Just few days ago came through from Georgia to Russia.

For maps, take the maps you need from here Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap. Those work very well in Russia.

Does people still put value in anything the FCO says?

georgian highwa tomorrow
 

Didn't take direct route to vladikavkaz. About 100 miles to go. Georgian military highway tomorrow

just did it
 

I crossed the Russia to Georgia border yesterday and stayed in a bed and breakfast for 20euro for myself and my wife and pillion Julie. In Stepantsminda.

The border crossing was quite fast, about an hour.
The road around other border was all cut up and hard going two up on a Goldwing.
The broad was rough but OK up until just after Stepantsminda
It was then new road work in progress .loose stone and gravel mixed with sand and mud even on steep bends.
An extremely demanding route two up on a Honda Goldwing.
After about 8 miles it was possible to more or less relax.
Though the roadworks people had kindly sprayed the base hard surface with loose gravel to stop bikers getting bored.
All in all a great ride but not for the fainthearted.

I would also like to claim fame as to being the first to do the route on a Goldwing.
But would be delighted to be contacted and swap stories with anyone who beat me to it.
Have fun all.
John and Julie

Magic run over military highway.

Came through the GMH 2 days ago
No probs at all
That's the road and the officialdom
Worst bit was going into the tunnels in no mans land
Going from bright sunlight to dark eyes not adjusting quick enough

great trip
 

I put the details elsewhere. Great trip to Elista from Volgograd then on to vlkadikazkav.
The Georgian military highway was amazing on a Goldwing. Did not fall off once!
Border is open major repair works on road. Most dangerous situation is driving in Georgia.worst drivers I have ever come across. Will push you off the road nearly.