russia and safety, any advice?

[Dodgydago]

Hi,
I'm planning to ride to Kazahkstan via Ukraine and Russian federation through the area between Rostov-Na-Donu (east of the Black sea) towards Astrakan (NW of Caspian sea).
Can any one offer advice / accounts of recent rides through russia or this area in particular for personal/road safety?
Thanks a lot.

fernand

[Baikal]

Originally Posted by Dodgydago

Hi,
I'm planning to ride to Kazahkstan via Ukraine and Russian federation through the area between Rostov-Na-Donu (east of the Black sea) towards Astrakan (NW of Caspian sea).
Can any one offer advice / accounts of recent rides through russia or this area in particular for personal/road safety?
Thanks a lot.

fernand

hi fernand!
don't be afraid of crossing these countries! we did it 2005 withour any problems with people. if you like, you can read our travel-logs at www.motorradreise.de.tc .
greets and good trip!
Alex & Carsten

[Lars]

The police in the region south of a line between Rostov-on-Don and Wolgograd was a bit of a hassle sometimes. Got stopped up to 7 times a day last year and a couple of times they wanted money or presents (the other times just a look at the bike or a chat)

Regards

Lars

[liketoride2]

I traveled across Russia from east to west last summer, and at no time did I feel in any way threatened or uncomfortable. The vast majority of the Russian people that I met were extremly friendly and tried their best to help me despite there usually being a severe language barrier. I was only stopped at police chechpoints something like 6 - 8 times during the entire trip and was never asked for a bribe (or at least not that I ever understood - my Russian was almost non-existent, as was their English in most cases).

Having said that, reports of theft by travelers in Russia are fairly common (as most everywhere) and I would advise having all luggage, etc. under lock and key - everything I took was in either one of my locked side panniers or a top box, except a handlebar bag that I took with me whenever I went into a restaurant, etc. The only theft I encountered was of a $5 Timex watch that was glued to my bike dash and a Throttle Rocker, the latter probably stolen by some kids for a souvenir. I did carry a "dummy" wallet - a second wallet with expired credit cards, a small amount of cash, etc. and did lose it outside a hotel at one point. Later there was a knock on my room door and two ladies offered the return of the wallet for a small reward - of course, the small amount of cash was gone. I never had to use the dummy wallet for it's intended purpose - to give to a potential robber hoping to avoid further loss.

I have read of one report on a website of a motorcycle traveler encountering a man with an assault rifle coming out of the roadide bushes somewhere in the unpaved road part of Siberia. However, when a second motorcycle appeared he went back into the brush and never took any action. Traveling with a partner or partners may be safer, but it does reduce the opportunity for interaction with the local people who are more likely to approach (in a friendly way) if the traveler is alone. I did travel with three Russian motorcyclists I met along the way over part of the so called Zilow Gap in Siberia, but was solo across the great majority of Russia.


Most of all I would suggest simply using common sense - crime exists in all countries, avoid higher risk situations such as traveling at night, etc. and at least in my experience you are at no more risk in Russia than in most countries.

Hope this is of some help.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net