Western Ukraine
 

Hi
Having reached the grand age of 35 I feel its time for an adventure !

Was planning a breakneck trip through Germany, Slovakia etc to Chernvitsi in Ukraine - on the thin pretext of meeting a girl I used to work with LOL

I ride a Hornet 600 and would like to know if anybody fancies coming some or all the way. Probably leaving (if I decide to do it) 3rd week in June 2002. Thanks

From what I hear about touring in Ukraine, if you want to reach the grand old age of 36, you might want to reconsider.

I really wanted to get to a small community just outside Lvov last summer (for personal reasons) - everyone I spoke to advised against it, told me that I would be constantly harrassed by the local 'authorities' who were asking for bribes, baksheesh to be allowed to carry on, etc. I spoke to a person from Ukraine last week, he told me that the situation is so bad now that the car thieves in Poland who want to move their stolen cars through to Russia actually need to get sort of a 'carnet' from the mob in the Ukraine - first time they pay a big bribe to organized crime to be allowed to proceed with the car, they get a letter indicating that they have paid already, they then show this to the next 10 mobsters that stop them, so they don't have to pay all the time.

Also, it is hell to get a visa for the Ukriane - both expensive, time consuming, and you need an invitation letter.

The place ain't tourist friendly yet.

Michael

Hmmm, I have heard very contradicting stuff.
I've read about having to bribe the mafia and stuff. But my dad seems to know folks who have been riding around the coutry with a caravan behind there car!

I'd like to ride around the black sea some day and the situation in Oukraine is keeping me from starting the planning.

Hi,

Isn't Vincent Dana drive trough the ukraine right now?
You'll find his email adress on the board, send him a mail and find out.

Maarten

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- www.maartensworld.tmfweb.nl -

I ran into Ian ("GearJammer") by the side of the road near Paris a few weeks ago. He told me he must have been stopped 35 times by cops when he was passing through Ukriane. He finally got to the point where he just asked them how much they wanted, paid them, and got on his way again.

Michael

Hi Guys

Just a little further info:

I was working with a Ukrane guy a few months ago and I asked what hassles I might get on my bike there.

Basically he advised me not to bother as a westener I'd have nothing but hassle and would more than likley get robbed en route.

He's spent 3 years in the special forces out there so he was by no means a light weight.

This has put me off for the moment but am curious to hear other accounts.

Cheers

Julio

planning to travel through russia next month and am wondering if conditions there are the same as in ukraine.
i heared form vincent dana that he didnt encounter any problems on his 10.000km trip.
further comments anyone???

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GS to live, live to GS