Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Ride Tales, Trip Reports and Stories > 4 Wheels Travel Reports
4 Wheels Travel Reports Post your overland travel reports for a weekend trip or around the world. Please make the first words of the title WHERE the trip is. Please do NOT just post a link to your site. For a link, see Get a Link.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Simon_100

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Simon_100's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
Taking a Lada Niva home?

Hi, I'm a biker but I've recently been thinking of doing my 'Big Trip' to the 'stans in my Lada Niva instead of on two wheels.

The original idea was to 'do' the Balkans, Romania, cross into Asia Minor through Istanbul (a city break for Mrs S) then circumnavigate the Black Sea and head up to St Petersburg (another city break for Mrs S) via The Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic States and on into Finland, to the Nordcapp, then back down Scandinavia, Denmark, and so on back home in the Pyrenees.

But between the problems in Ukraine, the good news about Iran and the change of vehicle I've wondered about circumnavigating the Caspian Sea instead and after the 'stans heading right across Russia via the Lada factory at Tolyatti on the Volga river.

I'm in no kind of hurry, this will probably have to wait unti after I 'retire' - ha ha, chance would be a fine thing in 2018-ish.

So, any views, advice, etc.

Regs

Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.

The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Simon_100's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
Oops, forgot to subscribe to my own thread
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.

The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brunei
Posts: 935
If you are familiar with the vehicle, and how to fix it, and it is in good repair, then it is a perfect choice for travel in the Former USSR (and Mongolia) as they are ubiquitous. It will be easy to fix, spare parts are widely available (though may be poor quality), you will blend in more, and locals will give you props for using 'their' car.
__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I've just finished a couple of weeks touring Ukraine. was as far East as Sumy and Poltava, no problems at all
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2015
Simon_100's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
Thanks guys,

Actually I've just bought it - a '93 in immaculate restored condition* and only 64,000 Kms on the clock.

I'll be using it quite extensively on trails exploring the wilder corners of Spain so by the time I plan o do the trip I should be well acquainted with maintenance, etc.

Regs

Simon
* I was only looking for a sound example within my budget ...
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.

The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
Off topic, but a good friend of mine here in the UK used to have one of the original Lada's, it was a cracking laning tool.. with a set of 6.50 SAT's on it, would often p!ss all over my defender 90 I had at the time.

Buena suerte!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Nov 2015
Simon_100's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
Nope, not off topic at all! As you say, a cracking tool!

I did a three day 1,000 km shake down with it last month - runs like a dream on those bumpy Spanish back roads and you basically never get stuck anywhere - until you get your credit card bill for the fuel!

Here's the Niva posing in front if a suitable 'Soviet' looking background:



Meanwhile I'm spending next July and part of August 'mapping' the Los Monegros 'desert' region in central Spain using the Niva and a small motorbike.



Thos little stumpy things are the last trees you'll see for a long way!

Regs

Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.

The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
Great pictures.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Nov 2015
Simon_100's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Spain
Posts: 107
Quote:
Originally Posted by diesel jim View Post
Great pictures.
You might like the video too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzQ_0gXl46E


The Los Monegros has some really challenging conditions - and scenery if you like deserts that is! - as the surface turns into a fine sludge after the - rare- rainfall and the - frequent - Cierzo wind is unstoppable!

Cheers

Simon
__________________
The Spanish Biker - the invaluable guide to motorcycling in Spain.

The Spanish Biker LLP: Events, Guide and Support Services
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Lada 2121 James Rothwell Watering Hole 14 17 Sep 2020 16:37
Japan: registering vs carnet for new USA Ducati? And taking it back home? imported Northern and Central Asia 0 24 Apr 2015 08:40
Turkey by Moto 2013 EMBEE Ride Tales 3 22 Apr 2014 14:44

 
 

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 15:30.