|
|
31 Aug 2001
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
|
|
Hi
Go this note some time ago from Paul Ackland which I found useful:
"re the weather in Turkey and Iran. We found the more northerly
route through Turkey (Erzerum, Dogubayzit) cold and we did this route with
winter gloves but no electric gadgets, heated grips or such like would have
been appreciated at this time. This route takes you over 4 high passes a
couple of which had some snow lying around but none on the road itself. The
snowiest of these had been cleaned by a snow plow (or something) as snow was
in small banks on either side of the road. We did this run in the last week
of October and some we can only guess that there would be more snow and it'd
be colder!.
On a positive the roads were not at all crowded, sceenery was lovely and
hotels were centrally heated. We really enjoyed a hamman after a cold day.
Road surfaces were excellent and the routes were very gradual- no steep
sections. Road speeds are enforced by the cops; we were stopped doing 65-70
once and told it was a problem. Dicussion immediately shifted to football
and the speeding thing seemed to have been dropped
We did deliberate about taking the southerly route entereing Iran west of
Orumiye. Other travellers travelled Eastern Turkey without any sense of
trouble re the Kurdish issue. More importantly this route allows you to
travel at a lower altitude much further east and only has one high pass.
Unfourtunately as we never went this why we can't comment on the road
surface.
If I was you I would consider this option as a possibly warmer way into
Iran.
Iran itself was not the hot desert country we thought it would be. We were
rained on once for a whole day; like the UK!. It could be warm in the sun
but once on the bikes it was 'wrap up as for a chilly day at home'. Roads
are really fine and once out of towns you can leave the traffic behind. We
found the north busier than the south. The country is made up of flat plains
with areas of rocky mountains out cropping which often are ridden around
rather than through.
Petrol is easy to get and costs about a quid to fill my 43 litre tank! So
far such a big tank has been unnecessary but convienient.
Like Turkey hotels and guest houses in Iran were warm. Some times too hot;
we wondered if the Iranian's were doing all they could to use up their oil
reserves ASAP. "
Hope this is of interest
------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
|
14 Sep 2001
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Hai boy's and girls,
August 2002 I will leave on this route from europe (holland) to OZ. Research has dictated that I should leave half august. Then I will not drown becouse of rain and I will not freeze. Iran should be an avarage of 17 degree's and little or no rain in sept. The same goes for Pakistan (a bit warmer)
I wil drive from India to thailand through bangladesh and myanmar (burma does not exist anymore) I should have no problem with the visa.
From Singapore I will take a ferry to Sumatra or Java and go down the Islands by ferry. I know that I can fly from Timur to Darwin with the bike (uncrated) for aprox. $100.
My journey will not stop in OZ. I'll also do NZ and from there jump to South America. Now that is still a problem as there is only one airline that fly's to Buenos Aires and they don't like to take "dangerous goods". But I'll sort that out wen I get there. I mean, if we arange it all from the comfy home, what adventurers are we anyway?
I will just follow the climate couse I don't like rain ;-)
Anyone like to join me?
Maarten
==============
email address removed by Grant - see http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/faq.shtml#notify for why.
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 22 January 2002).]
|
14 Sep 2001
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
|
|
Hi Maarten
Route sounds interesting, I'm planning on leaving around the same time on a similar route...
Can you provide more info on getting from India to Thailand without having to fly. I'm sure a lot of guys will be interested.
------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
|
14 Sep 2001
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Hai Sean,
From India to Thailand overland:
I have the exact route not with me here at work, but roughly it goes like this:
Calcutta (India)
Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Imphal (Myanmar)
Mandalay (Myanmar)
Yangon/rangoon (Myanmar)
Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Ofcourse the exact route is not definite. The situation in Myanmar is a bit rocky, so I have to inform to the situation just before entering.
A visum is no problem only the (military) goverment wants you to exchange a certain amount of cash ($200). There are a few area's you have to avoid when in Myanmar, but they are mostly up north.
