Tusheti, Georgia
I live and ride in Georgia (the republic, not the state) and have been meeting more bikers this year than ever. I ride a Harley Ultra Classic (for the few paved roads) and a KTM 500 EXC for adventures. A few points re riding in this great country:
1. Arrival via Russia - using the Kazbegi border crossing is the only route I am aware of and meeting many bikes arriving from there.
2. If you wish to ride to Tusheti (and I met 7 bikers riding there this weekend) a few cautions. The route via Tianeti and Akhmeta is awful - the better route is via Tbilisi, then the Gombori pass, up past the Aleverdi monastery and north.
3. The road from Psvela to Tusheti is 70 km of tough but amazing riding - plan on 3 hours - single traffic and meeting vehicles can be difficult. Lots of streams to cross, of course no guard rails, no fuel stations etc. Upper Omalo is an amazing view and there are a few B&B places.
4. Other favorite roads - the southern road starting south of Tbilisi at Koda and going to Ninotsminda is 180 km of pure bliss thanks to a Millenium Challenge investment (thanks US taxpayers!). Then turning up to the Vardzia cave city is worth the ride and onward to Akaltsikie (stay at Lomisa hotel) and return to Tbilisi via Borjomi and Kashuri or drop into Turkey via Kars.
5. A great KTM dealer at the Rustavi race track; another tiny garage mechanic but that is about it.
If folks need help / info, pleased to assist.
A few photos to entice you to ride Georgia!
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