![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
31 Aug 2012
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posts: 35
|
|
Return to the Balkans
So I am a mere 3 weeks away from returning to the Balkans after a very successful trip last year. We scored airline mileage tickets to Bucharest, rented a couple of F650s and took off for a week. Fabulous trip, but to old to write about here.
This year, I (the Honcho part of Honcho and Bingo) will be going with another buddy to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzgovena, Croatia, Monetegro, Albania and Macedona. Or there abouts. We lucked out on plane tickets again, have a couple of bikes waiting for us in Belgrade and will be running away from home for a week.
The plan is simple, stick with small roads and little towns and have as much fun as possible. If you've been to this part of the world and have any thoughts on how best to go about accomplishing our goal, I'd love to hear from you.
I'll be posting here about prep and the trip, all of the good, the bad and the ugly. I can't wait to go. I watched 'The Land of Blood and Honey' as a homework assignment and can't get my head around how people are living together after such a brutal war. I don't know if I have that kind of ability to forgive. Maybe I'll learns something while I'm there.
That's it for now, duty calls and that means time to give Erin a break from the kids.....
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
31 Aug 2012
|
![sparco's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar043.gif) |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 80
|
|
hey there mate im in montenegro, so when you decide to come let me know, i can arrange sleeping place, guided tour or any other help that you might need, show you stunning places and stuff also give me some rough itinerary so i can provide some parts of the serbia bosnia that you have to visit or the roads you have to try and ride
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Posts: 3
|
|
Hello Honcho!
When are you coming and how long you plan to stay? I can give you some directions for Serbia, but I would like to know your overall plan. Zlatibor and Tara mountain area would be interesting to see, Bosnia is near, and that is on the way to Montengro (if you start in Belgrade).
What navigation do you use (if you use) and what cards will you use? I can give you an advice via PM.
And during history (long and not so long time ago) we really had some events that are hard to understand, but dont believe to everything you see on TV or movie screen...
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Sep 2012
|
![davebetty's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar44554_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 220
|
|
I travelled all around Europe earlier this year and by far the most interesting and fun place was the balkans. I guess it it because there is very little tourism, especially off the beaten track.
My blog is on the blog spot, "Single Ticket to Sarajevo".
Would recommend Jajce in B and H, Sarajevo Dubrovnik, Croatian costal road. but jest get lost on the little roads, they are great and less likely to have a million cop with speed guns. It is a bit epidenmic in B and H. I never got to Serbia, wish I had.
PM me if you have any questions
Have a really good trip, go armed with a smile and you will have a great time!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
13 Sep 2012
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posts: 35
|
|
Balkans Route
Sparco, Perun and Davebetty - Thanks for the replies! We've got a general idea of our route: We land in Belgrade on Sunday at noon, hope to on the bikes and headed for Sarajevo for Sunday night. An easy day Monday to Mostar, with a side trip to Lake Boracko and any place else you might recommend. Tuesday we are planning to go along the coast, spend a long lunch (3-4 hours) in Dubrovnik and then head for Budva. Wednesday is to Skopje, stopping at the National Park Mavrovo. Thursday somewhere between Skopje and Belgrade and then back in Belgrade Friday to return the bikes and have a big night out on the town.
Any insight on to the border crossings? Are they 30 minute crossings or 3 hours - I've had both in my travels. My map says it is about 4 hours Belgrade to Sarajevo, we plan on small roads and taking 5-6 hours, sound correct? Any great roads to recommend? We will be on dual sports and like small roads, gravel - just no serious dirt.
Also, I feel like the mileage we need to cover is small, so it should leave time for side trips and stops along the way.
Thank you for your input!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
13 Sep 2012
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posts: 35
|
|
Cards?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perun
Hello Honcho!
When are you coming and how long you plan to stay? I can give you some directions for Serbia, but I would like to know your overall plan. Zlatibor and Tara mountain area would be interesting to see, Bosnia is near, and that is on the way to Montengro (if you start in Belgrade).
What navigation do you use (if you use) and what cards will you use? I can give you an advice via PM.
And during history (long and not so long time ago) we really had some events that are hard to understand, but dont believe to everything you see on TV or movie screen... ![Wink](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/wink.gif)
|
Just checking on the cards. We'll have passports, international drivers licenses, but not aware of any other needs. Bikes are rentals - do we need separate insurance or anything else?
And no judgement from what I've seen in movies or TV. I remember the war being on the news, but I am embarrassed to say I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. I was stuck in my only little world.....
I keep hearing great things about the Balkans, the people, really hoping the weather cooperates for us.
|
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
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)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
|
|
|