Advice on places to avoid on Transiberia trip next year please?

[Kayne]

Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone would be able to tell me of places which would be best avoided on my trip next year. The route will be from the UK, in to Norway, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Pamir Highway, Mongolia, then back in to Russia with the intention of reaching Vladivostok. I know there have been a few documentaries on T.V lately which I've missed and people have been concerned about my route through Russia. My rough plan for this part of the trip would be to visit St Petersburg, then to Moscow, on to tour around the Golden Ring, then head towards Kazakhstan. After this I will be taking a fairly direct route back in Russia towards Vladivostok. I know it may seem a bit pessimistic asking for advice on the places 'not' to visit but it would put my friends and families minds at rest knowing that I've done a bit of research in to it. I know the BBC dramatises a lot so I'd like to get a true perspective from anyone who has had problems in 'rough' or 'unfriendly' places when touring on 2 wheels. I understand that every country has its good and bad parts, and I'm looking forward to visiting Russia and seeing a lot of amazing places next year. I just want to stay as safe as possible too.

Thanks