Welcome to the HUBB,

this is the right place for you to find out all you need to know before leaving on your trip.

First thing I want to tell you: YOU can do it !!

I have done my first long motorcycle journey when I was 23 and internet was not available, so you can do it with 18 and the internet.

Here is what you should do, you dont have to but it will make your trip much easier:

1. Believe only in people that have done a journey like this. Dont let others scare you.

2. Set yourself a date for leaving home, this will be the most difficult day of your journey.

3. Get to know your Vespa. Talk to the mechanic, read and post in forums for your model. Learn how to service it and what spare parts to take.

4. Learn all you need to know about visas, carnets, money, etc. One advise here: keep your paperwork in order, dont overstay visas or permits (if you can ;-)).

5. Take a light tent and a sleeping bag. You dont need a stove. One advise here: eat well and dont drink wodka (Tell them that your father was alcoholic, most Russians understand that)

6. Never hurry, never ride at night, contact people in Russia over the internet, contact vespa clubs on your way, contact the Iron Tigers in Vladivostok, contact the HU Communities on your route.

7. The train ride and the ferry you book when you get to Moscow/Vladivostok. But try to find out the departure times on the internet. Dont forget you will have to ship your Vespa back from Japan, this will cost you a lot of money.

8. Learn as much Russian as you can.

9. Enjoy

So, there is a lot for you to do. If you have a further questions, feel free to send me an email.

Keep the people here on the HUBB up to date about your journey and send trip reports to Grant for the ezine.

Greetings
Mika