Uk to Thailand 2008
 

I am planning a trip leaving uk late May 2008 travelling through Europe to attempt to enter China and on to Lao and Thailand. Before everyone tells me I know the odds on getting into China are slim !!! but I am prepared to try, anyone else interested?.

Have fun, ride safe !! Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, how advanced is the planning, what route, bike, duration ect. Brian.

Re Planning
 

Hi Brian, I am still in the initial planning stages ( my definition). I travelled U.K. to Vladivostock in 2005 and then by7 ferry to south Korea, for that journey I used an xt600. I plan to use an xt again since I am only 5'6" and weight plus seat height limit the number of bikes that suit. The route ??? The sticky bit is getting into China without the $100 a day government guide. I know people have managed via Kahzekstan ( excuse spelling) So I will initially try the same route, I believe there are at least three crossings into China via Khaz. I have a few ideas to enhance my chances ( I think olympic year may be an advantage) also I think that too many riders will reduce the chances. I have no detailed route and though I will draw up a detailed plan incl;uding several China crossing alternatives. Mail me off the board for more info ( I am a bit protective of China crossing ideas, too many attempts at the same border point may reduce my chances)

Have fun Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, did you get the email I sent you about trip to China? Brian

Hi Jimmy,

I'll be leaving the UK next year around April/May/June as well. Destination Sydney (for starters), maybe RTW. Planning either northern or southern route (China or Iran/Pakistan) and definitely want to go to Laos. Been there before and it's a great place.
You're right, Olympic Year might be a good thing. I haven't started any planning yet, so I'm open to anything. Feel free to PM me.

Bjorn

Bike
 

Hey Bjorn, what will you be riding?

Hi all, Im looking to travel east sometime next years and kinda looking to see who else is interested . XT600z . No definate plans or route just early planning. Anyone wanna compare plans. Brian.

Hi Alex,

At the moment I've got an F650 Dakar, twinspark, and I'm pretty happy with it. So I guess I'll stick with it if I don't experience any major problems in the next few months.
What's your plans & what are you on?

Anyone who's interested in going, whichever route: Please keep posting. I think now is the time to get scheming & dreaming. Maybe we could all meet up at some point later to compare notes/routes.

Hi, seems to be a few here with similar plans. Im planning on leaving uk early spring 2008. europe, middle east. Asia (north or south)Irans on my wish list. China would be a good final destination, but there seem to be so many conflicting reports here and elsewhere about intering the country on motorbike so shall have to see. I'll be on my XT600 Tenere, sweet old macine. Im in London so perhaps it might be worth getting a few together sometime to compare notes and plans. Brian.

Some info
 

Hi Bjorn,
I will be leaving in Sept, going EU, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Thailand, SE Asia and possibly Australia. :mchappy:
I have the habit of keeping all the info electronically so once I have finished my planning I see if it is all emailable and if you are interested I will send you some zip files with the outcome of my weeks of researching, otherwise I will put everything on a CD.
Keep in touch.

Good idea
 

Good idea.
I ride a XTZ660 1995 bythe way.

Hi Alex, seem to be getting some interest in this one. Are you planning on leaving September 2007? Brian

Yes, this Sept coming
 

Yes, this Sept coming (2007).
Will leave the UK at the beginning of August, travel around Europe for a few weeks and then set off from Venice (where I am from...).
I don't have a precise date in mind but I was thinking about the 2nd week of Sept or just a bit later (we have beaches in Ve and it's stll hot in Sept:Beach:

Hi Alex,

Unless you're planning a very quick stint to Pakistan, I would leave earlier than September. Most people on this route leave the UK mid-June. I dont know too much precise information but from what I've heard, you need to get the timing right for Pakistan (Karakorum highway) and India (monsoon seasons).
If you don't want to do the KKH, you might be OK. But then again: why would you want to miss out on the highest paved highway in the world? A friend of mine did it a few years back and said it was awesome!

Anyway... just a thought.

To all: I agree, it seems a fair bunch of us in this early planning stage. Let's meet up at some point! I'm London-based as well.

Commuting
 

Hello Bjorn,
I was actually thinking to ride straight to India/Nepal where I can ship my bike over to Thailand and then take it easy visiting SE Asia and Australia, the Karakoram Highway is very tempting though, I will see if I am not too late in the season, I suppose in the KKR being quite high the winter begins early with overnight sudden temperature falls.

