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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
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  #1  
Old 27 Jul 2010
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Hi Chris

I couldn't beg a little info? Myself and a mate are planning a trip to Stalingrad (Volgograd) next year.

The theory is that we will both purchase an Pan European for the trip (we both have big trailies but mine's a Cagiva, and there were remarks like 'your not going to use that Italian thing are you?', at which I was obviously outraged. However on mature reflection of the number of times it had returned on the back of a rescue truck, I decided discretion was the better part of valour.) However, I digress. We can find info on the state of roads in Ukraine and Poland, (big ones, excellent). However given the 400lb weight of a Pan even without luggage, the key question is:

What are main roads like in Western Russia? Could you assist?

Cheers Andy Cadney
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  #2  
Old 27 Jul 2010
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Hard to answer the question "how are the roads"? What are your standards? Roads are fine--they are paved, with occasional large potholes, and generally lots of construction. Not as good as Poland, generally as good as Ukraine.
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  #3  
Old 15 Dec 2012
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Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Hard to answer the question "how are the roads"? What are your standards? Roads are fine--they are paved, with occasional large potholes, and generally lots of construction. Not as good as Poland, generally as good as Ukraine.
The Ukraine and Russian main roads are pretty good. After that, I would say "poor" at best. Many roads in villages will most likely be dirt or mud etc. A "large pothole" can be big enough to swallow a bike. An open hole or no-grate drain may or may not be marked. By marked, how about an old tire right next to it? Construction at night is not lit up. Ride at night at your own risk. Any road that may seem to be only 2 lanes in opposite directions(the painted lines) actually has as many as 4-5 lanes. The sidewalk (dirtwalk?) on either side is also fair game for a "lane". Drivers obey rules at random. Some rules are completely optional.
My observations. YMMV
Last edited by white_bear; 19 Dec 2012 at 23:03.
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  #4  
Old 9 Sep 2013
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Camping
With regard to your statement about not bringing camping gear, i take it this means that you would not camp on your next trip?

Would that be feasible? And i thought camping was half the fun and experience?

Will
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  #5  
Old 9 Sep 2013
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This states that one will not go anywhere near small roads or more adventurous locations and stays on the main road... like Moscow-Vlad. Then you don't need camping gear as truckers and car drivers also need to sleep.
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Old 11 Sep 2013
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rough camping in eastern Europe can be quite dangerous. I would do it only in emergencies. I would definitely agree that learning the Cyrillic alphabet and the respective phonetics is very very useful!! made this mistake on my first trip to Russia and got very very lost, most of the place names are unrecognisable from their Roman equivalent unless you are familiar with the alphabet.
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Old 11 Sep 2013
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Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post
I would definitely agree that learning the Cyrillic alphabet and the respective phonetics is very very useful!! made this mistake on my first trip to Russia and got very very lost, most of the place names are unrecognisable from their Roman equivalent unless you are familiar with the alphabet.
I only used maps and first made the mistake of buying a map in English so when i was lost or asking for directions the locals could not understand the map.

Using a map in Cyrillic is very easy just stop at the road signs and match up the Cyrillic letters on the map to the sign and you are away

I don't think you need to be able to fully understand the Cyrillic alphabet as it is pretty straight forward however i would learn some Russian words and you really only need to know about 50 words to get by, when i enter a new country i usually stop just pass the border as people there selling insurance/changing money mostly speak English so i stop there and ask them words/phrases and write them in my note book how i hear/understand them and never have any issues.

Locals really like it when you try (even a few words) speak there language and i think it makes for a better trip.
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Old 11 Sep 2013
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Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post
rough camping in eastern Europe can be quite dangerous. I would do it only in emergencies.
I totally disagree.
What is dangerous about it?
Did it on the last two trips, no problems at all.
Even the cops came to say hi, as we were in plain sight (no other option).
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Old 14 Sep 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post
rough camping in eastern Europe can be quite dangerous. I would do it only in emergencies. I would definitely agree that learning the Cyrillic alphabet and the respective phonetics is very very useful!! made this mistake on my first trip to Russia and got very very lost, most of the place names are unrecognisable from their Roman equivalent unless you are familiar with the alphabet.
I have to admit that I'd never done it, but know lots of people doing it without any issues. Only one rule is that one needs to have a bit of situation awareness, and if it does not feel right don't camp there.

I've been traveling in Eastern Europe for the last 3 years and have never had any issues (except for mad drivers), and found that you're less likely to lose things there than anywhere in Western Europe. There are exceptions....


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  #10  
Old 21 Sep 2013
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Great tips and ever up to date - thanks.
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  #11  
Old 22 Sep 2013
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Not been to Siberia yet! but my tips for Russia

Never refuse a drink

Actually probably my tip for life in general
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  #12  
Old 20 Aug 2014
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I think is very cold in Siberia at night. Should I find some warm clothes special for such a low temperature? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberia
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  #13  
Old 17 Sep 2014
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I`m really interested in the Yamaha YBR 125 for serious over landing, such lightweight bikes and 50k per liter gives an amazing tank range. I know Nick from TalesfromtheSaddle took one down to Africa and said it held up great. Super cheap on Ebay too!
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  #14  
Old 19 Sep 2014
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Originally Posted by ridetheworld View Post
I`m really interested in the Yamaha YBR 125 for serious over landing, such lightweight bikes and 50k per liter gives an amazing tank range. I know Nick from TalesfromtheSaddle took one down to Africa and said it held up great. Super cheap on Ebay too!
Wouldn't trust that guy
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  #15  
Old 28 Jul 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyCadney View Post

I couldn't beg a little info? Myself and a mate are planning a trip to Stalingrad (Volgograd) next year.

What are main roads like in Western Russia? Could you assist?
Andy, two years back I rode Russia east to west on a Burgman 650. Out east there is still fair bit of gravel road but in the west the only gravel you should experience will be detours during road repairs. There are a few exceptions such as the road from Maykop to Tuapse if you are heading to the Black Sea.

I really found the roads to be no worse than other countries and in many cases much better - especially the freeway from Saratov to Tombov which is as smooth as an airport runway (hint: it doubled as an emergency / secret runaway during the cold war).

I sold my Pan European 6 months back - it is NOT the sort of bike I would take across Europe. My recommendation would be something with a more upright riding position, better wind protection, more flexible top gear, better seat and somewhere to move your feet around. The ST locked me into a single position on the bike which I found very wearying after an hour or so in the saddle. I did do one longish 500 mile same day ride on it and I vowed never again - by comparison I can put 750 mile days in on my Burgman day after day without complaint.
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