|
30 Dec 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Posts: 3
|
|
First post: Lisbon to Vladivostok, Magadan
Hello everyone! This is my first post, so I guess I should not introduce myself.
I should say right away that I am not a motorcyclist, but one of your two-wheeled non-motorized brethren. As such, I won't be able to offer anyone much advice, but I can say that if during my trip I see a motorcyclist in need of some help, I will return the good karma you guys give me here.
My name in Tim, and am planning a trip from Lisbon to Magadan. I know those two points are very distant from each other, which will leave everyone wondering why I have not added more detail. The truth is, it's because I don't even know where to start planning. When I look at the maps on google maps, I just don't see a continuous line connecting those two points.
I speak pretty decent Russian, and am doing this trip partly to hear people's stories- Russians tend to have interesting stories to tell. That is to say, I prefer to stay in areas where Russian is spoken, although when I look at the CIS map I see staying in Russia means making a big arc around Kazakhstan.
The Road of Bones between Vladivostok and Magadan does not even show up on google maps. Clearly, I am looking in the wrong places for maps.
A deep thank you for anyone who can help me out.
|
31 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
(quote)I should say right away that I am not a motorcyclist, but one of your two-wheeled non-motorized brethren. As such, I won't be able to offer anyone much advice,(quote)
I am sure that you would without doubt be able to offer some advice especially about what you see en route and places to stay etc, and perhaps the odd picture or two.
Good luck with your trip and I for one look forward to reading about your adventure.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
31 Dec 2009
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Lands End, Cornwall, UK
Posts: 675
|
|
HI Tim
Sounds like it will be a great trip and as for speaking Russian - that will be a big bonus.
I am still on my way home from a trip to Mongolia from England (I turned right instead of left when I left Mongolia), and so I assume I will have travelled some of your route.
Every country I went through from Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia etc onwards through the 'Stans were Russian speaking. In fact there was a lot of surprise that I was a foreigner who couldn't speak much Russian. So I think you'll have lots of practice.
I would really recommend the 'Stans as a route to Eastern Russia, and I met plenty of cyclists along the route who would agree with me.
You will definitely get lots of advice and information here.
Good luck
|
31 Dec 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uphiller
The Road of Bones between Vladivostok and Magadan does not even show up on google maps. Clearly, I am looking in the wrong places for maps.
A deep thank you for anyone who can help me out.
|
The Road of Bones (now only known as Kolyma Highway in Russia) is a system of several routes between Yakutsk and Magadan. It is nowhere near Vladivostck which is a 4 hour flight to the south.
Our route across this area is shown maps on Sibirsky Extreme » Trip Data
We saw a couple of separate bicycles in Siberia (further west) and stopped for a chat. If it has 2 wheels you are my friend!
|
31 Dec 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
no point bypassing the Stans ... as Tiff pointed out, they all speak Russian there. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan they speak Russian as the main language ... they speak it a lot better than their own languages. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan most people speak decent to good Russian and everyone speaks 'some' Russian.
At Kazakh borders for example, the border staff are unable to read their own Visas ... which are written in Kazakh and English ... so they will invariably ask you for your Russian visa. Not because they want to check where you have been or where you are going, but because they can read your details properly on the Russian visa, and they can not read it properly in Kazakh.
And as Tony pointed out, no point on the Road of Bones is even within 2000 miles of Vladivostok. Look North ... a long way North
|
31 Dec 2009
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Posts: 3
|
|
Guys, Thanks for the tips. Tony P- great site, beautiful pictures. How many river crossings were there? Was there always a ferry waiting for you?
How often did the cops stop you?
Did you ever face any dangerous people? I went on a very short bike trip near Moscow and had a near encounter with some dangerous types.
|
31 Dec 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Here, there, everywhere
Posts: 55
|
|
Tim I think between Walter, Tony & Tiff I'm not exaggerating when I say you pretty much have the world authority on the most interesting routes East.
If you are passing through Austria give me a shout.
Cheers
Jon
Last edited by everywherevirtually; 31 Dec 2009 at 19:28.
|
31 Dec 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uphiller
How often did the cops stop you?
Did you ever face any dangerous people? I went on a very short bike trip near Moscow and had a near encounter with some dangerous types.
|
This issue about cops is totally overblown. Don't speed or pass in a no-passing zone and you will hardly be stopped. If you are stopped, most of them will just want to chat. Other than in Bashkortistan (part of Russia), the cops I encounter in Russian are quite professional. If you don't break a traffic law, generally you don't have to pay any bribes. If you do break a traffic law, you can pay a bribe or pay at a local bank. There are exceptions, but its really not that complicated.
As for "dangerous people"--I put about 10k kilom on my bike in russia this summer (mainly within a few hours of moscow) and didn't have a single problem (unless you consider curious, friendly people to be irritating).
Re central asia--as walter's pointed out, they speak russian there, so your decision should be made on other basis: staying in russia is definitely easier from a visa/admin perspective, and some of the cities out that way are pretty cool (novosibirsk, omsk, krasnoyarsk, irkutsk, etc.), but the highway is pretty tedious and once you're in Siberia generally there is only one road, not much in the way of alternate routes (unless you want to go really off track like Walter and Tony!).
|
31 Dec 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Russian Road Police
Motoreiter (Hi mate!) is correct. Totally overblown these days.
It was all cleaned up.
On the Russia part of our trip we were stopped maybe 6 times. On each occasion they were just interested in having a chat. "Where from, where to" sort of stuff. Nothing ominous or agressive - just normal guys standing on the roadside, bored out of their trees, and probably wishing they were with us!!
Occasionally a quick documents check, but that is just a normal, standard thing on the Russian roads. It happened to me earlier today - in my car with local registration plates.
The only element of bribes these days is if you are at fault (and we know when we are!) is to quietly offer some cash instead of going the official route of surrendering your license, paying at a police office and waiting several weeks without driving, for the return of your license (an effective ban). As the acceptable 'offer' would be less than the official fine - why not?
In fact if you read our Blog you will see that several times the Roads Police were extremely helpful offering us their station as secure garaging, use of jet-washers, workshop facilities and ferrying us to hotels, restaurants etc in Police cars.
Dangerous people?
Not once have I even felt threatened in Russia. In fact I am less at ease in my local Hight Street in west London than anywhere I have been in Russia - and I have travelled the length and breadth of this vast country.
|
2 Jan 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Posts: 3
|
|
I am relieved to know that Russia is a safe place to travel.
Can anyone tell me a place to get good, quality paper topo maps?
I know these are basic questions, but my knowledge is, well, sub-basic when it comes to trips of this size.
|
2 Jan 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 20
|
|
Sibiria
Hi Tim,
I read your interesting message. I am also interessted in Stories . Last year I went to Wolgograd, actually to Stalingrad. It was very interested in the history told from elterly people. 2010 I want to go to Wladiwostock.
It is a way where we can ride partly together ?
Greetings retep
|
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
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|