I scheduled my departure in mid Sep because I always thought the monsoon season in India is June-Sept and summer in Iran is apparently very hot (but will need to go through the mountains in Turkey before it gets really cold), that's why leaving Venice in Sept is quite good in my opinion.

I estimated to touch Australia by Christmas when it's summer over there, spend a few weeks visiting around and coming back at the beginning of the southern emisphere's winter which means I will find sping or summer again on my way back over here - don't like to ride in cold weather...
My idea was camping or free-camping as much as I can (except for big towns) to make my money last longer.

Any suggestion anyone?

Hi Bjorn, If you thinking of leaving UK early summer 2008, Im planning similar east bound trip, so might be worth keeping in touch. Im also trying to find out what Jimmy who started this thread is up to. Im also in London, perhaps we could all meet to check out whats possible . Brian.

Hi Brian
 

Hi Brian I see you sent me an E mail I think it went to an out of date E mail address that I listed as my address on the HUBB. I did send you a mail via your HUBB E mail address re meeting up and having a chat. I am off to Iran Sunday for work, will get in touch 1 week later when I return.

Have fun Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, I got yopur email. Let me know when your back, this thread seems to have created some interest so , see how things develop regarding 2008 trip. Brian.

Hi Brian,

I sent you an email. Let me know if you didn't get it.

Hi Bjorn , yeah got the email. I'll phone you to arrainge a meeting sometime soon. Brian.

I'm also thinking of heading East next year with my other half. We're in the early stages of planning so far but will be via Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-India-Nepal and hopefully also onto Thailand if time allows. Bike choice is looking at being XT/TT or possibly F650.

Haven't quite got my head around the summer heat/monsoon issue yet - I hear it's fine if you come back the other way, but hey it just wouldn't be the same as riding out of the UK, bags packed, in search of adventure! So far May/June departure is looking like a good option...

BTW I'm also in the London area so would be interested in meeting up if you're planning anything? Would be nice to know some fellow travellers to keep an eye out for en route :smile3:

Hi Fizzy, There a few on here intersted in the trip, keep in touch as were kinda arrainging a meet up sometime, probably London to compare notes. Brian

Interested too...
 

I plan to leave the UK in May 08 with a round trip of Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan, all the stans to Mongolia and back across Russia, Finland and Norway. Plan to take three months. Does this fit in with anyones plans for part of the route?
Cheers
Paul

That sounds good, keep in touch.

Cheers Brian. I've taken the liberty to send a private message with a few more details of the planned trip.
All the best
Paul

Hi alexpezzi!

I'm aiming to leave the UK late August 07 and would like to be in Auz for Christmas 07. Would be really interested in hearing of your plans and if your interested in having someone join you for the ride.

PM me if you wish paul

Hi All, this is a message to PaulM, FizzyFish, Bjorn and others. Ive been in contact with Jimmy who started this thread, rough plan is to leave late spring 2008, head east and try for China. Would any of you be ok for a meeting sometime August, most of you I know are from London area, PaulM and Jim are further north so would you want to meet London or halfway between us all. Do let me know and arainge a date and place to chat and compare notes. Brian.

Meeting....
 

I'd be prepared to ride down and meet up with you guys to exchange plans. Maybe somewhere between London and Birmingham may be good for us all?
Brian has kindly agreed to pull it all together if there's enough interest. Seems that we're all heading in roughly the same direction to start with and with a similar start date. Could all go our different ways from Turkey?
Cheers
Paul

<AOL> Me too... </AOL>
 

Hey all,

Would just like to pitch in and say I am interested in something like this next spring/summer too. Have been saving up for a while and hoping to get a break from work. Destination would initially be Sydney for me then perhaps on RTW but would see when I got there.

I also have the madcap idea to build a diesel bike to do it on, but would have to see how i got on in time to do. Failing that I have a TDM 850 at the moment although could perhaps swap it for something like a Tenere.

Keep in touch.

Neil (Northern Ireland)

Kind of similar plans here..
 

me & my girlfriend 2-up on vstrom650, thru eastern Europe to Turkey then Iran-Pakistan-India, then stay in India hopefully for 1,5-2 months and maybe visit Nepal, Bangladesh (Bhutan?) and after that freight to Malaysia or Thailand (around Christmas?). Stay in Thailand for a while, then head futher south, final destination Australia. But Im not so sure how much this whole circus is going to cost, and how tired we might be after India, etc., so we will see about it once we get there. I think India alone is well worth the trip, and if we can do more, that´ll be a plus of course, but If we feel then that its better to ship home after India, we will do that.

