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*Touring Ted* 26 Dec 2012 03:29
Eastern Europe - Two months - Cheap as possible - Advice please folks....
 
Hey all..

I think I'm going to escape this summer to Eastern Europe on my Tiger 955i or maybe in my Kangoo Diesel Van.

I've got about 8 weeks and I'll be on a £1500 budget. I'd like to see as much of eastern Europe/Black sea region as possible.

Maybe doing some Help Exchange: free volunteer work exchange abroad Australia New Zealand Canada Europe if I can be bothered.

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.

Throw some ideas at me to brainstorm...

Thanks in advance.

Ted :thumbup1:

mark manley 26 Dec 2012 05:44
If you have a small bike knocking around in your garage why not take that rather than the Triumph? I have recently bought a Honda XR125, the later one with the CG engine to ride to work on and it does over 100mpg and an now thinking of travelling on it, could this be the solution you are looking for?

*Touring Ted* 26 Dec 2012 11:29
Well, I sold my fleet of bikes to finance my Summer Yukon Canoe adventure so down to just the Tiger...

It's a great bike and ready to roll... I do rather fancy having some horsepower on a trip as my last big trips were 40bhp singles..

JustMe 26 Dec 2012 19:44
Hi Ted, sounds like Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Turkey are your destinations of choice. Only stealing is cheaper. It´s easy to have a good time in Romania and the Ukraine with your planned budget/time. Gas is most certainly the biggest item on your spending list. Haven´t been to Bulgaria yet but it´s no doubt as exciting as the other three are.
Cheers
Chris

Treffen 27 Dec 2012 14:13
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 405227)
Hey all..

I think I'm going to escape this summer to Eastern Europe on my Tiger 955i or maybe in my Kangoo Diesel Van.

I've got about 8 weeks and I'll be on a £1500 budget. I'd like to see as much of eastern Europe/Black sea region as possible.

Maybe doing some Help Exchange: free volunteer work exchange abroad Australia New Zealand Canada Europe if I can be bothered.

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.

Throw some ideas at me to brainstorm...

Thanks in advance.

Ted :thumbup1:
Just a little surprised to see someone on here asking for ideas on where to go. I guess that bike travel is about following your own interests and avoiding sticking to the steps of others. We've seen the tourists following the usual trail. We are all tourists at some time, but less so on a bike.

That's what I and friends do, and incidentally, everyone who wrote about their travels did. Researched, planned, then travelled independently.

I'm not speaking against the OP,who may feel safer by asking and that's OK, just speaking about my view of travel. I could give you special info on Bulgaria and Romania but really I think you'd have more fun if you plan your own trip.

My tip for the OP is to read around the internet, go to the library and look at some books. Find your interests and follow them . You'll feel better for doing your own thing. :smartass:

Don't follow leaders - watch your parking meters:thumbup1:

chris 27 Dec 2012 15:35
Quote:
Originally Posted by Treffen (Post 405348)
Just a little surprised to see someone on here asking for ideas on where to go. I guess that bike travel is about following your own interests and avoiding sticking to the steps of others. We've seen the tourists following the usual trail. We are all tourists at some time, but less so on a bike.

That's what I and friends do, and incidentally, everyone who wrote about their travels did. Researched, planned, then travelled independently.

I'm not speaking against the OP,who may feel safer by asking and that's OK, just speaking about my view of travel. I could give you special info on Bulgaria and Romania but really I think you'd have more fun if you plan your own trip.

My tip for the OP is to read around the internet, go to the library and look at some books. Find your interests and follow them . You'll feel better for doing your own thing. :smartass:

Don't follow leaders - watch your parking meters:thumbup1:
This is a bike travel website! This is what people do here. Telling someone to go and search the internet is a little disingenuous imvho, but each to their own. Why not share some of your (allegedly) special info? It might make you appear credible.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 405227)
Hey all..

I think I'm going to escape this summer to Eastern Europe on my Tiger 955i or maybe in my Kangoo Diesel Van.

I've got about 8 weeks and I'll be on a £1500 budget. I'd like to see as much of eastern Europe/Black sea region as possible.

Maybe doing some Help Exchange: free volunteer work exchange abroad Australia New Zealand Canada Europe if I can be bothered.

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.

Throw some ideas at me to brainstorm...

Thanks in advance.

Ted :thumbup1:
Hi Ted
As far as doing things on a budget go, the following might be of use.

Don't go to Turkey. Great people, sights, culture, history, riding etc, but petrol at nearly 2 euros (£1.80) a litre and generally with prices equivalent to W Europe will destroy your limited budget.

Romania: Everybody wild camps. Avoid main roads. Nice people

Bulgaria: Fuel is cheap at about £1/litre. Beer and roadside food cheap too. Nice scenery outside the cities. Make sure you visit Moto Camp Bulgaria | MotoSapiense

Poland v pleasant too. Good value.

All the best,

g6snl 27 Dec 2012 16:39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Treffen (Post 405348)
Just a little surprised to see someone on here asking for ideas on where to go. I guess that bike travel is about following your own interests and avoiding sticking to the steps of others. We've seen the tourists following the usual trail. We are all tourists at some time, but less so on a bike.

