 |
|
9 Nov 2007
|
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch
Steve, Chris ... sounds like we have a plan ..... when do we leave?
|
Hi Colebatch,
You do not have to ask me twice, I would love to go back.
My problem is I still have a list of places to go and ride and although that list is getting smaller, the list of places to go back to is getting bigger. There is a danger I could disappear up my own exhaust.
Debra and I are riding Alaska to Argentina early next year and we don't plan to be back before spring 2009.
Anyway judging by our miserable failure to meet up for a  at the HU rally it's better we don't try and get organized. 
Steve
|
9 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Posts: 50
|
|
|
BAM riding
July 2009?
Chris Scott warned me that you were lurking.....
Note, I have the local Russian maps (1:50,000) that show ALL of the roads and tracks and they are shown all the way along the BAM to Port Vanino.
Let me know!
|
9 Nov 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
|
Adrian .... you are in. And you better get a-scannin on those maps
July 2009 it is
Last edited by colebatch; 9 Nov 2007 at 21:45.
|
10 Nov 2007
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Posts: 86
|
|
|
When I was hanging around Baikal I met a guy who'd just been over the northern side. Riding a standard Honda XLV400 Transalp (sound familiar Walter?) He rode from Skovodrino to Tynda then across the northern side along the BAM and back down the western side earlier this year. He had some great photos. Looked tough but doable. Good luck!
I had an atlas with gas stations on it for that area, but unfortunately not any more.
Cheers.
|
10 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
|
Thanks Mate,
If its doable on a 400cc Transalp with dual purpose tyres then on something like a DRZ400 with knobblies, it should be no problem ... weather depending of course.
btw ... Tried to catch up with you last month mate... but couldnt find you in that packed bar
|
10 Nov 2007
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Posts: 86
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch
Thanks Mate,
If its doable on a 400cc Transalp with dual purpose tyres then on something like a DRZ400 with knobblies, it should be no problem ... weather depending of course.
btw ... Tried to catch up with you last month mate... but couldnt find you in that packed bar
|
Yeah, no hope in hell in that bar...
Anyway, maybe we could meet up another time. Expect to be in London from 24 to 30 November. I'm trying to sort out my photos from my Russian trip now and applying for some jobs.
Anyway better quit the thread hijack. 
I'll have a look for the guy's email, but I don't recal if he gave it to me or not.
The road immediately to the east of Baikal looks a lot tougher than Skovo - Tynda etc.
|
11 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Prague, Czech republic
Posts: 69
|
|
|
North of Bajkal
Helo Chris!
1. Don´t believe any maps from Russia!
2. In my information north of Baikal is road but not bridges across Angara river. You must use train bridges and tunnels.
3. One possibility is flow by boat from Ust-Kut (Bratsk) by Lena river to Jakutsk.
Main road in Russia are in good condition, but small road are only mud. North from Bajkal are only swamps.
But Bajkal, Tuva and Burjatia republic are nice place on world. People are very hospitable, but have a lot problems with alcohol.
|
11 Nov 2007
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,813
|
|
|
The road immediately to the east of Baikal looks a lot tougher than Skovo - Tynda etc.
Yes that was my instinctive impression.
1. Don´t believe any maps from Russia!
Same goes for many maps rtw. I think you have to compare map depictions to actual known routes (such as RoB) and then guestimate.
2. In my information north of Baikal is road but not bridges across Angara river. You must use train bridges and tunnels.
Well according to GE it looks like something has been built in parrallel to something older over the river at Novy Ouyan (N56 11 W111 38) and as we hear Trannie Man managed it.
There is a kilometre long bridge over a reservoir 300km west of Tynda which looks kind of exposed. And there is the 16km long Severo' tunnel after Angara. I suppose best would be follow a train through - or take the bypass.
Main road in Russia are in good condition, but small road are only mud. North from Bajkal are only swamps.
Yes I would guess the network of backroads on an atlas gives a false impression of rideable possibilities but the railway is there for sure and with some sort of quickly-deployable amphibious element you wonder why there aren't queues forming already!