Start mid-September 2007 (or October 1st latest), planning to be in India about the end of October. Might go to see the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan, if weather and other circumstances in the country permit.

Would be nice to get some travel companions for at least part of the way. If your around at the same time, please do get in touch!

Meeting in London
 

Hi all,

Yes a meeting in London would be great. If it's London locals, we could do it in the city/westend. Or we could do the Ace Cafe on the North Circular – not too hard to get to for people from outside the North of London.
Whichever way – count me in :)

Bjorn

Hey Crazymanneil
 

Maybe we should get in touch. Your route sounds very similar to what I've got in mind. Destination Sydney, with an option for the old RTW, depending on how long funds last and how I like it in Oz.
I'm open to all routes. I quite fancy Italy - Greece - possibly Eastern Europe for a bit - Turkey. Then through Iran/Pakistan, or through Kyrigistan into China and then Pakistan. Then India, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia (with hopefully lots of island hopping (would love to see Borneo). Planning lots of camping and about 1 year for the whole thing to Sydney.
I'll send you a PM with my contact details, so we can have a chat if you like.

Bjorn

Hi All, can I suggest a London meeting on Sunday 29th July. Im in the Kingston area, if you let me know where you lot are from, we can meet central to us all. We all seem to have similar plans (Europe, Turkey, Stans, Asia) and leaving dates, so could perhaps start together then see how it goes once on the road. Brian.

29th of July is good. I live in E5, near Stoke Newington.

meeting
 

29th is fine for me I live in W2.

London Meeting
 

I'll not be able to make the London meeting but would appreciate it if one of you guys let me know your collective plans.
As I said in earlier posts - I plan to depart around May 08 and go down through Eastern Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kahzakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and then back across Russia, Finland and Norway. I plan to take about three months forthe trip. I'd prefer company to do it and hence the post. Would alter route to fit in with others plans.
Cheers
Paul

China 2008
 

Jimmy,

I'm hopefully going to be travelling in the same direction starting after the cold in turkey next year.

I'm Going Paris Dakar September -> November nice and slow helping a cycle trip out.
Dakar -> Cairo November holding over in Egypt until it's nice and warm in turkey. (It's only 5 days from Eypt to istanbul.)
Turkey onwards when the weather gets warm.

BMW 650 gs Dakar.

Up in Milton Keynes and might be a able to make 29th in london
Andrew

London Meeting
 

Hey guys, great thread. Unfortunately not sure I'd be able to make 29th, (mostly due to the bit of water in between me and you). Never been to Ace Cafe either. :( Though keep me in the loop - this is getting interesting.

Cheers,

Neil

Hi All, So it seems the 29th is ok for most. We can do the Ace Cafe or somewhere central, any other suggestions. For those who cant make London, keep tuned to this thread.Brian

Count me in
 

Hey guys. we've been planning a similar trip with PaulM. I'm shipping my bike over and picking it up on Monday 5 May at Felixstowe. After that, we're pretty flexible. I would like to get back to the UK for the HUBB meeting in July; then I gotta see my dear ol' Mum in North Wales before getting the bike back for shipping on 7 August.
Cheers
Mick and Colleen

Sounds an ace trip you guys getting organized to do. Would love to join you on the 29th meeting but am doing a BMW offroad skills course then - as recommended at the HU UK meeting in July :)

Could well be interested in meeting up with you all somewhere into your journey middle of 2008 though as I'd like to end up Thailand, Japan, Australia, NZ at some point

Cheers!

paul

Meet up on 29th sounds good :smile3: We're based in Woking but can easily do central London or the Ace

Hi All, ok so its the 29th. Will you lot be going by bike, if yes then we can do Ace Cafe, if you getting there by train ect perhaps we can meet somewhere in central London. Brian.

Hi All

29th, Ace Cafe ok prefer train & central

Andrew

I'll be there in spirit - please post the outcome.
Regards
Mick

UK to East. 29th meet up
 

Hi All, Shall we make it 3pm Sunday 29th July at The Sussex pub in Long Acre Convent Garden, junction with St Martins Lane, its opposite Stanfords map shop so we can dash in there to check the route on their big maps. Let me know if this is ok for you. PaulM & Jimmy ive sent a message. Brian.

