Hi Tony,

if you do manage to make it to the ace cafe it would be great to meet up with you also.

Is it possible to then to ride from Kaliningrad to Lithuania via the curonian split and then get a ferry from the spit to the mainland? I couldn't find details of any ferries that would take the bike so I assumed not. If I can then its great news!

As far as Kaliningrad is concerned I know that I need a visa. I've been in touch with the visa agencies referred to on another part of the HU site, and they've been very helpful. I've also been in touch with the Russian embassy, and while a little cold, they've been helpful too. Its come down to me getting a transit visa direct from the embassy (I have to apply no more than 2 months in advance) and I have to take a load of paperwork with me. I forget how much they charge. I only seem to need a transit visa as I won't be stopping overnight (does this seem correct?). I could do exactly the same using a visa agency, but I have to pay them to issue me an 'invitation'. For those that have had Russian visa's would you advise going through an agency rather than going direct to the embassy? If so why?

I know I won't need a carnet, and I've contacted the RAC (that I already have breakdown cover with) and I can pay to get extra cover for all countries I'm going through (except Kaliningrad - Russia). Haven't contacted my insurance yet. The RAC told me that I will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) and another type of driving permit for Kaliningrad (I forget the name they used). Does this all sound about right?

Is there anything else that peeps think I may have forgotten?

Thanks all,
Rich