UK to the Stans, Mongolia & Vladivostok 2009
 

As the first leg of a round the world trip I'll be leaving the UK at the end of April/beginning of May 2009, heading through Europe to Turkey then onto the Stans and Mongolia, aiming to arrive in Vladivostok at the beginning of August.

If anyone else is planning a similar trip and wants to compare notes and maybe join up for some of the trip it'd be good to hear from you.

David

Georgia
 

hi David,
i am planning a loop of the Black sea leaving from Scotland mid June 09 and will be travelling a similar route for the first part of your journey. it is unlikely our paths will cross but i am interested in your choice of route and how you plan to get round the Georgia issue.
Andy

Hi David,

Two of us are leaving Newcastle at the end of April to go via Turkey, the stans, mongolia, to Vlad, and then either across USA or down to TDF, subject to finances. At least, that's the general idea: I can't really justify calling it a "plan", more a line on a map and lots of excited conversations down the pub. Definitely going, but still lots of detail to work out. Looking for bikes at the moment, XT600 seems to be the top contender.

Time wise looks like we might coincide. Planning wise I think once we really get started we're going to be pestering anyone who'll listen for information and advice, so comparing notes sounds great!

Where are you from, what bike are you taking? Just you?

Al

Hi David

Looks like there could be few on the same route. Still in the maps and books stage but hoping to head the same way aiming for Vlad late August then over to Japan for a few weeks. Looking to leave late March early April as folk to visit across Europe on the way.

Still to sort out bike as current Sprint not ideal!!

regards
Kev

Thanks for the replies.

Andy - my original plan was to do Georgia and Azerbaijan then catch a ferry to Turkmenistan, but I'm now thinking of going Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan.

Al - looks like we're planning the same route at pretty much the same time. From Vlad I'm planning on flying to Vancouver (via South Korea) and then down to TdF. I'm based in London, I've got a 2001 XT600 with most of the mods done and at the moment its just me going.

Kev - depending on how long you're stopping in Europe on the way it looks like our plans could coincide

David

Hi David

I was looking at doing a similar route all the way to TDF sometime next year though I was looking at leaving a couple of months later. I do not have a bike as yet but would be interested in chatting with you ref routes, bikes and kit and poss even travelling together if the timings were to work.

If meeting up sounds poss then let me know.

Dave

the Davids
 

Would be great to meet up somewhere and have a chat about this, seems we are all looking to do a similar thing

Hi David

I dont plan to spend too long in Europe as I am planning to hit Iran late April and spend may be 2 weeks their visa permitting. I then hope to head through Turkmenistan into the rest of the Stans for 6/7 weeks before reaching Mongolia early July. After a couple of posts on this site and feedback I received I plan to ride the Pamir Highway.

I am hoping that 7/8 weeks will be sufficient to travel through Mongolia then out to Vlad allowing time to see plenty.

The above is just a rough outline of my proposed route, visas etc permitting.

Also not sure if 6/7 weeks in the Stans is enough.



Kev

Sounds almost exactly like my mate Dave and I are planning (yes, another Dave). At this rate there'll be enough of us to cause traffic jams through the stans next April!

Would be up for a meet too. I live in Newcastle but work in Hatfield during the week so could do London on Mondays or Thursdays.


David - would be particularly interested in your plans and costings for Vlad-Korea-Vancouver, and also what mods you've made to the bike. Still shopping for the bike - anything we ought to look out for?

Cheers.

Meet up
 

It sounds like meeting up would be a good idea - either in London or somewhere further north depending on who wants to come. Those that are interested, post here with when and where's good for you and we'll try and sort something out.

Kev - I'll be leaving London a bit after you and arriving in Vlad a bit before you, but sounds like we're both planning on being in Mongolia around the same time.

Al - I'm planning on taking the ferry from Zarubina to South Korea, spending about a week there and then flying the bike to Vancouver. I haven't really investigated the costs yet. I bought the bike with a lot of extras already fitted - large fuel tank, bash plate, panniers, hand guards, scottoiler, braided brake lines.

David

So the David convoy is going to be in Mongolia mid 2009. Will the Mongolians be able to handle such a huge influx of intelligence?:thumbup1: Perhaps we should get our bikes painted in the same scheme.
Ref bikes has anyone got any thoughts? I have yet to get a bike.

DavidL - ref possibility of meeting up. I live in Bath but regularly travel to London to see family. Hence a London get together would be ideal. Anybody else think a get together would be a good idea?

Dave

I'm another one hitting that central/north Asia area.

Leaving UK roughly April, then heading through the Ukraine and Russia, heading into Mongolia, then back home to the UK via the Stans, Iran and Turkey.

Seems like the opposite route to all you lot but there's always the chance there'll be a chance to meet-up and exchange stories on route.

This is mine - feel free to copy the paint scheme!

Hi all,

I'm the Dave that Al mentioned. Nothing much useful to add at the moment other than enthusiasm!

I once played in a 5-a-side football team entirely comprised of Daves. But this would be new!

Dave
 

I'm feeling left out now. Would consider a change to Dave by Deed Poll if it would help