Sounds good to me. There's enough space around Covent Garden for bike parking, and those who come without bike can have a pint or three instead of a coffee...
I'll bring an atlas and some printed out maps that I got of the web (particuarly "The Stans"). I don't think detailed maps (i.e. at Stanfords) are important for an early planning stage, though... for me it's more about what each country has to offer. For example, I had a kind of fixed idea about going the southern route through Iran and Pakistan, until I saw some truly spectacular images of the Stans.
Best would probably be if one could switch of any steaming-hot weather and monsoon-season and take a chilled-out 2-year-zig-zag course through Asia, just to make sure not to miss any country and its people & landscapes :)

Hi Bjorn and All, yeah seems the stans look ok. Had a message from PaulM, who is going that way. No carnets for stans, so saves £ and paperwork. Looks like there are various final destinations amoungst those on this thread, north, south, china, mongolia so all very open to routes. See ya 29th. Brian

great, we'll see you guys there

Visas
 

One to consider at the Covent Garden meeting is the chances of Russia not issuing visas following the Litvinenko affair. This could restrict routes. Could you guys please keep both Mick Tharme from Aus and I informed of planned routes and developments.
Have fun.
Paul

Hi paul, Russian visa situation is something we shall have to keep an eye on, its many months away till the trip, so not sure what the situation will be. Brian.

Whilst you guys are having your meet; please ask if anyone is coming back to the UK for the HUBB meeting. I've been to the one in OZ and it was great. Be nice to attend your one.
The only time restriction on me is that I will be picking my bike up from Felixstowe on 5 May and must have it back by 7 August. I also got to fit in time to see my Mum in North Wales sometime along the way. Otherwise, we're open to any suggestions. Nothing's set in concrete at this time.
Cheers
Mick and Colleen

Good work
 

Guys

Amazing work gettign this organised - have been following this post since it started!!

Good Luck on Sunday!!!!:thumbup1:

Hey Ashmax, no glory yet, only set up a pint and chat in a pub so far. The big work starts next, but thanks for the encouragement. Brian.

Hi Mick & Colleen, Shall keep you in touch with what happens, are you still planning on going for an 8 week trip east then heading back to UK for the HU meeting? I think the trip will be very flexible, some heading via the stans others heading more south, perhaps an attempt to enter China, though we all seem to want to depart in May June, hope you can join us on the road somewhere. Brian.

G'day Brian
You got us over there between 5 May and 7 August.
Everything else is very flexible.
We're up for some adventure, a few cold ones, more adventure and heaps more cold ones . . . what else matters when you're on the road with a bunch of like-minded friends . . . .
See ya soon
Regards
Mick and Colleen

Hi Bjorn & Fizzyfish, just checking you ok for Sunday, did you get my phone number, any problems let me know, other wise see you Sunday. Brian

yup, looking forward to it!

couldn't PM you back as apparently i haven't got enough posts yet! not like me to be so quiet... :laugh:

Now You're Talking.......
 

Hello folks, this is my first time on this site, but now I know what I want to do I reckon it's the best place to be. I've travelled on my bike in Europe so far but now I want to do the Full Monty....or something similar.

I don't want to be a quaking 80 year old on a zimmer wishing I had taken the bull by the horns and gone farther afield on a bike, so now I have made the decision to head towards Oz or NZ and see where life takes me afterwards. Timewise I'm thinking of August or September 2008 (primarily because I reckon you neen a lot of time to plan, and secondly, because I need time to get the cash together!) But my decision is made and that's pretty final as far as I am concerned.

At present I ride an 03 Triumph Trophy 1200 but I feel something like an Africa Twin will do the job nicely so this is something I need to sort out. As a very youthful 41 year old I'm determined to see this through to the end, so if any of you are interested in living the dream for real then you've already got a companion in me.

Anything goes as far as I am concerned. The route is largely irrelevant as long as I end up in the Far East somewhere, be it Bangkok, Thailand, Hong Kong, Oz or NZ. I'm not a picky person and am very easy to get along with.....and I sure as hell plan to have a lot of fun along the way....so if you're interested just let me know.

Chris :funmeteryes:

hi Chris, congrats on making the decision to go! From chatting to some of the others today I think most of us are planning to be heading East out of Turkey late Spring/early Summer, so may be a bit ahead of you. Keep in touch though as you never know...

Nice to see you guys today btw, and thanks for the tips! Here's a heads up in return - there's a solar eclipse in Russia/Kazakhstan/China on 1 August 2008:

Total Solar eclipse of Friday 1 August 2008

Got to be worth a detour if you're in the area!!

