 175Likes
 |
|
26 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
|
|
26 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
The plan today was to meet Andrew at the shop to get the 10 tires fitted, change the oil and change air filters on 3 bikes and the chains and sprockets on 2. It is of course raining!
 Barnual-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Orvar had ordered an air filter and when he checked his that was “supposed” to have been replaced in Novosibirsk 3 days ago it was full of bugs and clearly not new. Proof they never did the valve check.
 Russia Barnaul-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The set up here is far from idea there is no room in the shop for the bikes. The shop owner showed up an hour late and it rained on and off all day. This meant swapping out the tires and filters and changing the oil between downpours. When changing the oil on the 650 we could not get the filter off and actually broke the weld on the remove tool. We will leave it until we are in civilization to deal with. The guys in Tbilisi cranked it on way too tight. When we took out the drain plug we thought was the source of the leak we also found they had 2 crush washers in there. WTF you can not trust anyone! Andrew was asked several times for the shop location and never sent it this meant we blindly picked a hotel location that turned out to be on the total opposite side of the city. Top it off that Andrew pinched the tube on Orvar's bike as well. This was a long and frustrating day. We arrived at 9 and left at 330. If we did this again would use a proper bike or tire shop.
 Russia Barnaul-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Barnaul-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Barnaul-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Barnaul-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Barnaul-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Barnaul-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Well at least it is finally sunny out, it is Monday, and that means pizza and Game of Thrones!!
 Barnual-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
We have 890 km to Ulgii, the first major town across the Mongolian border and the exit from Russia according to FB friends who crossed last week was 5 hours. This means it will be a 3 day affair to get it done.
 Screen Shot 2017-08-09 at 21.48.01 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
For the first leg we wanted to get as far as Onguday in 445 km since this is the only place with at least a few hotels listed on line or maps.me.
 Screen Shot 2017-08-09 at 21.15.33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
It had poured rain in the night, but it was dry when we set and and for most of the day. We had one short rain shower and we waited out the second very heavy rain at a gas station. The storm was moving fast and after 20 minutes we had sunny skies for most of the rest of the day. There is much more interesting scenery today with farms and trees and some more hilly landscape.
 Onguday by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Onguday-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Onguday-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Onguday-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Onguday-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
We have decided to not try for the border today since if we did that it might end up a 12 hours nightmare. This means we have an easy 257 km to Kosch-Agatsch. This is still 51 km from the border, but border towns are always unpleasant and there is only 1 lodging place listed there. At least in K-A there are 4 hotels. We did not get breakfast at the hotel as their restaurant was not open. We made a quick coffee and headed out. We made a quick coffee and headed out.
 Screen Shot 2017-08-09 at 21.15.55 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
The ride today was so much nicer with hills and curves and views of the rivers, lakes, and mountains. We came across this “alter” and standing stones. Nearby there was a sports pitch for the game of Buzkashi.
 Kosch-Agatsch by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
|
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
It was nice to have a relaxed day where we could stop for photos and to enjoy the views.
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
28 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
We went for the first hotel listed on the GPS and they had rooms and good parking.
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Kosch-Agatsch-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We checked the 650 oil and it is down! AGH! Ok take off the bash plate, clean, and inspect. The oil pan puncture Sara had in Peru in 2014 seems to be the culprit. The old pan is a mess from the old bash plate that trapped rocks and caused the puncture in the first place. Dan places a large JB weld patch and topped up the oil. Not much we can do now, but we will replace the pan in KL. Also some good news today Electrosport has been kind enough to agree to send us 2 stators UPS to Ulanbaatar!
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-39 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We walked about 2.5 km into town and found an open nice looking cafe and the lovely owner spoke fairly good English. This meant we got actually what we wanted for dinner!!
 Russia Novosibirsk to the Border-37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
30 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
First we have a 51 km ride to the Russian border town of Tashanta. There is not much here 1 gas pump and 1 hotel.
 Uglii by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We rode to the end of the main street and this is the border post. There is a long line of vehicles and so we passed the line to the front. At the gate there is an officer who checks your visa and passport before you are let in. There was an issue initially as the 3 Canadians had 20 day visas and not the usual 30 day visas for Russia. This was a flag for him, but it was easily sorted.
 Uglii-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9400 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
30 Aug 2017
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,559
|
|
We waited only a few minutes and all 5 bikes were let in. You drive 300 m and park under the cover. Here the young officer spoke English perfectly and directed us where to park and what to do next. The first thing is to go to the window on the left side of the parking. Here they want your passport, vehicle registration, tourist card and customs form. There are 2 officers working and peck typing in all your info (address at home, milage on the bikes……). They both spoke enough English to ask what they wanted from us. Dan and Brent showed up as well and they are 2 Canadians in the Mongol rally. Dan said “ how did you know to ride up to the front of the line” Experience my friend!!
Next you go across to the right side of the terminal and up the stairs. Here you wait at a desk and again in English the officer asks for your passport and vehicle papers and she enters this into the computer. From here you are directed to passport control in the same area for the exit stamp. Both officers here spoke English perfectly and interestingly a lot of the border official are women. Outside we had to open the luggage for inspection for weapons and narcotics. They were very interested in my medical kit especially the local anesthetic, suture material and instruments. It was otherwise a pretty cursory search actually. The regular people had to drag all their stuff upstairs for X-ray. Then we all rode 150 m to the gate to have a “final” passport check. We were done all 5 bikes in an hour 15 min. So much for the horror stories from other riders of 5 hours to get out! Drama!!
There is then 21 km of no mans land on the Russian side with a beautiful paved road. At the end of this there is a another passport check and plate registration.
 Uglii-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Uglii-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 17 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 17 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
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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. 11-15
- 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
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
