Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By werner Schuddinck
  • 2 Post By motoreiter

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Nov 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 2
Smile moscow, st-peterburg murmansk

hi guys, i am werner aged 50,from Belgium riding a bmw r1250 gsa(2020), planning a trip to moscow, st-petersburg and murmansk next year. I would like to obtain some useful information( possible budget friendly motorminded hostels, things not to miss, people where i can stay or meet , tourist trap, safety issues etc? I drive alone. thank you very much,
any advice tips are welcome:
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
I've never been on that exact route, but lived in Moscow for many years and have travelled a lot in Russia, including to Murmansk. You'd probably get more responses to this question in the part of the forum dealing with Russia, but I'll provide a few responses:
1) Moscow is an awesome city, but traffic volume and patterns can be horrible. I would strongly recommend getting a GPS map (fine OSM maps are fine) to guide you to your hotel, otherwise it might be a pain. I would recommend staying staying in the center; there is part of town called Kitai-Gorod which is old Moscow, where there are a lot of relatively inexpensive hotels, although you'd have to check about bike parking. Once you're there you can walk everywhere, and there are lots of bars and restaurants, etc. I would not stay outside the center, very drab and too difficult to get around. The center of Moscow in summer is absolutely glorious, with lots to do, so I highly recommend that you take advantage of it.

2) When travelling between major cities, if you're in a hurry you can take the major highway connecting the two, but it will suck. Lots of trucks and police, not pleasant at all. But if you have a couple of days, take the smaller roads through smaller towns for a much better experience.

3) There are places to stay all along the highways in Russia, everything from really grungy truck stops to fairly nice (by Russian standards) modern motels. I never planned ahead and was always able to find something, even in the most remote areas (including in the town of Vytegra on the road to Murmansk, where I found a wonderful little hotel on the banks of a small river with an outdoor restaurant, etc. But don't be too picky, because the number of such places is very limited. I tried to avoid the grungy trucks stops as much as possible, didn't get good vibes from most of them.

4) I would try to avoid interacting with drunk Russians, not much upside. Usually they'll try to get you to drink with them, but just excuse yourself politely, point to the bike, and hit the road. But at the same time, don't be paranoid...99.9% of Russians are extremely helpful and friendly, to the point that you suspect that they have some kind of angle...but usually they don't, they're just tickled to meet a foreigner in their town and would like to practice their English or invite you to dinner. Just use your situational awareness.

That's really about it, I would really just sort of go with the flow rather than having a super-regimented plan. Have fun!
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap Hotel in Moscow motoreiter Northern and Central Asia 8 12 May 2015 05:23
Round the World for Zambia Orphans wearenomadbikers Ride Tales 26 31 Dec 2014 20:10
Moscow to Nordkapp round trip Russki Guzzi Europe 13 11 Feb 2014 16:15
Through Russia - from Siberia to Black sea Wild_Rus Ride Tales 12 28 Dec 2012 18:13
Murmansk to Saint Petersburg freight train arcticride Trip Transport 4 1 Aug 2012 12:21

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:15.