Istanbul to Magadan? Which Direction?
 

Yes, I know it is west towards east, but is it better to ride east towards west?

The bikes will be shipped/flown to the starting point. Do the worst roads with the bikes in their best condition? Riding into the sun every arvo? Develop some road fitness in turkey before hitting the harder sections?

Russia, Mongolia, the 'Stans and either Iran or 'cross the Caspian into Azerbijhan.

There's 4 in the group, and currently 50/50 on direction!

paul

I think this is purely a logistical issue, how will you get the bikes to/from Magadan for example? I've heard of a few people shipping from Magadan by truck, but most people ship out to Vladivostok. I'm not aware of anyone shipping to/from Magadan via air, although maybe its possible. You don't mention when you plan to go, and weather (in particular water levels) could impact the best/worst timing in certain locations.

The main road from Magadan to Yakutsk is not very difficult, I'm not sure how much need there is to "train up" (as long as you have some familiarity with riding on dirt/gravel, and of course the Old Summer Road could be much more challenging). Similarly, hopefully the bikes will be well-prepped and you will have the spares that you need, so hopefully the bikes' condition won't be an issue either.

Magadan
 

If we head off from Magadan, we would have arrived in Vlad. and shipped(?) the bikes to Magadan. If west to east, we do the opposite. Then from Vlad to Korea or Japan, then home to Oz. We may just arrive in Vlad and start riding west from there.

Bikes will be rebuilt XT600 Teneres, in as new condition mechanically, and one new DR650.

If the trip starts from Istanbul would start early May 2013 to arrive in Vlad mid August. If going the other way we would leave about a month later. Your advice would be appreciated. We are planning on 3 months travel.

I've not been to Central Asia on a bike so can't speak to it, but I don't think it really matters which way you go. I would not, however, want to ride in the Yakutsk-Magadan area before early-mid June or after mid-September.

Hopefully you'll hear from someone who has done more of your route for a more definitive answer. Have fun on your trip.

hi,
you can challenge a big issue with logistic and customs in Russia, so if you don't want to await you bike instead traveling - then starting from Istanbul will be a wiser decision.

Also you could make choise "on the fly": going to Vlad or or going to Magadan.
Start from west will be more smoothly for your "mind adaptation" :]

East - west?
West - east?
Done both. Across Russia from Baltic states to the Pacific (Magadan, Vanino & Vlad) and back. Not a lot in it but on balance I would go to the east.

Sun? Depends a little if you are an early morning or an evening person. But really it is going to be there staring at you for some part of the day. And days are long in summer at those latitudes, particularly if going from Magadan.

Riding technique warming up? West to east. I agree with others, it would allow for 'conditioning' oneself and ones riding as the tougher sections come towards the end.

Riding relationships? West to east. It will allow finding out how you get on with other riders in the easier parts so you can assess what it will be like relying on them in difficult and tiring situations. It is also more convenient to split off if personalities get strained in the early days - which is probably the most likely time. In the east there is basically only one road depending on where you are.

Customs? West to east. So as to avoid customs and other burocratic delays to starting your journey after flying or shipping the motos to the east first.

Moto? East to west. It starts the more remote and tougher parts with the motos in peak condition (presumably), after thorough preparation, on fresh tyres, chains, pads, filters, etc instead of them gradually deteriorating as you get to the more remote areas and further away from regular spares supplies and repair facilities.

Russia Visas? East to west. Time limits are strict and possibly short depending on Visa type. If you get delayed going west you have more opportunity to get out of Russia by 'cut and run' to a number of bordering countries. Going east there is not a lot of choice. Visas cannot be renewed within RUS - you must get out on time, and to get another some nationalities can only do so in their home country.

I have done 3 crossings of Eurasia from East to West and 2 from West to East ... I also think riding west to east is better ... less sun in the eyes, and you will be better riders by the time you have the more challenging roads.

You then only have to deal with the fact the bikes will be at their weakest on the toughest roads.

But on balance, its still the better option.

If you have read Adrian Scotts Book, from Magadan to Istanbul, you will note that beginning the trip in Magadan was perhaps too difficult for a fresh rider on a new bike, and ultimately caused him delays that meant he had to skip a big part of his planned journey. The same roads would have much easier for him after he had 3 months or so to get used to the bike and used to riding it off road.

Myself and a friend are planning East to West end of July this year, reasons are as above regarding bikes (and us) being fresher during the hardest parts.
Also riding back towards home, and getting some nice sun in early september along the Ukraine and Europe.
Another factor is timing, if we are running late we can always adjust our schedule, it's more difficult I think doing west to east for this.
But it will be a hard first couple of weeks :)

If you plan on riding the New Summer Road from Magadan to Yakutsk, it is just not that difficult. Maybe it would be harder if it rained every day while you were there, dunno.

And the Lena highway (from Yakutsk to the trans-siberian highway) is also not difficult, just really unpleasant (long, boring, dusty, quite a few trucks, contantly changing road conditions, etc.). But I don't think it will be any more pleasant if you have already ridden from Istanbul.

I think the biggest problem with riding East-to-West is getting your bike out of customs in Vladivostok in a timely manner (unless you plan on riding it in).

We will be doing the old summer road and across to the vilyuisky trakt, looks much more interesting, Nice post about it from Colebatch.
At the momemt we are planning getting the bikes shipped from St Petes to Magadan via Vladivostok, flying over to Magadan when bikes have arrived ( hopefully :) ).

At least you'll be fresh for the road then! Please let us know about how the shipping goes to Magadan, that would be an interesting option.

Hopefully :)
Talked to a few couriers (well the missus has) they estimate 30 days from St Petes to Magadan, will have a more up to date price in June.
Will update then.

All great info.. thanks all. If we ride from Vlad, we will most likely ship to Korea and ferry across. I have read that it is possible to ship the bikes from Vlad to Magadan, hopefully with us on board as well. Some more work to be done there.

Adrian Scott's book and website have provided much information and logistics. Based on his timetable, 3 months should be about right.

I favour west to east for many of the suggestions listed. Also, I've been to Istanbul a few times and love it, so if we are there for some time sorting visas, it wouldn't stress me.

Look forward to more views
paul

Russia Visas when away
 

It might .... doh :taz:

Better check this out before leaving AUS.

Many nationalities can only apply for RUS visas in a country where they can produce documentation showing a specific (to them personally) Residency Right of 90 days or longer. They will not accept Applications from people already travelling.

To understand the principle better, look at the section "Information for non-Australian applicants" near the bottom of this page from the RUS Embassy in Sydney.
Visa information. The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Sydney

I am not saying this is, or is not, going to be the case for you in Turkey - but check it out before leaving AUS.

last year, it was the finish line meeting at the club for S.African Biker,Andon for his trip CapeTown to İstanbul.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...6638060&type=3
So seems, this year it will be start day meeting for İstanbul to Magadan trip.

Lets keep in touch.

Best Wishes
İstanbul Bikers Club
Bikers Without Borders

NOTE..: How about From western most point to eastern most point of Asia main continent..Never done before..