 |
|
15 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
|
On the news...
More than 200 killed in bomb blasts in northwestern Iraq.. only rescue vehicles are now allowed to move in the area.
Your chances to return alive are very slim (but I dont think they´ll let you in the country to begin with).
Hope you dont have a big family leaving behind, and I think you should think about how they will feel, if your planning something like this. Nevermind, if theyre the ones that will have to start trying to somehow get you out of there, if you end up injured, or a hostage or something!
I know you sometimes have to take some risks to be able to go anywhere, but Iraq is just off-limits. Would be quite simply insane to even think going riding there right now.
|
16 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 11
|
|
|
If you speak Arabic than the odds are probably with you Marcos. After all many Saudis, Eqyptians and citizens of other Arab states with excellent relations with America are able to travel widely around Iraq without encountering much hassle until they decide to detonate themselves a la the villages hit two days ago. Maybe you should instead get to Iran asap; their a country whos citizens are imho more peripheral to the carnage in Iraq with the tens thousands butchered including many poor young western soldiers but whom the Americans seem intent on blaming and escalating tensions.
Alas, the great silk route travellers take from Europe to deepest Tropical Asia may become another casualty of Saudi fundamentalist actions in New York six years ago.
|
17 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: High Weald, Kent, England
Posts: 105
|
|
|
Is it fame?
Hi Marcos,
may I ask you why do want to go to Irak?
__________________
Smile
|
17 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Rosenheim, Germany
Posts: 11
|
|
|
Having recently ridden through Syria without a Carnet I could advise you on this, but actually I want to tell you something different:
Please dont go to the middle east at all!
With all Respect: In a fragile region with distorted and troubled views of western society anyway, I doubt that a guy with your mindset will be able to have any positive influence at all. Rather to the contrary...
On the other hand I dont know you and it might be all different. But please reconsider the reasons for your travel.
Andi
|
18 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Posts: 11
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodgydago
Hi Marcos,
may I ask you why do want to go to Irak?
|
Well, it`s a little bit more complicated ... I have already 5 accidents with my motorcycles, 2 of them ending in a hospital room, and too many to remember in offroad. It wasn`t my fault in any of them (except the offroad ones) ... Too many agresive drivers here in romania, being a biker is like playing russian roulette ...
So, i`m not afraid of dying anymore, i`ve seen the old lady, it`s cold and ugly, but i have made peace with it ... She rides with me, sometimes i can feel her scythe gently scratching on my back ... But it`s ok ...
What i`m expecting from Iraq ? Maybe , seeing all that death and suffering i`ll be afraid again ... hopefully ...
So, you could call it a quest for the lost fear of death ...
Anyway, i`m almost ready and on tuesday morning i will depart ... If you hear on the news that a crazy stupid romanian biker had been slayed, well that`s me  If not, i would probably have a good story on my return ...
Well, Iraq here i come 
Last edited by Marcos; 18 Aug 2007 at 00:24.
|
18 Aug 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 127
|
|
Dump the old lady
Marcos,
Iraq is one thing, but trying to get into Iraq carrying a scythe is plain stupid. Tell the old lady to get her own bike!
Good luck.
Baswacky.
|
9 Sep 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 90
|
|
|
Still running?
Any news from Marcos? Anyone can read Romanian? 2 ROTI: Turcia/Iraq/Siria
__________________
Even the temporarily worst things in life are good for something on a long run.
Don't dream your life. Live your dreams.
www.desertsoul.com
|
10 Sep 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcos
Well, for the bullet proof vest, i will be wearing it under my clothes, and if they check it, i would simply say it`s a motorcycle jacket with protection |
This is no joke...Northern Iraq may be beautiful and the plan in your mind might seem good; but reality is much more creative than you can imagine...so proceed with caution...
As going to Iraq might land you in Guantanamo Bay or in some Eastern European prison for a while as an "enemy combatant"...Google that and see how that ranks on the Fun Meter.
|
11 Sep 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Tel-aviv Israel
Posts: 175
|
|
Take a tip from one that live here
Adventure riding is riding in great places exploring new roads and new palces. all on two wheels. smells, colors, cold, hot, lonly or not etc. Going to places like Iraq today is not adventure biking, its a foolish child trying to be "brave" , a bike is not needed, just go there and get shot at (or blast to atoms by a bomb with your new kevlar vest).
