(UK-Greece) Macedonia/Bulgaria/Romania/Hungary/Austria/Germany/Belgium/UK

[zixxernine]

Hi Gang,

I have a zx9r which went around France N/W/S/E last year covering about 4k.

I was made redundant at Xmas and so I have time/bike/some cash for a bigger trip up to 2 months.

I plan to head down to Italy for the end of April, then across to Greece by ferry.

The bit I am not sure about is Macedonia/Bulgaria/Romania/Hungary. Any ideas if I can travel fairly safely through these countries?

I like to ride where the road takes me, camping and b&b 50/50 is fine. I don't like to plan to much of the route that way you can take it as it comes. Some company for any of the trip would be welcome. relaxed style and a is always welcome!

I leave UK 1 April, joining an organised tour in Tarifa Spain for 2 weeks in Morocco, then heading over to Italy etc

Thanks indeed for any help and any tips / pointers would be great.

Cheers lads,

Zixxer

[PanEuropean]

Hello Zixxer:

I can't answer for Macedonia, because I have never been there.

But - for Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, I have ridden through all of those countries (as recently as September 2011), and you should have no worries or concerns at all. I am going to guess that you live in France, so, for purposes of comparison, I think the general level of security (your personal security, freedom from theft of the motorcycle, etc.) in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria is pretty much identical to what you would find in France, as long as you compare communities of equal population. If there is anywhere along your route that you might need to keep your eyes wide open, it would be (based on my personal experience) in the coastal areas of Spain and Italy, not in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.

In other words - off the beaten path, in small towns and villages, no concerns at all, but in big cities, be aware that all cities have 'nice areas' and 'not-so-nice areas'. Similarly, keep in mind that a neighbourhood that might be very pleasant in the daytime might not be so pleasant on a Friday night after 11 PM.

It sounds like your touring style (kind of poking along, not planning things too far ahead) is a lot like mine. I don't camp, though - I stay in hotels, B&Bs, or hostels.

So, go ahead, make the trip, I think you will enjoy it. Romania is a really delightful country, and not too expensive either. It is my favourite out of the three countries listed. I didn't get a chance to see much of Bulgaria, but I did like what I saw and I will go back. The cities in Hungary are wonderful, but the countryside is kind of flat and boring.

I wrote a post about my most recent trip, you can read it here: Notes from a September 2011 ride through Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece .

Michael

[Rory799]

I'm doing a similar route but starting in Athens and heading back to the UK.
My start date is fixed (leave Athens 23rd June) but my route and return date to the UK are flexable.

It looks like you will be on the road ahead of me, so keep posting as you travel so I'll know what to expect .
Rory

[Wildman]

I rode Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania last year. No problem in Macedonia save for expensive insurance (€60.00) at the border. Friendly people, no hassles. Bulgaria and Romania also trouble-free. Slow roads in Romania but some great riding to be had.

Ride reports here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731734

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706309

[Andysr6]

Hi, i have riden in all the countries that you mention and have had no problems or at any point felt unsafe. The road surface in Bulgaria and Romania can often be poor, there are new roads built with EU funding which are very good but usually boring. i would also suggest Czech and Slovakia rather than Austria. Try Route66 Biker camp in Hungary if possible. Andy

[zixxernine]

Thanks Michael,
most useful. the more I read the less I knew! I mean to say, it certainly looks do-able...

Rory - yes, will do. I'll try an do a ride report if I can master the technology. You can always PM too, I'd be happy to share anything.

Wildman, cheers. Nice write up and some stunning pics, Good job it's winter or i'd off today

Andysr - OK thanks m8.

Cheers lads,

Zixxer

(test picture might be attached lolz)

[steve T]

I can only echo other peoples remarks on Hungary,Romania,and Bulgaria.Romania is a fantastic country only planed to stay 3 days ended up staying 8 but don't be fooled by miles of new tarmac it will end in a pot hole 3 inches deep and 4 feet wide.The transalpina highway is a must do,take care

[zixxernine]

Thank you to everybody who replied to my email sent the Sofia Community. Very kind and helpful people, I look forward to visiting your country soon.



Trip update:

1 Route - not much progress, will agree in/by February
2 Bike - lots of work done, has been fully serviced and is ready to go (other than headlight problem due to be fixed next week
3 Kit - not much done/required. Awaiting extra luggage due this week
4 Paperwork - insurance bought, upgrade to follow

[Dad the Legend]

Hi I am due to be made redundant late this year (2012) and looking to ride down to Turkey, please keep a post on how it went.

[henryuk]

I did a lot of that route to deliver a bike to Adastra (another hubber) in Greece - no problems whatsoever. I went down through the balkans a few years ago and it was ace. Lake Ohrid is a must see. I had a minor run-in with the Albanian mafia but it ended pretty amicably, we got really drunk then they took me back to my bike and luggage!

[zixxernine]

Originally Posted by Dad the Legend

Hi I am due to be made redundant late this year (2012) and looking to ride down to Turkey, please keep a post on how it went.

I'll try, though if you haven't guessed yet I am no expert wanderer (actually, I am an expert wanderer....)

All being well, in 3 weeks we'll be landing in France I suppose I better finalise my plan. I keep thinking I need one of these 'plans' but I am having trouble there, if anyone has any knowledge of how this 'plan' thing works get in touch!

Re: Ohrid - I have two days B&B reserved (50 miles south), I'll either pass through on-route or take a day-trip there and probably show off my photography skills. If your in any doubt about my photography skills, they fall short of my planning skills... you have been warned ;p

zixxer

[ta-rider]

Hi Man,

Originally Posted by zixxernine

The bit I am not sure about is Macedonia/Bulgaria/Romania/Hungary. Any ideas if I can travel fairly safely through these countries?

Dont worry all the countrys are save and easy to travel. Hotels and Camping Places are everywhere:

Motorrad Reise durch Slowenien, Kroatien, Bosnien, Montenegro und Albanien nach Griechenland

In the sumer hollidays there are many camping cars on the road so if you want to enjoy the nice winding coas road in Kroatia etc dont go during this time

Greetings from Columbia, Tobi

[John933]

I'm looking at doing what you are doing. But in late August early September. I'm off to one of the Greece island in May. or I would be tagging along with you.
John933

[zixxernine]

test 2