Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
London to Magadan London to Magadan
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 23
Lightbulb London to Magadan
Hello!

My brother and I are just finishing up our trip from Canada to Patagonia. We have begun to plan phase 2 of our trip, which is to take our KLR 650's from London to Magadan (or Magadan to London).

We are in the midst of planning and would like some opinions on "when to go".

Is Magadan (or even Vladivostok) a viable option for travel during the months of September or May?

We are examining the possibilities of both an "East to West" route, as well as a "West to East" route.

Option 1: we could potentially arrive in Eastern Russia in early September, and then begin our route towards London. Is the weather in Magadan/Vladivostok acceptable for riding during this time?

Option 2: Begin in London in September, and then make our way towards Magadan. I believe the weather would prohibit travel during the winter months. But we need to be completed with our journey by mid-May 2017. Would weather prohibit us from traversing to Magadan or Vladivostok for an end date of ~May 15th?

I appreciate any advice that can be shared. If the weather makes it impossible, we might have to consider scrapping it for a North to South ride through Africa. But that's the beauty of Overlanding...there's more than one route around the world.


Cheers,

Gino
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 May 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
There have been lots of threads on the HUBB about weather in Siberia and the Far East.

I don't see how you could start a west to east trip in september on a motorcycle.

east to west might work if you don't mind cold weather and the risk of some snow. in european russia september is generally nice enough, but it can start snowing in October, although the last falls have been pretty mild with little or no snow through the end of the year.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 23
Thanks so much for the help!

If we go West to East, we wouldn't begin our journey until March-ish, with the hopes of arriving in Magadan or Vladivostok by early May. Does this seem doable?

And sorry if this is re-hashing old threads. I searched, but only found people that made the trip in the months of June, July, and August.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 May 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 980
Mid March to early May is the absolute worst time to be heading east. You'll perpetually be in the shoulder season between winter and summer. The roads will be in bad condition after the winter, there will most likely still be snow and ice in places, everything is dirty as the snow piles start to melt, and the weather will most likely be unstable. It's really the worst time to see Russia.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 May 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Have to agree with Eurasia on this one...it might be theoretically possible if you are willing to take your time and wait out the numerous bouts of bad weather, but I doubt that it is really practical.

Even in Moscow you can get full-on snow storms well into April (or nice 20 degree weather), and in Siberia it would be even more extreme. I wouldn't plan on it...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 May 2016
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Novelty, Ohio, USA
Posts: 2
We did this in 2014 with Compass Expeditions
Compass Expeditions does this as a commercial guided tour from West to East every 2 years with about 15 riders, chase vehicle, and trailer. You can see a short teaser video of the DVD that was shot on this tour at . Or you can sit back hit "slide show" and see the pictures that my wife shot as a pillion from the back of my BMW at Picasa Web Albums - Walter Maurer - 2014 Road of ... Hope you have a great ride whenever you go and whichever direction you go.

Walt and Pam Maurer
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 23
Thanks everyone for getting back to me (sorry, haven't had a connection in a while, as we are still on the road in South America).

It doesn't seem like an London to Moscow or even a Moscow to London trip is possible during our timeframe. This is unfortunate...

But I think we are going to start investigating the potential of a South Africa to London adventure. Haven't done any research yet, but I'm fairly confident that winter weather shouldn't be an issue haha (but maybe rain?) Anyways, I'll start doing some research.

Thanks again for all of your input!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
asia, magadan, russia, siberia, weather

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Magadan to London on an Old MZ 250 Krixos Ride Tales 20 12 Jul 2019 12:51
Magadan Riders seouljoe Northern and Central Asia 0 14 May 2014 01:15
Container sharing (Magadan) Vladivostok to Europe EdwinVie Trip Transport 11 30 Aug 2013 20:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:33.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top