UK to Far East Russia and beyond! 2018
 

Hi All,

Very early doors to be starting this, but i have been saving and dreaming of this trip for a while now and can now say I will be doing this.

However, I would like to go with someone else and others to share the experience. Im 28 and live in Exeter, Devon. I have a Yamaha xt 600 however I will be selling this for a Honda Transalp instead.

Im open to planning with travelling buddies. A rough course could be to Vladivostok. I can take over 6 months off work, so a trip over to america would not be out of the question, although I do hear you cannot fly with your motorcycle anymore and would need to ship it there from Japan or Korea. So maybe head South?

Though maybe it could be a Pan American trip?

I have done trips abroad on motorbikes and spent a month in Scotland wild camping with a very old Honda CB 400/4. I have limited off road bike experience.

If anyone is out there who's interested in an epic 2018 trip please get in touch.

John 'Tea' Manning

Hi John
Firstly welcome to the Hubb. I am just down the road in Torbay so it is good to see a local on here. I have done Ullanbattar to Devon and Almaty to Devon. I have a scratch that I need to itch which is Ullanbattor to Vlad or Magadan.

I appreciate it is early days but please keep me informed of your plans and maybe it will work out that I can join you for part of the trip. I am a teacher, so i only have 6 weeks :) but am making it around the world in 6 week hops :)

Cheers Nick

Hi Nick,

Thanks for your reply back! Nice to hear from a local too. I will keep you informed of plans. What bike did you use for your trips? Ive seen a company at a motorcycle convention that shipped bikes to Ullanbattor, I take it you used this method?

Cheers,

John

nice ride
 

hi guys
This isa trip i would like to do. It was too early this year me and i am fed up with borders, papers :freezing:. Still think about it.
A pegaso will be a good bike for this; with a XT engine and a better cycle part .
good off road ( enough) easy on hignways plenty of parts
Il will be possible in 18'for me if i feel confident enough :rofl: ( age, fit , experience of 2 ridesithis year , mostly off road )
have the bike
remember enough russian ah ah nazdrove ( learn it at school can still read a bit )
convince my wife for a 3 months trip :innocent:

anyway have a good ride ; will follow that :Beach:

Hi,

I'm also in Exeter and trying to sort something out for the next couple of years; I've no idea what I'll be riding by then but I'll keep an eye on your thread in case we can tie something up :)

Hi All,

Sounds good! hopefully pull something together - got plenty of time ha!

Hi everyone,

We are going to do Moscow - Vladivostok next year and in 2018 as well.

Keep in touch!

p.s: if you need any info regarding Russia don't hesitate to ask

Hola John!

Im also planning an epic odyssey in 2018! I just thought it was too early to post, but now I see I'm not the only one. bier :thumbup1: I'm starting in spring of 2018. I will start in Alaska and moto all the way down to Ushuaia Argentina. Then it will be off to a different continent. So for sure contact me if you're interested in a North pole to south pole odyssey! Cheers

Here is a cut and paste of my bio/plan.................


Alaska to Argentina and beyond, Spring 2018


The Bike: 800 GSA
The Route: Alaska to Argentina, then the rest of the world.
The Route: TBD (the plan is to have no plan)
Time Limit: TBD... 2 to 5 years? (the plan is to have no plan)


My name is James Bacon Jr.. I'm a 42 year old dude from Los Angeles, California. I'm an easy going, laid back guy who loves being outdoors and exploring new places. I have a passion for the ocean and pretty much every hobby it produces. (surfing, diving, fishing, sailing, etc) Traveling and being outdoors are my medication of choice.


I’ve been working at the same job for about 30 years, so now it’s time to get the hell out of here and head out into the unknown. Camping, Hostels and cheap hotels will be the majority of my accommodations, but an occasional nice hotel will be neccesary to recharge my gringo batteries.