Sundays meet
 

Hey Brian, Fizzyfish and Bjorn - how did the Sunday meeting go? Did you guys make any firm plans with routes dates for next years trip?
Mick Tharme, with his better half Colleen and I are definitely on for an early May 08 departure but route still to be confirmed. Have to be back early August for shipping Micks bike back to Aus.
See there's a parallel crew planning something similar from Belgium - if we have firm plans - could see if any of them fancy joining us for all/part of the journey.
Keep us posted with developments please.
Cheers
Paul

OK I seemed to have started something here!!!
 

When I posted way back I didn't expect so much interest!!!. I was unable to make the LOndon meet but have spoken to Brian and it seems quite a few people made it. My plan is still to "try" to get to Thailand via China, the European end I am flexible ...though I believe there has been more success in gaining entry to China through its borders with Khazackstan, so maybe uk to Khazackstan via whichever way suits ( though I would like to visit the Ukrainian Black sea areas Svestapol...I plan to .leave late May early June , if I am unsuccesfull in gaining entry to China a trip round the Baltic states might be a on instead. The bike will be an XT600 big tank lowred and as light as possible. If the basic time scale and route matches anyone let me know.

Hope to see a few at the next northern meeting....( I dont understand all these travelleres that can't meet except on their doorsteps lol.)

Ride safe, Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, Paul, Mick & Colleen, had the meeting. Basically its all still very flexible. Most are planning to depart late May early June.(Two leaving July ) Though Europe into Turkey, meet other guy there then east to stans. Some will head south Iran, Pakistan, India towards Thailand then RTW or ship home.
Others, stay north into other stans, Kasakstan possibly China. Mongolia,(eclipse, nice touch Fizzy) Siberia , Russia, Scandinavia, UK.
Bikes are BMW 650, 1200 and Yamaha XT600s.
Hope to see ya on the road. Brian

Thanks for the email Brian. At this stage, I might plan to see Mum early May after Colleen and I arrive, then start the trip maybe mid-May. If we do that we'll can the idea of the HUBB meeting (sorry guys, maybe next time).
Paul, we should start setting a route and time. Can you get me your suggestion of heading down to Turkey and the route?
I still need to have the bike back to the UK for early August for shipment back home. And also, can you confirm for me that I don't need a carnet for the countries you are suggesting?
Keep in touch
Regards
Mick and Colleen

To ......crazymanneil
 

Hi Neil

Thanks for your pm but I cant reply as I have only 1 post. Never mind though, my email is chris050@hotmail.co.uk if you want to send me a message. I'm not sure just what plans you have or how much you've looked into doing a long trip but I have to admit that I have just made the decision to go ....and apart from that I know nothing! Therefore I have all of the planning ahead of me. As far as I am able to tell I would be planning realistically to go around August/September 2008. I know it's a year away but it will fly in and I reckon it just might be enough time to plan the trip. But drop me an email and let me know what your thoughts are. If it's possible to team up then maybe we should have a look at it.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Chris

Hi Mick and Colleen, got your message and one from PaulM, seems no need for carnets on the route we are planning ie Europe, Turkey, Stans, Mongolia, Siberia Russia Scandinavia. No deffinate route or dates planned (though eclipse in Mongolia 1st August is a time and place to aim for), I think just look at maps and guides, find the places you want to see and join the dots. Trip will be about 12 weeks and 13000 miles so an easy 150 miles a day with time to stop and enjoy. What bike are you bringing, are you going two up? Send your ideas. Brian.

Routes
 

Hi Brian,
I'm working up a rough route and will share it once it is somewhere near completion. Using Lonely Planet guides for places of interest/to avoid.
The guide that I'm missing and isn't available for some months (out of stock) is the one through the Stans but have got ideas from other books that I've read.
The eclipse would be great but Mick has to be back in UK to ship his bike on the 7th August so would rule that out.
Cheers
Paul
PS I haven't been at my 'normal' works e-mail address - having a weeks holiday - decorating!!

