Living in Georgia, thought riders might find an update on roads helpful for their summer planning.

From Tbilisi to Turkey - there are two main options. First is the main road via Kutaisi and Batumi and then via the Sarpi border crossing. Good roads but lots of traffic and the usual idiot drivers. Another option is via Vale.

From Tbilisi there are two main roads west. The first is mentioned above, but the more fun road for a bike is as follows. From Tbilisi head on the main highway to Marneuli / the main town on the way to Armenia. Just after the village of Koda, turn right on to a wonderful 180 km road, reconstructed thanks to US $$$. Ride via Tsalka (last gas station) and then over the pass, past Paravani lake and into Ninotsminda. FYI - there is more than one town called Ninotsminda in Georgia. From Ninotsminda turn north west - here the road is broken asphalt for about 30kms. Be sure to stop at Vardizia caves and then you will arrive at Akhaltsike. From here it is a short hop to Vale.

Another option is to ride from Akhaltsike to Batumi via the Khulo pass. The distance is only 160 km but it is gravel for about half the way and slow going. Only one major water crossing, the depth depends on the amount of recent rain. This route took me 5 hours with stops for photos and chatting. Certainly not for a cruiser or street bike.

The road to Tusheti is now open and a must ride if you are into serious Adventure riding. There are a lot of videos of the pass including one by BBC. Several guesthouses in upper Omalo. Note there is no fuel station but usually you can buy some from the locals.

There is another thread on the status of the road connecting to Russia.

Come ride in Georgia! Cheers.