I will be (hopefully) in Syria around the 15th of april. Most definately will skip the lebanon, too much heat for me.

Let's keep each other posted on the current situation.

Happy and safe travels......


If anybody has good references on places to stay in Turkey, please share! Will be in the west,south and central area

__________________
My kingdome for a bike

Hi! - First time post woooo!!!

Just wondering if anyone out there is in Syria at the moment? and how they are finding the current situation involving the country?

I am hoping to be setting of from England late June, through Europe and following the Turkish Coast (around early-mid July) all the way into Syria....

I know some of you guys are planning on being in Syria around the same time, any thoughts?

Thanks in advance


Andy

Hi Marko K and Tarzan,

Do drop in if you are passing by.

Kas-Antalya, Turkey - Horizons Unlimited

DickyB's Turkish Delights - ADVrider


Cheers,

Dicky

Wise, for 7 Estonian cyclists were kidnapped there a week ago (Lebanon). I thought all that had stopped , but not yet...

HI all
Am currently in Pammukkale, Turkey and hoping to cross into syria in a couple of days travelling at least into jordan/

does anyone have an update on the security situation and travelling through there that is CURRENT.

Thanks

You have a shortwave radio with you , I'm sure.

This is your best bet to get a current update..... BBC World Service. Don't bother with Voice of America; it's useless. China Radio isn't too bad. Deutche Welle is good.

You are right to ask about the current situation; it changes by the day in Syria. Jordan is in upheaval too; be careful.

The dutch ministry of foreign affairs has a system with numbers. 1 is the best, nontroubles whatsoever. 6 is a no brainer, don't even think about going!

At the moment it's a 3, take precaution, keep yourself informed. If is levels up to 4 it's only if you really have to go (like businesswise)

As said, if it gets, any higher, change your plans, especially if it's a leisure trip. It is really not worth it.
I served in the ME, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. If the shit hits the fan you are already to late and in a shitload of trouble.

Make sure that you carry GPS and have the adress and phonenumbers of your embassy

Enjoy!

Marco

__________________
My kingdome for a bike

Hi Vickey

The Australian Smart traveller site just upgraded the security warning to reconsider your need to travel. Originally the trouble was in the south but it is now is Damascus and just south of the border with Turkey. Apparently the president is going to make an address to the people in the next few days BBC News - Syria protests: Army on Latakia streets after 12 killed . The outcome of this is debatable. The scence on TV look similar to Eygpt.

See if anyone is coming through from the other way. Take care
adastra

Hello To All,
We are watching the situation much more carefully than others do.we have about 10 foreign guests in our club each month and our members and friends are continuously riding in or out middle east countries every week.

Middle east is more different than north africa, authorities more hospitable to
foreigners,local people love to talk with foreigners about adventure riding and
where the world is going to.As long as you obey and respect their traditions, you can meet the warm friendship and hospitality that you can't buy with money in your home country.

Presently, most important point is to keep away from main squares and big
mosques after FRIDAY MIDDAY PRAYINGS. Thats the lovely color of middle east countries, may be some exciting but safe in real.

Reports of other countries just show their desires for middle east. More dangerous protests are happening every day in all developed countries.
May be, these are (including earthquakes)the expected changes and happenings according to the Maya calendar which ends in 2012-Dec.!!!

For those who decide to continue their trips later and want to leave their motors in a safe place until then, we offer them our closed garage for
parking free of charge if their papers are ok. and regular.

This message is to Dear Helen,
When you are here, we will check all the situations together.If it is going to
be worse or a revolution there(we dont think so.), sure we will recommend you alternative routes that are safer.As told you, we will track you during your trip in Turkey.

Last Autumn, a belgium rider was lost in north anatolia mountains.we found him via his belgium cellphone,called several times,helped him to reach the
main highway.he was surprised when the waiter gave him his cellphone and told "somebody calling you", while he was having dinner in a restaurant somewhere there.
Then he came to our club garage,his KTM was repaired, and he gained many
warm friendships.All free and friendly helps. ı know this is impossible in many developed countries.

Hope these photos give you the color of adrenaline and unforgattable moments a rider can have.(1 is having offroad day after repairings)

Wish you all the best.
mehmet z.avar

Seems unable to upload more photos as Mr.Grant says;
"Sum of all attachments owned by istanbul bisiklet motosiklet: 1,015.8 KB"

Hope Mr.Grant solves this problem or I can send the photos personally to those who request them.

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Things like this (that I experienced in eastern Turkey last year) contribute to let me love the Turkish people, that I consider fantastic!

__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré

Thanks Mehmet!!

I'll be in Istanbul on the 14th - 19th April. very, much looking forward to catching up (I'll PM you re details).
Good to get some on the ground details. I thought I would see what is happening when I get closer to the boarder.

Take care and see you soon!
Adastra

Hey Dicky,

That would be nice. I will be in the kas-antalya region around the 7th or 8th of april. I have to pick up my girlfriend at the airport on the 9th.

Let's stay in contact

Best,

Marco

__________________
My kingdome for a bike

Hey!

Dicky: Also thank you! I will be entering Turkey and going into at some point in early July and then following the coast until I get into Syria. So I will keep in contact closer to the time!

istanbul bisiklet motosiklet: Hi, I was wondering, you wrote: "Hope these photos give you the color of adrenaline and unforgattable moments a rider can have.(1 is having offroad day after repairings" .... Does your club run offroad days? If so how far out are they from Istanbul? Is there anywhere on the Hubb that you have posted the pictures?


So whats everyones general consensus on Syria? Adastra... im curious what your plans are... still going?

Thanks guys - have fun

Andy

Seems ı am unable to upload photos here.so ı give you the link to the photos of him for now.
Login | Facebook
Our website ([url=http://www.ibmik.org.tr]

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Hi Marco and Tarzan,

Yep, just drop me a line when you are close.

Tarzan I would be more than happy to take you out in the mountains round here if you want some offroad practice. Pics on my Advrider link.

Safe travels'

Cheers,

Dicky