In the past I bicycled from Igouzu, Brazil to Buenos Aires, Argentina I’ve also pedaled the west coast from Canada to Mexico, camping most of the time. I’m no nube to adventure but for me, this upcoming adventure takes it to the next level.

overview
 

HI all
At this moment i am planning another ride on trails in Portugal next spring and the second in Morocco.
Tor the " kracivaia" one , it will be time to get another bike , more fitted for highways like the future renere 700 .
Il I feel confident enough to ride it on THIS trip . will be by turkey and caucasian countries .
:scooter:
and maybe cross to India too :funmeterno::funmeteryes:

Hi John
Sorry for the late reply, I lost the thread Doh!

The first time I went was in 2012 and I went on a DRZ400s (imho a brilliant adventure bike if you want to go remote), I shipped to Almaty and rode east and then back to the UK over 6 weeks. I joined a group clubbing together to pay for a container. Cost me 550 euros.

The second time I shipped to Ulanbattar using James Cargo very expensive at 1700 euros one way. That included being stung by the Mongolia import of about 300 euros. I went on a C90 a crap choice if I am being honest, but was quite funny when I was in the middle of nowhere in Mongolia travelling across the piste and i met a group of Germans on 1200 gs with about two tonnes of luggage each going the other way. :)
Ps if you want to email me it is schoe000 at aol dot com.

Hi John/all

My name is Katy, 27, living in Bedfordshire, UK. I have been thinking about doing a long motorcycle trip at some point in the next few years. I'm not in a position where I'm looking to quit my job as I like what I do, but I reckon I could get a 6 month sabbatical if I gave enough notice. I was thinking in 2019 as a 30th birthday adventure but I know a lot can change in that time. I'd also have to get a plan in place for someone to rent my house for 6 months, and look after my cat! I just feel I'd like to do this before/if I ever decide to settle down.

I ride a BMW F650 GS. I've put a fair amount of miles on it in the last few years, and abused it a fair bit taking it off road (well trying), so I'm likely to be upgrading at some point but unsure what I'll get at this moment in time. I've ridden to Poland, Italy, Morocco to name a few. Unsure where my next (1-2 week) adventure will be next year, toying with Austria, another trip to Scotland, or Southern France. Also unsure where I would like to go for 6 months. Like many people I was inspired by "Long Way Round" and "Long Way Down", but America would be pretty awesome too. Lots to think about!

Anyway that's enough about me. Your trip sounds cool so I'll keep an eye on this thread.

All the best

possibilities
 

Staying in touch around .
If I feel confident enough , will do the ride, at least some miles after moscow .
bike will be a ten' 700 .
way of riding will be soft enough for me :thumbup1:
I like off roads ( 6 days to cross Spain by trails , nice trip ) and road also.
:mchappy:
Time will be spring ?

Overland adventure Event
 

Hey all,

Things are kicking off now for my prep, bought an arai helmet for the trip this weekend but still looking for the transalp - The crucial part!

Is anyone going to the Overland adventure Event at London Olympia 21st Jan? Ive bought a ticket for austin vince and louis price doing a seminar on motorcycle travel, will hopefully settle myself for the impending paperwork/visas.

cheers all..

Room for one more?
 

Hello everyone, I'm keen to keep an eye on this and see what materialises as it sounds like something I could be up for trying join in on (if whoever goes doesn't mind)!

I've been considering a longer term around the world trip for some time but my situation has since changed. A trip for around three months or so from the UK as far as Vladivostok seems like it could be realistic for me though so if this goes ahead I'd be keen to try to get involved for that part at least. I'd ask to take a sabbatical from my current job and if they refuse hand my notice in anyway (which was the original plan) and the timescales for this trip seem about right for me with enough time to finish a couple of things I've been working on, possibly sell my current bike, sort out a bike to take, put some miles in on it, take it apart and put it back together a few times and rent my house out. Thankfully I don't have a cat to worry about! From Vladivostok I'd either try to bribe my bike onto the train and come back with it or have it freighted back and fly home. He says!