Sorry for the tone, its is no game here now! and it must be said very clear!
Yoni
from Israel
__________________
Dare!
My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
www.harpatka.com
It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation
Yoni
|
26 Oct 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
|
|
|
BrettUAE, Yoni,
you guys did a marvelous job of trying to save a life. Perhaps more lives, even, than our crazy Romanian friend. But this guy had a chip on his shoulder. Indeed, he's a war junkie that is borderline suicidal. Maybe seeing people dead and dying will restore his fear of death (as he says) but I suspect he is already very much afraid of death and this trip is simply to confront those fears. As far as his odds go... he won't get into Iraq legally. If he does, he may or may not survive (I had a friend who snuck into Baghdad during the "shock and awe" wave of American bombings to see if he wanted to be a war photographer... he doesn't.) The point is... well, the point is he's nuts. But after stern warnings (we've all been warned about places to avoid... places that we went anyway and enjoyed) in the end, we all have to go our way. This dude is going to Iraq. Dear God. Has anyone heard from him?
|
26 Oct 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
To be honest Lost, I don't think he was serious. He wouldn't get across any border in the area he was talking about anyway - and that's a fact. But it is still important to be heavy-handed at these suggestions and remove the perception of travel through a war-zone as being somehow romantic. There are people living in these places, and for them the experience is very real.
But sorry there I go again...self-righteous rant, rant, rant...
cheers
Brett
|
26 Oct 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
|
This is my own view, nothing more, but I can only think of 2 good reasons, why any (non-military) person should go to Iraq now: to give aid to the suffering, or to report the events to the world.
To go there as a tourist, and maybe try to be a "hero" of some sort (mostly in your own head only) who´s ´able to do something others dont dare´, or whatever, is just sick. Theres a line between being brave and being stupid, and its quite clear on which side going to Iraq is.
In case you dont have one single relative or other loved one back home then fine, its your own life, and your free to fool around with it. But there are plenty of places, where you dont have to worry each second, when somebody´s going to kill you. And if that danger is indeed, whats giving you the ´kicks´, I think you´d really need to have your head examined.
|
29 Oct 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
|
|
|
I as much as anyone understand the risk and the consequential excitement of a place like Iraq, having spent quite a portion of my recent past there.
Therefore I couldn't condemn Marcos for his actions without being properly hypocritical! The difference is I have been well financially recompensed for my time there, and had a job to do. Despite being a bit of an adreneline hunter I would NEVER step into that country without the protection of arms and others suitably armed.
I also speak quite good Iraqi Arabic for a Westerner, and have a fair bit of terping experience there - but I don't kid myself for a second that my language skills would fool an Iraqi for a split second, or do me much good with some of the people who you could encounter.
It is also laughable that you might be able to laugh off a bullet proof vest as bikewear - these are people who have been born to war. Besides the fact I wouldn't fancy taking even one 7.62 in commercially available body armour!
I am curious though - does anybody know if this laudably foolhardy adventure took place?
It is a beautiful country with some incredible people, but I won't be recommending visiting it to my friends and family for a long while.
|
29 Oct 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Tel-aviv Israel
Posts: 175
|
|
birdy
Ho you brits, I had to reach "Babilon" to undestand all you've said (...about Babilon-Iraq ). At the end, it was well written and i agree with all youv'e wrote.
And don't worry I beleave Marcos did not get a thousand miles from Iraqi border, those who write like he did, usually have a profile of unmatured kids that flings around subjects, just to be spoken about.
yoni
__________________
Dare!
My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
www.harpatka.com
It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation
Yoni
|
10 Jun 2010
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
|
|
|
Updated information Anyone??
I am looking for some updated information on this area.
I would like to cross from Iran into Iraq and then onto Syria, therefore I am after tips, tricks at the boarder or just to hear that someone has done it.
I am planning on hitting that area around the middle of next year, I imagine....
Only time will tell how fast I will be travelling!
Thanks
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Dump the old lady
Take a tip from one that live here
birdy
Linear Mode