Just a quick one guys.
We're two up - Colleen and me.
2005 1200GS with Jesse Panniers and top box plus Touratech tank bag with zip off side panniers (heaps of room, so Col and bring her hair dryer!!!!); ouch, that hurt :stormy:
We'll also have camping and cooking gear (Eureka tent, sleeping bags, thermarest) (MSR International stove etc). Also TomTom Rider with maps of Europe (I'll get the latest map at the last minute), mobile phone etc.
We're locked into picking our bike up between 9-10am on 5 May in Felixstowe. Must have it back on the morning of 7 August.
Other than that, we're ready to go now! Once the route is planned we'll start visa applications etc. My travel agent will get back to me by mid September with airfares for next year. We may get there early and spend time with Mum (Colwyn Bay, North Wales) before we go; or otherwise when we come back - we'll see how the itinerary pans out.
So, next phase is route planning.
See you all soon.
Regards
Mick and Colleen

Eclipse?
 

I seem to have missed hearing about this. We're setting off for China to oin 2008 and this might be enough to make me think about pulling the departure date forward a bit.

Oh and Fiat Panda 4x4 by the way, I know four wheels but.....

Great, a back-up vehicle :cool4:

Welcome mate, stay in touch.
This looks like becoming an expedition . . . . . .:clap:

Well I was kind of thinking you guys could be our back-up vehicles, I mean you know how small a Panda is after all.

Hi Alex, A Panda to China, kinda like your style, see ya on the road somewere. Brian.

Vienna to India
 

Hello folks,

I am also planning to leave Vienna in Spring 2008 and make my way to India (Goa). At the moment I have bought a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with all the goodies for that trip (I hope it will not be too heavy - but "Long Way Round" did a worse trip with the old version which was even more heavy).

I am planning to stay in a hotel/motel every third day (approx.) - the rest should be camping under the stars in free nature :)

My route is not fixed yet - I think I will take the ferry from Italy to Turkey, then go to Iran - Pakistan - India - Nepal - ferry to Thailand - Cambodia - Laos and end up in Vietnam (then ship the bike back to europe and take a plane).

Timeframe is 6 months to get back to Vienna after all this.

My main interests are Virtual Reality Photographing (360x360° spheric pictures) and Paragliding (that´s why Nepal is a must).

Contact me when you are interested to ride side by side for some miles ;)

Keep in touch,
BR,
Vilijam

Route to India
 

Hi Vilijam,
Our route (that is still in the planning stage) will probably take us futher north than your planned route to India via Iran.
We will be sticking to the northern Black Sea coast to leave Turkey and enter Georgia on the same coast.
Hope your trip brings you everything you expect. Have a great journey - keep in touch with progress.
Cheers
Paul

good luck!
 

Hey jimmy,

If you made it to thailand overland all the way from europe; please let me know (Im sure all of us would love to hear frm you)
pm me when youre near malaysia!
we (malaysians) been wanting to do that,
but after riding till thailand/laos/cambodia, we had fly!
If only all the borders were open....:scooter:

Hi all
 

been a busy few week's yes i did pass my test (2nd Time), and tomorrow i'm off nice and slow for the first 10 weeks with the paris dakar cycle ride.

Bmw & touratech stuff, i'll tell you how it survives.

hope to see you in turkey or futher on towards asia.

See ya out there somewhere. Brian.

I don't know how I missed this. I'm planning on doing the same thing after the Isle of Man Grand Prix.

It seems like I'll be a bit behind you, but I'm wondering if you'd share your plans with me. Will there be anyone left in London after your expedition leaves?

I'm going to ride across the USA starting end of March, fly me and my bike to the UK and get to Italy for the Motogiro in May. After that, just wander around until the IoM GP. Then east to California.

I really want to ride across China, and I'm hoping the borders will be easier by then.

--Dave

HI Dave
 

Hi Dave, welcome to my thread!!!I guess if you not leaving till after the TT you will be mid June ...I did U.K. to Vladivostock in 2005 via Poland and the Ukraine I left Mid June had an enforced weeks halt in Irkutsk and made Vlad for July 22nd ishh. That was as quick as I would want to travel. I plan to leave about the same time in 2008 and hope to bothering Chinese border Guards by mid July with the aim of making Lao by mid August. I have no firm must do route except I believe the best chance of entering China is from one of the stans rather that Mongolia. If any of this is of interest drop me a mail...Have fun on the island !!! Book your ferry soon!!!!

Regards Jimmy

Hi
 

Hi guys .......

Just thought I'd slip a few lines in to get my name listed on this thread. After a failed attempt at leaving the Uk to ride to Oz by the southern route this year (I should have left by now), am currently licking my wounds. Unable to get my financial act together in time, I'm trying to formulate a plan for next year now.

So I'm really interested to see there are others looking to do similar trips around the same time. A possible route thro' China sounds good, particularly with things warming up in the vicinity of Iran.