I'm 31 and live in Jersey, am more than happy to camp / take on a bit of off-roading and am fairly handy with a set of spanners too. I've got my mind set on an Xchallenge but there's only one over here so I'll probably have to buy from the UK in any case which leaves the options open.

Cheers,
Russ

I've been trying to do this trip for about four years now... But I've been busy with a new Business and workshop.

2018 could be the year. Everything is looking like I should be able to do it.

So, I'll follow this thread with interest. I've done most of the planning and research on it already. I've pretty much decided on my nicely reconditioned XR650L. Although, I'd consider something else if I terminated in UlanBatar and sold the bike.

I rode South America on an XT600E and have owned a 650 Transalp. I think the XT600 would be MUCH more suitable for a trip like this unless you intend to be stuck to the highways. The 700 Transalp is better but still a heavy beast with very little ground clearance.

I've done a few big trips before and I'm a full time Professional Motorcycle Tech.

I'll be at the HU UK if anyone wants to chat about it. :thumbup1:

Motojohn, I agree totally with Ted, you should stick with the XT600. Unless you stay on the main highways, but that would be a shame.
Once you leave Europe you need a light, nimble (and simple to repair) bike, not an elephant!


Ted: about bloody time :)


I will be doing a presentation, with Alistair (my other half!) about Russia and the Stans, at the UK HUBB in June (about logistics and everything you need to organise and survive on the road there), come and join us if you can. Not sure what time we will be on "duty" yet.

I'll be sure to attend ! It will be nice to catch up with you guys too bier

I'll do the BAM and OSR with you next year Ted!!! My plan is to get to Ulaanbaatar this year and leave the bike there over winter and ready for the final leg to Magadan in 2018.

Exciting times!

I plan to go to the UK HUBB so it will be good to hear your presentation Maria and hopefully meet some interesting and fun people :)

So, today I made my first step. I asked work whether I could take 6 months off next year, from June to Nov/Dec, and it all looks very promising. I decided that my cat will just have to make do at my mums house for 6 months ;) Hopefully she'll forgive me and I will try to rent out my house to help pay the bills.

I need to start thinking about which countries I definitely want to see. At first I was thinking America (LWR), but I've just exchanged some messages with a lovely lady called Danielle Murdoch who rode to Africa from Australia, and that looks pretty cool too! So then I started thinking about doing a massive round trip, up to Nordkapp, riding the West coast, then riding down Finland to St Petersburg and through Russia to Kazakhstan, then to Mongolia, south to China, then Thailand (is this even do-able?), Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Romania e.t.c Home. What about America though? Is it easy to get to South America, Peru e.t.c? I'm thinking I may have to plan another trip in a few years time just to ride America, but then I'd also like to ride through Africa. So wow, yes, where to start!?

I just realised I should probably be on a different thread now, perhaps "Route Planning"?

Thanks,
Katy

on the way
 

hi all
Still reading here.
I will make my point end of year, after two rides around here : Portugal and motocco .
The point is about the "other" questions : family, time, health and so like other important projects. :D
the bike could be either a 600 old style or a new ten if is not too heavy .. GOOD for road .
Anyway i will like to hear the presentation , on youtube or paper maybe
cheers :scooter:

That could work :scooter:

Are you keeping a blog ??

I think I'll create a Facebook page and put updates on that. Setting off on 17th May.
We never got to have that brew!!!:)

We will before you go. Come and show me your bike...Or ill drop in. Are we friends on Facebook. Ioose track of usernames etc :)

Find me on Facebook: MotoTed & MotoRevive.

Just thought I'd show a bit of continued interest for this one as I've managed to pick up an F650GS Dakar that came up for sale locally already which is looking like the perfect all rounder (rather than finding and kitting out an Xchallenge) so if a trip like this for 2018 becomes a reality that's another step in the right direction. Easy to justify too - three BMWs at any one time is surely the perfect amount, right?

