RTW leaving Sydney May 2010
 

Looking to do a fairly fast paced RTW trip, leaving Sydney late May 2010. After some initial interest, my co conspirators got cold feet. I will be going regardless.

Rough itinerary: Sydney-Darwin-Dili-island hop to Sumatra-Malaysia-Thailand-fly to Russia (Vlad)-Kazakhstan-Ukraine-Slovakia-Austria-Italy-France-USA. Trying to do in 10-12 weeks. Have done much of the SE Asia bit on bicycle years ago. The final European destination may change depending on where the best (air) freight costs to USA. Would like to include China instead of flying over it but it appears too expensive having to have the guide etc. USA bit will only be quick (like <week), just to say the trip was RTW as I have seen most of USA before.

I do not expect to do much camping in SE Asia but will carry camping gear for the rest of the trip as the availability of cheap rooms dissipates. Also looking at couchsurfing websites for contacts (don't tell my wife about the hot blonde Ukrainian I spotted offering up her couch!) Apart from a 1,100 mile weekend trip once in the USA I have no long distance experience on a motorcycle. Recently purchased a KLR650 and it is going to be kitted out over the next few months.

I still might have a couple mates along for the Sydney-Darwin leg but would like to hear from anybody going in roughly the same path, especially heading West from Vladivostok mid June 2010.

East to West about the same time
 

Hi Lundon,

I have similar plans but leaving late Feb / early March to keep ahead of the Asian monsoon season ( I hope ! ), and plan to be away until the European Winter sets-in. Shipping from Darwin.

Initial route included China ( as been there a few times ) but as you said maybe too much hassle just yet, Vietnam is similar. SE Asia for 3 months, then rest of route is the lower Himalayas from Dhakar, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, north Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, West Greece then keep heading West. Too many interesting places to miss this route, maybe do the Northern 'Stans run on the way back ??

Would be great to keep in touch though, as Oz-out seems to be the opposite direction to most of the plans, and we get lucky regards transit / tourist visia's too.

Cheers, keep in touch and enjoy the ride !

Frank.:)