I'll keep you all posted as plans progress. I've not got a detailed itinerary :confused1: , so could easily arrange to meet up with any fellow bikey travellers en-route.

Len

Hey Len, welcome mate.
We should have a rough itinerary in a couple of weeks. Plan on leaving the UK after I pick my bike up in Felixstowe on 5 May. Sounds like we're going to have a few people joining in on parts of the route and a few going all the way round back to the UK.
Stay in touch
Regards
Mick

Hey All,
it's been really interesting reading this thread. I will be doing the trip from London back to Aussie at about the same time, but have no fixed timetable other than when I arrive in London. I'm hoping to take 12 to 14 months to get back to Brisbane.

Mick, you must be shipping your bike with Get Routed. I made some enquiries with them today so may be doing the same. I believe the 5th May is a bank holiday so I think you will be picking your bike up the next day(check the Get Routed website). I am getting some quotes from other shippers as well. I will worry about visas when I am on the road.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the China thing. And now I see that France is getting in on the act with Iran so who knows what will happen between now and next May. maybe a slightly diverted route will be called for!

Hi Jimmy, I sent you a PM.

Mick, I'd love to see your itinerary. I know it's rough, but that's fine by me.

--Dave

London - Brisbane
 

Hi KennyE,

I'll drop you a PM soon. Sounds like we've got a similar timeframe in mind - UK to Oz in about 12 months, around the same time.

UK to Thailand via China and Laos
 

Hi,

I'm very interested in the trip and would like to discuss how it'll work. On the plus side I've been to most of these countries before...though not on a bike and I speak Chinese. On the negative side, I've never organised a Carnet or the other bike paperwork.
First time for everthing though.

Hi back (UK to Ozland 2008)
 

Yeah, Hi again Mick ....

Thanks for the welcome and words of encouragement. As soon as I've got my money sorted (guestimate around Jan 08) I'll be looking to set a date for the off.

Meanwhile it'd be good to meet up with any of the other guys to touch base. I'm not expecting to go too far between now and Christmas, apart from chasing up bike-bits (mostly bought on Fleabay) and prep'ing the Dakar. But if anyone's in the Bristol (UK) area let me know, and I'll show you some of the best bits the city's got to offer.

Len

trip to singapore
 

hi jimmy
hey me and my mate are planning to ride to singapore same time we should try and hook up for trip i called china embassy they basically laughed there billys off but the girls who rode the tuk tuk they had a gude for 3000 km
anyway let me know what you think
lee

Hey guys
The planning of this trip is getting better and better, I can't wait.
KennyE - Paul is laid up at the moment and putting the finishing touches to our proposed route. Give us a week or so and I'll put a proposal up.
Yes I think I'll be going with Get Routed, easier and about the same price as Qantas. Have you any plans of coming south anytime in the next few months? We might try to meet up half way maybe, I've got time off over xmas?
Talk soon
Regards
Mick

Hey Mick I will be riding to the MotoGP in October. Maybe we can catch up when I'm on the way back as I will be riding down with a heap of other bikes but will be on my own on the way back. Will PM you soon.

awesome!
 

Congrats Jimmy!:thumbup1:
& guys, this thread is really 'happenin'!
well, if you made it through China, (without ha$$le) then theres a new horizons for us (south asianer's) to do overland travel 100%!!
by the way:
:stormy:
its the rainy seasons in Malaysia now, mostly on the west coast. :stormy:
Northern Malaysia/ Southern Thailand was hit pretty bad yesterday!
approx 400 people had to be evacuated. But the Hiways to Thailand are not flooded yet. Ride in early mornings, it normally rains in the aftrenoon! :stormy:
:stormy:
p.s. could still remember when I had to wait for 3hours for the storm to stop, while I was on my way to Penang.

Malaysia (Penang) to Sumatra
 

Hi there Osama .....

Didn't look to see if you've been on the thread earlier, but if not then welcome matey. I see that you're up around Thailand/ top bit of Malaysia, but you've got KL listed on your profile. Is this your home town? The reasona I asked, is that I'm hoping to go through this part of the world next year ... but will try and miss most of the rainy stuff if I can.

There seems to be feedback that the Indonesian authorities are getting tougher on bikers going into Sumatra on banana boats and the suchlike. I also recently read someone's blog, who intended going from Malaysia to Oz through Indonesia (then onto the USA). It seems they gave up waiting for the Penang ferry across to Sumatra after a couple of weeks (with the shipping agent telling them tomorrow? day after? etc. Are they that unreliable then?