Cheers everyone.

Hi Katy hope to meet you too at the HUBB in June.


Regarding your cat: don't worry!
Our first big trip was one year (in South America). We had a cat. A very old cat (about 18) and to be fair we never thought she would still be around at the time of our departure. She spent one year with friends and came back home like nothing ever happened. she was not the sulking type!


Since then we have ended up with a dog, adopted during our time in Brazil (long story). for our trip to Mongolia in 2014 he spent 4 months in Wales with friends. He was happy there.


Last summer we spent 3 months across Russia and central Asia again and this time we could not find any house for him. So I found this site:
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/


I joined (for a fee!) and put my house and dog in there. I had lots of applications and found a lovely retired couple to stay, live and look after our dog (for free!) in our house. I totally recommend this site.
I recommended to one of my friend who has 3 jack Russels. He found a young couple from Alaska to stay in his place. No money exchanged and happy pets.


Pets are a big problem when planning trips but there are solutions out there.


Have fun preparing your trip! :)

Aw thanks Maria, that's really sweet! It's amazing how attached we get to our pets isn't it. I'll be interested in hearing your story about your dog, hopefully we can chat in person at the HUBB. :)

I'm still confused working out where I'm going to go next year but I have a little while yet to decide. I could just be spontaneous but I'd rather have a rough plan in place. I'm hoping HUBB UK will help with that!

Hi Katy, good news I have started to apply for my passport and cha is still keen for me to go away next year il send you a message,

Cheers mikey

Thanks all for the interest in this thread still, I have a rough route planned through the stans - see pic on my profile page (i hope).

Im not going for the Transalp - so dont worry about that!lol. Although my next choice will also be contentious. I wont be doing highways, will be doing the full back routes and camping experience so have gone for a lighter bike with twin cylinder.

Looking for some buddies still - memories better shared.

Ciao!

PM you, are you still planning to leave the month before me? Also can't view the route still on your profile? Happy to meet up when I'm over in Devon for the wedding last weekend of March if you're about? Would be cool to discuss your ideas :)

Backroads are the best! Much more fun and much less traffic. Highways and main roads are a pain usually, especially in Russia! And you will meet great people there... more than you would by staying on what s basically the local motorways!

James,
I will be in LA this spring. Be great to meet and chat with you. I rode AK to Terra de fuego in 2004. Getting itch to hit the road again.
Jon

I also want to ride Russia in next 1-2 years. Is it possible to buy a bike in Russia or neighboring country? Costly and hassles to ship bike from USA.
Thank you for any advice.
Jon

Hi fellow riders,
I also want to ride Russia and neighboring countries this or next year.
My last long trip was AK thru Terra de Fuego back in 2004. Also have ridden all states in North America. Would eventually love to ride England all the way thru South Africa, if I could get thru central African countries. Is it possible to buy a bike in Russia or neighboring countries for European part? Thanks for any advice.
Cheers,
Jon

Hey John, if you get over to west coast America give me a shout, I'm on a vstrom 650, done some fire road and slightly more difficult things with it in its 60k life. I'd be happy to join you for a week or so (can't get much more off work at the current job)
Cheers,
Daniel

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Hi all,

Been following this thread a little bit, and it all sounds really interesting.

I also live in the West Country, Somerset, so would be more than happy to meet up sometime to discuss further. Just for a bit of back ground, I'm 53, so will be 54 at time of trip. I don't work so time away is not a big issue for me, but money is, so I'd be looking at keeping it cheap and camping where possible. I'm also not too bothered about the USA, so would look at catching the train back from Pacific coast area.

As said I'm really keen, but would be interested to know what route you're looking at taking as cant see any proposal, also, what time of year are you looking at going at? I'll probably be taking a big single too.

I'm off to Morocco in early April for six weeks, so won't be looking at doing much planning/preparation work till I come back.