But Bajkal, Tuva and Burjatia republic are nice place on world. People are very hospitable, but have a lot problems with alcohol.
Even with the drunks I think the social aspect would be part of the appeal of FE Russia, so it would be a shame to rush the BAM, even if you could...
Ch
|
12 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Prague, Czech republic
Posts: 69
|
|
|
Every train bridges and tunnels in Russia are strictly watched by solders. I think that money is best solutions. But I afraid that solders will be too hungry.
I am not visiting this region, but three years ago I thinking about this trip. My friends did this trip. They had to go from Bratsk to Jakutsk by boat, because there are absolutely no roads only train bank.
Do you know story about Russian girl with motorbike on this road? She went by railway bank all way. Around rail road are only swamp. She has russian motorbike IZ and three month free time. I not remember all, but I think that she crossed this long bridge. And she pass tunnel by platelayer (small train? train with one wagon with motor?). But she was Russian people.
Your plane is very interesting for me.....
I very like Russia and I would like come back to Bajkal/Siberia region.
This summer I was in Mongolia. I went by train with motorbike from Moscow to Novosibirsk and back from Irkutsk to Moscow. Russia is very nice country.
|
12 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Prague, Czech republic
Posts: 69
|
|
Correct bridge coordinate near Uoyan is: N56 11.000 E111 38.000.
Do you know Scottish mosquitoes? They are small and absolutely peaceful in comparison to Siberian!
Your plane is absolutely crazy. I will go with you!
I add link to very good map of Bajkal:
Mapový server — mapy.mk.cvut.cz
Last edited by beba; 12 Nov 2007 at 20:16.
|
19 Nov 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Prague, Czech republic
Posts: 69
|
|
|
I ask my friend from Moscow. It is not problem cross this river by wood camion.
|
19 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Posts: 48
|
|
|
Hey guys,
I have about the same plan in mind, along the BAM, up to yakutsk and then east to Magadan. Only, this would be by car, so being rescued by the train is not an option. I have met this german-russian couple who did exacly that route 2 years ago by pushbike. They definitely had to cross railway bridges (some unpassable by car) and didn't see a soul guarding those... Looking at their pictures, it looks like in spring/early summer, most of the roads were mud, but you still see the occasional UAZ getting through. So I thinks it is not true to say that the whole trip is done on the train track, but definitely it is a rough one.
Oh and yes, they WERE bitten by the bloody tick!
Chris: where does this raft-surrounded landy picture come from? If I can get hold of that kind of equipment, my plans would definitely look more possible to me!
BTW, you guys fancy escorting a pair of swiss-belgians in a 2 wheel drive in summer 2009?
Chris, probably not you, I know what you think of 2cv's from what you wrote in your first sahara book ;-)
Cheers, Seb
__________________
Normal cars go to paradise, 2CV's go everywhere!
|
11 Feb 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 208
|
|
|
Picures of the Lena Highway in summer
This is on my list of roads to do but alas I think only in winter in a truck with a bike in the back seems viable judging by these pictures of the road in summer. Perhaps you could bypass the bad bits by off roading it through the woods but I want to experience "ryskaya zima" anyway so if and when I get there I want it to be winter - lethal on a bike in those temperatures!
Check out the pics - my particular favourite is the blonde in her 350Z in white heels and cocktail dress!
Russian Highway from Hell
__________________
Last edited by Fastship; 11 Feb 2008 at 16:41.
|
15 Apr 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
|
Just for clarity ... the Lena Highway is not the same as the Lensky Trakt. The Lena highway with all the pics above is the "highway" from Tynda to Yakutsk. Lena Highway (the M56) is a pretty well used road these days, and I would suggest that those fotos are taken immediately after particularly bad weather, and are definately not typical of the road.
Everyone I know who has ridden the Lena Highway (including film footage by Ewan and Charley) have never mentioned any difficulties at all on that road.
|
15 Apr 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Car?
I think by car you'd want one of these... Russian built, Lada based so spares should be available and amphibious and surprisingly cheap too.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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.
Linear Mode