Be interested in any info' you've got on this. ...... Len

no idea
 

Sorry Len,:confused1:

I really dont know about that, but will get back to you!
But as far as I know, theres heaps of International ferry services here in Malaysia to Indonesia & also to the Philipines

Penang-Medan (approx5hours)
Mallaca-Dumai (approx2hours)
Johor Bahru-Tanjung Pinang &
Johor Bahru-Batam.

If youre in the Tropics make sure youve got a good waterproof riding suit & panniers etc. It sometimes get really wet even during the non rainy seasons!
:Beach:
p.s Good guess, I was born in Penang brad in Kuala Lumpur

ferries to Indonesia ...
 

Yeah thanks for that Osama ....

You've put my mind to rest. That bears out all the research I've done, in that there does seem to be plenty of ferries to Indonisia out of Malaysia. The couple I mentioned that were waiting on the ferry must've been unlucky or mabye just impatient.

I've got what I think are good waterproofs (albeit second-hand), but will be testing them through the English winter just to make sure they do the job. I've already been giving thought to upgrading my panniers, so you've given me fresh incentive to do so before setting off.

Catch ya later ........ and thanks again. Len

meeting
 

hi guys
hey im from london any you guys want to meet for discussion
about trip be cool to hang out
lee

London meeting
 

Hi guys,

Can't believe this thread is still getting busier every the day :) What about another London meet-up some time this month or October? Maybe Ace Cafe on a Saturday or Sunday?

By the way:
I hope to do an intermediate motorcycle maintenance course. So far we're 8 people but the college (Hackney college, East London Zone 1) wants at least 10 participants by next week. Sad thing is: If this autumn course doesn't happen, Hackney College wants to remove it completely – so I thought I'd 'advertise' it here before it's too late: 10 weeks, Thursday evenings from 18:30 to 20:00, about £100 altogether. If that sounds good to you, sign up it's worth it (I've done the beginners one last term). For more info, speak to Tony in the motor vehicle department (he's the tutor).

No problem!
 

Thats whats bikers are for matey!:thumbup1:
I'll let you know once I found out more info's...


:scooter: gottago

btw: last nite my mechanic called: My Dommie is FIXED!:clap:

September/October meet
 

Hi guys .....

There seems to be interest in another meet to avachat about the UK SE Asia/Oz trip. If anyone gets to make arrangements I'll do my best to pootle along. London's good, but if anyone fancies a nose around Bristol (my current home town) I'd be glad to pay host.

Len

This sounds a really cool trip.

Theres a possibility i may be interested in something similer myself. Basicly i want to travelling for a year or two in the near future, but due to job circumstances (Strong possibility of a great job) i may not go.

Ive been floating around this site anyway and im just thinking of ideas just in case. All i know at present is i want an epic trip, hopefully lasting a year then maybe settling somewhere for a year. Ill be selling my flat here to fund the trip.

At present though i cant make any decisions until i get an answer on this job. Its been 5 weeks now and i havent got a definite yes or no yet.

Ill be keeping an eye on this thread anyway:cool4:

Hi everyone !!
 

It seems I am not alone in wanting to travel south. The sticking point being Myanamar or China see this thread on the HUBB re China http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-china-18929-2

I would love to meet and chat sometime in October/November I am in the Midlands but can manage to find my way to North London. If anyone has a venue in mind ( Ace Cafe?) post it on here, hope to put a few faces to the names..see you soon Jimmy

London meetup & spreadsheet
 

Hi everyone,

Len's just sent me a PM and we're thinking about another meeting in London. What about 6th of October at the Ace Cafe (North Circular & well-connected to "non-M25" motorways)? Anyone else up for that – please PM me and I'll put you on a mailing list.

I've also had a thought about getting a bit organised – it's great this thread is so popular, but I personally find it difficult to keep track of who is planning to be where at what time and what their destination is. So
I've put up a public google spreadsheet, which allows everyone to fill in a rough itinerary & comments. I hope this'd make it easier to find travel partners for certain legs, or to just swap some more detailed information about certain areas
I also left a 'comments' box at the end of the spreadsheet – i.e. I want to stick around in Thailand for a bit of diving whilst I'm there,...

If you'd like to have a look at the spreadsheet, please PM me your email-address so I can invite you to it. (You don't need a google account to view it).

Cheers
Bjorn