Keep in touch,

Byron

Hi
 

Hi there

I'm planning UK to Magadan in 2018. Let me know the route you're doing

Terry

Hi John,
Just stumbled across your thread and am very interested in your plans,
I have been looking to do pretty much the same as you, ie, UK to East Russia and then Asia and beyond........
I am from Northumberland and am currently on a contract in Ireland,
I will be leaving my job in the first week of June 2018 and will be looking to leave shortly after that.
Like yourself, I am looking for someone to share the experience,

I have done a little bike travel-----
Indian Himalayas on Enfield Bullet
Cambodia on XR250 Baja
Thailand on 300 Ninja
Perth to Sydney on F800gsa

none bike travel
Most of Asia
bits of Europe
bits of US

But I feel the time is now right to do the BIGGIE.......RTW :thumbup1:

As Im leaving my job I have no time constraints....:D

Hopefully you are still up for this and still looking for a travel buddie,
let me know and we can take it from there

Hi folks.
Still following the thread
At this moment I am
- looking for the right bike for the ride , maybe a brand new SWM , very good for dirt and gravel, old macadam; or an old air machine like a teneré or a DR 600
- getting better after a shoulder problem : 1200 km of trails
- improving again my russian from school

Anyway i a ma quite sure to be able to go ti Moscow, maybe further East, the BAM or Vlad is too tough for me .
A good solution would be a one way trip, sell the bike, and plane or train return .
see you
JL

Hi guys, I will probably make my own thread on this subforum soon but thought I'd chime in here first just to see what people's current plans are!

I'm a 32 year old from Dorset in the UK (live in Canada currently) and am taking a sabbatical from work for all of 2018. My plan is to ride from the UK to East Russia (Vlad or Magadan I suppose) and then take a boat and cross North America.

I will be leaving in the spring or maybe February / March, and my very rough plan for a route at the moment is: UK > Italy > Eastern Europe > Greece > Turkey > Georgia > Russia > Kazakhstan > China/Mongolia > Russia > Boat to Alaska.

I'm looking for a travel partner for all or a decent chunk of the UK > East Russia bit if I can find anyone.

I have a few trips I've done solo already:
1500km on a scooter in Vietnam (the beginning!)
2000km in the Peruvian Andes on a 200cc Enduro I bought in Lima
5000km UK to Florence/Italy and back again on a CBR600
9000km in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, on a 250cc bike I bought in Cape Town, mostly on gravel / dirt.

I may buy a Suzuki DR650 here in Canada for the trip, but also considering other roughly 600/650ish bikes too.

I have no offroad skills but like dirt / gravel roads. I ride slow and enjoy beautiful landscapes / terrain the most, generally avoid cities.

If you're looking to do something similar or think we could meet up, let me know or send me a PM!

Cheers,
Mark

Interested to join for parts of the trip
 

Hi everyone,

I've done my share of long distance travel but only over 2-3 week periods due to limited free time. I will be following this thread because i could join in for parts of the trip if schedules work out. Never traveled in North Europe or Asia so i'm actively looking for opportunities.
I'm about done with North America.

Cheers

Yannis

Mongolia
 

Hi, im looking for big trip in 2018,

Was thinking the stanns russia mongolia and return thru iran.

All places times flexible as nothing fixed as yet

June leaving for RTW Whoooooo
 

Hi All,

Been away from HUBB a while now, sorry to all those i never got back to.

Leaving June with the loveliest lady I know for 6 months going to Scandinavia, Russia, the Stans, Mongolia and hopefully Japan or further afield (America?)... we'll see :)

We have a website www.transeurasia.co.uk to follow our adventures.

Cheers all, may see you on the road - June leaving UK

JohnTea - TEA for TransEurAsia!

Have a good ride !!!
WOnt be ready this year because i change for a SWM 500? more off road oriented and tersting iti around here ( Spain ) ...
nou paka