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Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 5 Feb 2005
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First timer to the Middle East
Hey all,
I'm a few weeks away from getting my motorbike liscence (touch wood) and I would love to do a trip from the UK to the Middle East around about september. My question is, having passed my test only a few motnhs before would I, in your opinion, be grossly under eperienced to undertake something like this? I've always been one for getting out there and doing stuff without knowing what to expect but never on a motorbike. I just wanted some people's opinions on whether I'd be putting my life in serious danger? Has anyone else done anything like this so soon after passing their test? Any help would be very much apreciated, thanks in advance.
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  #2  
Old 6 Feb 2005
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Several people whose stories are posted right here on HU have done just that: sat their licence and travelled right around the world.

Check out travellers' Stories on the left.

Go for it!

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  #3  
Old 6 Feb 2005
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Agrees with bedhist, and to add a line,
Statistically the most dangerous time of a bikers life is; 9 month after his initial driver experience.
Why?
Because thats when he gets confident and believes he is experienced enough to control everything.
You never control everything, including car morons, lost oil on tarmac, out jumping animals, etc etc.
Someone said it´s due to somekind of bike hormon, stimulates your self confidence!
I can´t fully agree on that theory, but shit allways happends when you´re too confident!

Try keeping a constant pace and don´t lose your beginner attitude too fast, you´ll be fine.

Matt
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  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2005
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I just rode through the Middle East on a round the world tour. Absolutely awesome riding through across Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Palestine. The Arabs have been given a bad rap in the Western media, they are the kindest, friendliest people you will ever meet. It helps to study a little about Islam and of course, know a few words in Arabic. The entire Islamic world has been a very pleasant experience.
Here are my ride reports www.strikingviking.net Click on journals.

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  #5  
Old 7 Feb 2005
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When you're in Egypt drop me a line and I'll take you out for a drink...

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  #6  
Old 7 Feb 2005
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hi sam,
i also was a very unexperienced driver before i started my trip in asia and now heading to the middle east. like its been said in the other replies: just go for it. its the perfect learning school. defensive driving is the massage.
good luck
greetz
niels
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  #7  
Old 8 Feb 2005
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Sorry to contradict other friends, but I rode through Middle East several time, and I found that part of the world, especially Syria and Iran, very demanding countries where riding (and I, as an italian, am used to "crazy drivers"...).
I have almost 30 years of experience in driving motorcycles, and I still found riding there difficult and dangerous, even if I love that part of the world and I enjoyed the trips.
So, I suggest to you to postpone your trip for, for instance, one year or 10.000 km of experience...
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  #8  
Old 10 Feb 2005
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To be honest Pietro is right. I have been living, riding and driving in Egypt all my life and I get very nervous on a bike in Cairo. However, most problems can be avoided if you drive conservatively and always give the right of way. You need however to be comfortable with the bike and have good reactions. You will always be surprised when that goat crosses the street. I hot one once, luckily in a car.


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  #9  
Old 11 Feb 2005
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hi,
i think it all depends on yourself sam.
i never was in egypt for exemple, but i drove around in india (started there) for a couple of months, including kolkatta and aftherwoods nepal.i cant compare but i dont believe that these countries are better then egypt or any other midlle east country. in a report (saftey on asiaroads mentioned in another forum) they mention kolkatta and teheran as the worsed places to drive.. i have to say i came very close to more then one accident, but i didnt happen because i was in control and didnt drove faster then 70 km/h (and that was even on very good roads..).
so i think it comes down to you and wich bike you drive (my opinion)
greetz
niels
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  #10  
Old 11 Feb 2005
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Hi Sam,

My girlfriend had no more than 200 miles riding experience and the first time she rode her bike with panniers was the day we left on our RTW trip. It took some time for her to get up to speed, but by the time we reached the Middle East she was fine, in fact, she loved riding through Damascus in rush hour because it was so mad you can do whatever you want! She survived three months in India, probably the worst place to be on two wheels.

For most people it's the low speed manoeuvring that causes problems because that's when you notice the weight of the bike, so you might want to get lots of practice doing u-turns and junction work in a car park somewhere.

I'd go for it and just make sure that you take it nice and steady and ride defensively. The traffic in Turkey is very light, so by the time you hit Iran you'll have plenty of miles under your belt.

Harvey

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