I know there is a discusion going as to wether or not you should visit this country, but the simpel fact is that since tourists have visited the country, the civilian situation has improved dramaticly. So, what is more important: Politics or poverty.
My choice is to ignore the politic boycod since my presents in the country helps (OK, it's just a bit, but every bit counts) the locals.
Lonely planet online has some good info on these isues ( http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinat...t_asia/myanmar)
Ofcourse a lot depents on the situation at the time I get there, wich is somewere in november 2002.
(Ask a sahara traveler for the political situation in the country he will visit, and most of the time he can't tell you couse it can change overnight)
Something else:
What are your plans exactly, maybe we can combine?
Maarten
|
15 Sep 2001
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 66
|
|
Been off line for a while but it's good to be back and see so many plans and so much info.
We also have concerns about getting the bike from India to Thailand, a Bangladeshi friend of ours maintains that there is a busy shipping route but I have yet to research this.
We've changed our plans due to this weeks events, we originally intended to ride to, then ship from Morocco. I think that until the USA have made a definitive move, avoiding any country with strong Muslim links is prudent. We're therefore shipping the bike from the UK to Namibia and will be in Cape Town for Nov and Dec if anyone else is around.
Our website is now up and running although we havn't finished it www.gooseontheloose.com
Grant-Sorry I havn't updated the link yet, will do it shortly.
Goose.
[This message has been edited by Goose (edited 15 September 2001).]
|
17 Sep 2001
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Hai there,
My previous message (about crossing Myanmar)might be a bit to optimistic.
Although the border is open (Int. border Tachilek-Mae Sai), it seems you need a permit to drive your motorbike into Myanmar.
At this time I am waiting for an awnser from the Myanmar ambasy at Bonn, Germany to clearafy this isue.
As soon as I have more info I will post it here.
Just to be safe I also am inquering for "china-options", but I don't think this will work out.
Any other info about this?
Maarten
|
18 Sep 2001
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
|
|
Latest we have on China is that it is possible - but you need to go through a huge amount of bureacracy, ($$$ and lots of time - months or even years) have a guide all the way in their own vehicle, and, oh yes, they only gave out 3 permits last year. So not a good option. Someday we hope...
------------------
Grant Johnson
Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
22 Sep 2001
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
|
|
Hi Maarten
Originally my friend and I were supposed to be setting off on our travels September/October this year, but had to postpone for various reasons. Kind of glad we did now....
We only have 6 months off work to get from UK to Aus, so it's a bit of a whistle stop tour really, and some would say a bit optimistic.
We plan on riding through eastern europe to turkey, iran, pakistan (KKH) and into india as quickly as possible.
Spend about 2 months in india/nepal with no particular agenda before flying the bikes from Delhi/Katmandu to Bangkok. Then a leisurely ride down to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and ship the bikes to Darwin. I don't think we'll have enough time to island hop through Indonesia. How much time we spend in Aus depends on how quickly we get there, but head for Cairns, Sydney and fly home.
Intend to stay mainly in cheap hotels, roadhouses and hostels, but take a small tent just in case we're caught out somewhere.
Currently the trip is rescheduled for August/Sept 2002, which at least gives me more time to save up and put an oil cooler on the GS!
Stay in touch and let me know how your plans develop.
------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
|
29 Oct 2001
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Hai,
It has been a while, but behind the screen (and scene) the planning goes on. I'll still leave half august 2002. The bike is getting more and more prept and the route-info is getting clearer and clearer... sometimes a bit to clear when I encounter an unbreakale barier.
I'll just forget about myanmar. Even though I have heared some positive sounds, the general idea is and remains you can enter the country with your bike, but you MUST leave at the same point.
I'll try to fly from Dhaka,Bangladesh to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I know it will probable be easyer to fly from nepal or india to bangkok, but my goal is to travel as much as possible over-land.
In south-america I face a similar problem with Colombia. I'll take my chances with the Brazilian jungle.
Also the camping (read surviving) gear is almost up to date, so the only thing I still have to face is... getting about 30 shot's with all kinds of vaccin's (and who said travel was fun???)
