Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Aug 2008
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Georgia / South Ossetia

Its all booting off now in Georgia ... The Georgian military have stormed into one of the two wannabe breakaway zones, South Ossetia ... and the Russians are vowing to defend their "compatriots". Russian peacekeepers have been among the casualties. President Medvedev has summoned his security council, PM Putin has vowed there will be a response from Russia. Georgian President Saakashvili has called up all reservists.

Might be an area to avoid.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: boulder,co
Posts: 116
Reminds me of Sudentenland.

Ukraine is next.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Aug 2008
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laser Jock View Post
Reminds me of Sudentenland.
Yeah except the Georgians were silly enough to start this one.

Its very difficult to see the difference between South Ossetia and Kosovo. If Kosovo is granted independence because they are ethnically different to the Serbs, have been the victims of Serb military aggression, and the majority of the population wants to separate from the Serbs ... then you can basically say the same thing about the Georgians and the South Ossetians.

And the Russian logic, which quite frankly is very difficult to argue against, is that if its enough for Kosovo to be granted independence on those grounds, then its enough for South Ossetia as well.

Only I am not sure the Russians actually want South Ossetia to be independent. If they did that the North Ossetians (currently a part of Russia) may well want to join them. It would open up a can of worms for Russia's North Caucasus area, which is already messy enough as it is.

Abkhazia tho, is a different story ... far more likely to try and exist as an independent state. And far more likely to get Russian support on those aims. All they need is for the Georgians to be militarily aggresive against Abkhazia and all the criteria will be met. (Abkhazians would probably argue that the Georgians have been doing that in the disputed upper Kodori valley / gorge for years)

Probably unlikely now ... as the Russians have taken control of the border towns near Abkhazia, and have offered the Georgians an armistice, provided the Georgians sign a non-aggression pact with South Ossetia.

But going forward, its Abkhazia that the Russians (the government and the population) actually care about.

Last edited by colebatch; 12 Aug 2008 at 12:07.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Aug 2008
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 517
Thumbs down Braking news

Julian and Lorena

An Argentinean Traveller on an Africa Twin, his Girlfriend and his dog are stuck there.

The bike is broken and they are dealing to get a Carnet de Passage from the Argentina Automovil Club (they are asking to make it here in BA) because if not they can not cross to a safer country…..

From the Argentina Media:
"Está todo muy tenso: dormimos pensando en las bombas"
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: boulder,co
Posts: 116
Russia says Georgia can forget about regaining lost territory.

Russia tells West to 'forget' Georgian rule in enclaves - Europe, World - The Independent

Russia threatens Poland with nuclear weapons strike.

Russia could strike Poland over U.S. shield - Ifax | World | Reuters

------
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ireland
Posts: 64
I'm in Georgia at the moment - working, and it's completely safe (well, except for the standard of driving which is abyssmal!)

Even if you wanted to drive into the Russian Buffer Zone or into South Ossetia you would be stopped at the Russian Check-points & politely turned away. If you are transiting through Georgia then you wouldn't even know that there had been a problem.

But watch out for the herds of cows which wander over the main roads - people don't do fences here much... and in towns, watch out for all the BMW X5s and Hummers being driven by teenagers - almost every car has front-end damage - after a few days you can see why!

I went up into the mountains a few days ago - beautiful place, and excellent wine to be bought from family vineyards!

Tony
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
insurance for georgia airhead Trip Paperwork 8 7 Jul 2010 20:39
Georgia to Armenia DUBAIPETE Route Planning 1 25 Jun 2007 11:59
Armenia - Georgia niels Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 6 23 May 2005 19:45
someone in armenia-georgia in may? niels Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 20 Apr 2005 22:08
South Georgia Island - Ideas please Chris Smith Route Planning 2 16 Jul 2002 00:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:02.