After meeting with the doctor last Tuesday that will be operating on Valya's leg I will have to postpone my trip until '09. The doctor said it will probably take about 6 months of operations and rehab before there is a possibility of saving her leg. Bummer. But I gotta do everything possible to save the kids leg. She doesn't speak English and no one else in my family speaks Russian except me. Good new is that it will give me more time to plan, promote and find some more sponsors (hopefully). Also I am going to turn it into a RTW trip spending the majority of the time in Russia and Ukraine focusing on the children of the orphanages.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions. Any suggestions on shipping or air freighting my bike from Europe to the East coast of the US or Cananda would be appreciated.

Gents, ( maroonga, Daaayo & others )

I'm also planning a trip Vladivlostok to Europe starting June 2008. I'll email you both, I'm flying solo at this stage, but looking to link up with people at various points.

If you don't hear from me, please get in touch.

Thanks

Hi,
your project does sound fantastic!
I myself have just crossed Russia in winter (in fact, 2 days ago I made into Estonia coming from St. Pete) and I can tell you:

- The road between Chaborowsk and Chita is almost finished. It is absolutely no problem to drive/ride it - and I don't think that it will be much different in summer. The road is gravel, true, but except for a puncture in your tyre here and then, you will not face any difficulties riding it. Also, fuel is available every 100km or so. Sleeping: there are so called "gastinizas" (with your Russian knowledge you probably can pronounce this better than I can) along the road - not too often, but we found every evening a decent bed and got some hearty "Borscht". However, in summer you will be able to camp.

- Our average speed from Vladivostok to Lake Baikal was 74km/h (ok, with a Toyota Land-Cruiser, but ur BMW won't be much slower)

- People are super friendly all along the way

- After Chaborowsk there are luckily no more corrupt policemen (however, be prepared: after Novosibirsk they stand behind every snowhill).

- If you have time, visit Mongolia and the SOS-Children's Village in Ulaanbaataar for an exemplary orphanage

If you want to read my roadbook entry for the corresponding leg of my trip, please follow

PanMundo.Com

Have a great trip!
Tobias

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In 2 years around the world by 4x4
PanMundo.Com

Thanks for the current road condition report! That is encouraging and I will take a look at your website.
Hope you had a good heater in your vehicle!