Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1
Middle East biking - help!

Hi there! I'm actually doing research for my brother who would like to tour the Middle East on a Motorcycle. A few questions he had ---

1. Where in the ME is it realistic to ride -- He is most interested in Turkey, has anyone traveled there on bike? What about Yemen or Syria, Egypt or Tunisia. Iraq seems like a bad idea. But what about the Emirates? Or Saudi Arabia? Or Jordan? Or Lebanon?

2. What is the variety of roads and terrain?

3. What types of motorcycles did or do people use when they tour this region?

Any other help or information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank you so very much in advance!!

Sincerely,

Natalia
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Hi Natalia,

There is a ton of information on this site in regards to those countries, just use the search function with google or go to the regional forums for additional background.

For some basic background, one common route riding down the east coast of Africa has people coming from Europe, through Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and onwards, so yes under normal circumstances they are all great to ride. The only complicating factor is that the current situation in Syria changes things and makes it hard to predict whether a person can count on being able to cross the country when they get there. If he is most interested in Turkey, then that would a great place to start. Great riding and an amazing country. From there he can figure out if he wants to try some of the other countries which may be more difficult to get into for visas, etc.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by NewToMotorcycling View Post
Hi there! I'm actually doing research for my brother who would like to tour the Middle East on a Motorcycle. A few questions he had ---

1. Where in the ME is it realistic to ride -- He is most interested in Turkey, has anyone traveled there on bike? What about Yemen or Syria, Egypt or Tunisia. Iraq seems like a bad idea. But what about the Emirates? Or Saudi Arabia? Or Jordan? Or Lebanon?

2. What is the variety of roads and terrain?

3. What types of motorcycles did or do people use when they tour this region?

Any other help or information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank you so very much in advance!!

Sincerely,

Natalia
Just to add a point to Moutainmans' answer, it has often been said in the HUBB that specific questions will almost always get good responses.
In this case your questions cover a mass of forum and hundreds, if not 1000s, of threads; on the upside that just gives you so much more reading to enjoy.


+1 for
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 21
Middle East biking

Natalie,
This is my quick appraisal of biking in the Middle East, centered around Oman

Biking here is AWESOME. Good quality roads, from bendy stuff, to straight cruising highways. Offroad Gravel, Rock, Sand and Desert.

Things which are not good are ....

Quality of local drivers, Donkeys, Camels, the Heat from April-Sept

Tim - Muscat

Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
biking, middle east, terrain


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
USA East, North Carolina 2012 Sept 7-9 Grant Johnson HU Travellers Meetings - North America 25 20 Apr 2013 19:27
Anyone from the North east of the UK ? geordie_e The HUBB PUB 12 24 Dec 2011 13:37
Europe - West Africa - Cape Town - East Africa - Asia- Europe simonkring Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 19 Nov 2011 00:52
Paperwork? Africa trip, down the west coast and up the east Tgon65 Trip Paperwork 7 4 Nov 2011 13:08
UK to Magadan via Middle East Birdy Route Planning 9 1 Nov 2011 12:15

 
 

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 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. 11-14
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

 
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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

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 07:29.