From Bishkek to the Northcape
 

Hello overthere,

I am new to this website and comunity, so if I'm in the wrong place for questions...please let me know!!!

My name is Jon and i'm on my may to a big trip from Bishkek to the northcape and back home to the Netherlands again. Not a bad idea, but the biggerst trip I made so far is 3 weeks Spain on my R1200GS in 3 weeks time, eating a wopping 7000KM. But that is nothing compared to my trip that will start may 20th 2020... Yes, in 3 month I will start.
There is contact with a german company to transport the bike to Bishkek, my suspention is replaced, bike will get good maintanance etc... Vaccinations are done, a healthy guy and like to stay that way.

But... Like you al probably know by yourself, Am I on the right track with preparations?
I will travel from Kyrgystan, to Tadzjikistan, Oezbekistan, Kazachstan, Russia, Georgia, Azerbeidzjan, Turkije, Ukrain, Belarus etc.....Finland, Norway, Sweden end back home to the Netherlands. 16.000 km and 2,5 month time to go for it.
A good friend already told me....take care of your bike, visa, money, vaccinations, transport etc.... But there must be more to take care of, ain't it???? It can't be that simple (IN MY HEAD)
When traveling this route, are there obstacles to be prepared for? Are there go or NO-GO areas? I know I might sound a little insecure now, but well.....maybe I am :yes:
But I'm a big boy.... And I have a dream, and I just want to go. Mindset is made. After all, it will be an amazing trip and experience!!

So, please.... Any advice, tips and trick's etc...more than welcome.:helpsmilie:
You need further info to help me better? Ask and I will provide you as much info as possible.


Thanx!!!!

Jon

You've got the main parts figured out. You don't have to figure out everything - that's part of the fun of the trip. :)

Are there any hard dates that you absolutely need to make? I.e. visa expiry, ferry booking, etc.?

Do you have someone back home who can, for example, quickly get a replacement for a broken part and send it to you by DHL? Ideally even look over your shoulder via Skype as you replace it?

Do you have your camping equipment? Even if you won't rely on it as your main option, it's always good to have for a backup. Make sure it's rated to colder temperatures than you expect!

Azerbaijan doesn't have an easily accessible border with Turkey. :) I sort of suggest going into Azerbaijan first, then going from Baku via Gebele and Sheki up to the Georgian border, so you don't have to backtrack.

Leave extra time for Georgia - it is an outstanding place to spend time, especially (but not only) on a bike.

Let me know when you're going through Estonia, I'll buy you a beer.

The local police/army will let you know clearly where the no-go areas are. But it doesn't look like you're going through any current war zones.

Hello AnTyx,

Thnx for your information. Good to know that I'm on the right track.
Visa will be arranged soon one of those days. They told me that visa will be valid for exp 3 month starting from day you enter that specific country. So, no...hard dates I guess.
There is a big BMW R1200GS community in The Netherlands who will help in case of and my girlfriend is my back up and knows how to handle due to her profession as a PA.

Go or No Go....more the idea of spots or areas that can be missed due to be unimportant or spots that are a MUST SEE!

That drink...count on me!:D

NorthCape
 

The journey is the goal.

Enjoy the trip.

But North Cape is just a touristic circus.
But good to have as a way point.

I'm aware of the Northcape-circus... But like you mentioned, it's a goal. I'm more looking forward to the beautiful nature of Scandinavia than that stupid piece of steel.

Nordkapp
 

Good choice.
It is beautiful

My route (long time ago)

Inch Allah you might be able to start May 20th this year.

Borders are being closed all over the place in Asia as a result of the coronavirus problem. Kazakhstan has closed its borders with China already, and if there is a virus outbreak in Kazakhstan, I don't think it would take very long for the Russians to shut their border with Kazakhstan.

See this link, which fellow forum member DylanGeorgeField provided in another post earlier today: Coronavirus Border Closures - Asia.

Michael

I know, it makes me concerned to be honnest. But I hope that in 80 days the situation will be different. Fingers crossed!

If you are passing by Helsingborg, let me know. If I am home, I can give you a guided tour of my hometown (including a cold beer by the sea).

That is amazingly friendly, and I will sure do. But the trip will be suspended until further notice due to the Corona.
Yep, it sucks... But it is what it is. Hopefully for a month, otherwise for a year.