military R65 g/s tmentzelo BMW Tech 7 16 Sep 2006 23:24
MAURITANIA: 15 dead in attack on military barracks Jose Brito North Africa 6 25 Jun 2005 04:29
Thoughts on Speedy Military Defenders... ManxScamp Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 6 Jun 2005 07:04
Military color: how bad is it? mertens_k Equipping the Overland Vehicle 3 26 Apr 2004 19:46
US military maps of Egypt LandRoverNomad North Africa 1 7 Jan 2003 22:42

 
 

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 14:44.

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