London to Brisbane travel timing question
 

Hi all,

I am currently planning a trip starting next year 2006 shipping bike to London and riding back to Aus taking about a year. It is a long way off yet I know, but I am trying to work out where I need to be (approximately) on the trip for each season.

My plan is to arrive in London at start of May 06 and immediately head south to Spain or even Morocco, then slowely travel north through western Europe as weather warms, then south through eastern europe, to Turkey, then Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal. That's the usual route from europe to Aus, nothing new there then.

But I am wanting some advice on how long to spend in west & east Europe before starting overland through Turkey and Asia. I am mostly thinking about weather and onset of winter, but any other reasons/opinions to be in or out of countries by a time also appeciated.

I will do more detailed planning later in the year, but never too detailed, I like flexibility to do or change things at short notice.

John

Mate drop me an e-mail with your telephone number and can have a yarn
We did BNE/LND March 03, down to Morrocco/ Europe/ Iceland/ Russia/ Central Asia/ Japan

Will be able to help re shipping BNE/LND and N Africa but others maybe able to help with the rest.

Cheers

Brett

I'd say you have it just about right already.

Idle away some time in late spring and summer in Europe (pop up to the artic circle???) and then hit the seriously hot countries in autumn. West Iran and eastern Turkey start to get real cold in November. But the autumn there is lovely. Ideal for travel.

So look to hit Istanbul about 1st September when the European holiday season is finishing. Then four to six weeks to India, depending on your taste.

A movable feast this.

Generally speaking, the only big obstacle on your trip is the rainy season in India. Best to avoid. Ideal conditions there are between November and late February, with some variation (it is a big place). Give yourself plenty of time in India: not only is it big, but travel is slow.

This puts you in the wet season in SE Asia. Unavoidable. But not so terrible, unlike the subcontinent. And there are spots lightly affected.

The only thing that might make you want to change this timetable is the Leh-Manali road in north India: a great ride so I am told, but not doable once the winter arrives.

It is a great trip you're looking at: the best ride in the world imho.

Simon

Thanks Brett, I will definately catch up with you sometime soon.

Thanks Simon, appreciate the comments. I think you hit right on my concern, ie I think my plans for Europe, Turkey and Iran are about right time for bike travel, but I start to get unsure about whether I will have any season/weather issues from about Pakistan & India. I guess this really shows I need to do a bit more homework on those countries.

John