Actually... if it was up to me I would leave today... but I'll better stick to my climate-plans.
How are you all proceeding?
Maarten
|
29 Oct 2001
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Posts: 5
|
|
Hello Maarten,
I will be travelling on the same route, Belgium to Indonesia, leaving in April.
What can you tell me about shipping your bike from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Thailand? Is there a flight from Dhaka to Chiang Mai?
Richard, did you get more info from your friend in Bangladesh about shipping to Thailand?
What did the Burma embassy in Bonn tell you about going overland through Burma? Did anybody actually try to do that?
What about taking a ferry from Singapore to Indonesia (Sumatra)? And from Sumatra to Java, etc. Seems there are no ferry's taking cars and motorcycles...
Did anybody ride (or is planning to) his motorcycle into Bhutan? Any experiences?
All the best,
Diederik
|
29 Oct 2001
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Hai Diederik (and the rest ofcourse)
Shipping from Dhaka to Bangladesh should be possible. Thai-air fly's from Dhaka to Bangkok. I have not yet found a fligth from Dhaka to Chiang mai, but according to my info Chiang Mai has an international airport, so it would be logical to asume it might be possible (would, assume, might, hahaha)
From the Myanmar-ambasy in Bonn I heared nothing but ultimate silance. Very polite chap's. The dutch ambasy in that region could not help becourse they had no contacts in Myanmar.
From a Myanmar travel agency ( www.asianbiketour.com)I got the helpfull awnser: It's impossible!
From Daniel Vetter I got a long Email explaining all the rules (he live's there)
He also told me: a guy, who was heavely sponsored by Vespa, rode in and had to fly out. Even though he had masif sponsoring by a vespa-inporter there.
I am afraid it really is not possible... only if you want to do it iligal, slip in and slip out :-(
As far as I know (and have heared) there is a ferry from (near) Singapore to Sumatra and from Sumatra to Jave etc... etc... all the way to Timur. I plan to use them and fly from Timur to Darwin.
Well, that's it for now.
CU on the road.
Maarten
|
4 Nov 2001
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 23
|
|
Am joýnýng the dýscussýons rather late ýn the day but may have some useful ýnfo.
We left the Uk on September 21st headýng for Indýa and then SE Asýa and Afrýca. We are currently ýn Eastern Turkey where ýt ýs cold but not unbearable - we have so far managed to avoýd the raýn and the snow. We plan to cross ýnto Iran ýn the next week.
Our websýte www.chasingthesun.org has full detaýls of our trýp so far - but ýf you have any specýfýc querýes please emaýl us.
Safe and Happy Rýdýng
Lisa
|
3 Dec 2001
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 66
|
|
We're currently in S.Africa aiming to be in Zambia for Xmas then continue North for the middle east.
All's going well so far, with the exception of a few cuts and bruises after dumping the bike last week our trip has started well.
To those in the thinking about it and planning stage we'd say don't let ANYTHING dampen your spirits. It took us four years to plan and the agro is well worth it.
Anyone want to meet up on the way? We should be hitting the Middle East early part of next year then trying to avoid the rain in India.
Goose www.gooseontheloose.com
|
23 Jan 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: aachen/germany and valence/france
Posts: 95
|
|
friends,
will arrive in melb. april, 24th. for some outback-riding towards the center. if anybody want to join for some time, you can send me an email
-=helmut=-
=======================
email address removed by Grant - see http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/faq.shtml#notify for why.
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 22 January 2002).]
|
2 Sep 2002
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Bristol
Posts: 22
|
|
After a number of problems which forced me to forgot my trip for a while, I am back to the initial planning again, hopeing to set off next november or so (no fixed plans as yet).
I want to travel from the UK, through France, Spain and then around Africa, leaving Eygpt, back to Europe, through Asia onto Australia.
Does any once have any advice on routes, on the best places to enter / leave Africa and the best route through Europe / Asia onto Oz?
Any help is appreciated
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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. 11-15
- 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
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|