That's what I and friends do, and incidentally, everyone who wrote about their travels did. Researched, planned, then travelled independently.

I'm not speaking against the OP,who may feel safer by asking and that's OK, just speaking about my view of travel. I could give you special info on Bulgaria and Romania but really I think you'd have more fun if you plan your own trip.

My tip for the OP is to read around the internet, go to the library and look at some books. Find your interests and follow them . You'll feel better for doing your own thing. :smartass:

Don't follow leaders - watch your parking meters:thumbup1:
I think you may be missing the point ? Sites like this are aimed helping others and receiving help when needed, along with many ather things. If I find out I missed something good by 1 mile after a 4K trip it really bugs me.!

*Touring Ted* 27 Dec 2012 17:21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Treffen (Post 405348)
Just a little surprised to see someone on here asking for ideas on where to go. I guess that bike travel is about following your own interests and avoiding sticking to the steps of others. We've seen the tourists following the usual trail. We are all tourists at some time, but less so on a bike.

That's what I and friends do, and incidentally, everyone who wrote about their travels did. Researched, planned, then travelled independently.

I'm not speaking against the OP,who may feel safer by asking and that's OK, just speaking about my view of travel. I could give you special info on Bulgaria and Romania but really I think you'd have more fun if you plan your own trip.

My tip for the OP is to read around the internet, go to the library and look at some books. Find your interests and follow them . You'll feel better for doing your own thing. :smartass:

Don't follow leaders - watch your parking meters:thumbup1:
Hi Treffen.. Thanks for the reply.

I've done quite a lot of travelling. Especially by bike. All over the world. It's not that I need the safety net of following tourist trails. Quite the opposite in fact.

I don't see the difference with researching on the HUBB and your method of researching books down the library. Apart from the fact that information here is FAR more specific, up to date and written by like minded folk.

Surely by reading books you're just following the advice of the authors and taking inspiration from other peoples ideas. I too read books, study maps and just take a gamble on random places.


I'm not (nor does anyone else here really) ask for guided step by step routes.

I'm asking for cool places to visit, hot spots, hidden gems, bike friendly hostels, people to ride with etc. Also things to avoid like bent cops, closed borders etc. The kind of information that only the hubb can provide.

I've only got two months and limited funds. Riding round a boring region or a violent expensive city hoping to find something good to is not the best use of my time.... Or money.

The BEST places I've ever visited are the places that fellow travelers have scribbled on my maps or people here have messaged me. And it works both ways. It's a sharing community.

Sure, there is a lot to be said about just following the breeze or throwing a dart at the map. You can find a lot of cool stuff by accident and I've done a huge amount of that in places you can't even imagine. You can also miss a hell of a lot too. I've been through whole countries and had people asking me at the border " What did you think of those ancient ruins in the hidden waterfall on that abandoned beach" etc.

To what I reply "Oh f**k, I had no idea they were even there"

Treffen 27 Dec 2012 17:44
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 405366)
Hi Treffen.. Thanks for the reply.

I've done quite a lot of travelling. Especially by bike. All over the world. It's not that I need the safety net of following tourist trails. Quite the opposite in fact.

I don't see the difference with researching on the HUBB and your method of researching books down the library. Apart from the fact that information here is FAR more specific, up to date and written by like minded folk.

And if that's your thing, that's fine. I was really thinking about selfstarting travel, and hoping you would be into that

Surely by reading books you're just following the advice of the authors and taking inspiration from other peoples ideas. I too read books, study maps and just take a gamble on random places.

Depends on the books actually. If you read stories then you're right. I'm talking about factual info.


I'm not (nor does anyone else here really) ask for guided step by step routes.

I'm asking for cool places to visit, hot spots, hidden gems, bike friendly hostels, people to ride with etc. Also things to avoid like bent cops, closed borders etc. The kind of information that only the hubb can provide.

I've only got two months and limited funds. Riding round a boring region or a violent expensive city hoping to find something good to is not the best use of my time.... Or money.

A lack of money (which I know too well) can be a help if you think originally.Gets you out of the rut.

The BEST places I've ever visited are the places that fellow travelers have scribbled on my maps or people here have messaged me. And it works both ways. It's a sharing community.

Thats good, then there's no problem.:thumbup1:You are following your travel style here and I'm certain it'll be great.

Sure, there is a lot to be said about just following the breeze or throwing a dart at the map. You can find a lot of cool stuff by accident and I've done a huge amount of that in places you can't even imagine.
Really?:cool4:

You can also miss a hell of a lot too. I've been through whole countries and had people asking me at the border " What did you think of those ancient ruins in the hidden waterfall on that abandoned beach" etc.

An evening with beer, maps and a history of the country would sort this. It isn't a hidden waterfall etc if you can find it on the internet!

I don't recommend pot luck/following the breeze which is only good for those with money. I was suggesting you avoid pot luck by doing your own thing. I'm not insisting in the least -I only say you might like travel better if you use your own ideas.

To what I reply "Oh f**k, I had no idea they were even there"
Enjoy Eastern Europe :thumbup1:

Endurodude 27 Dec 2012 21:29
On the way to far Eastern Europe (if that makes sense?!), the Czech Republic and Poland are both great AND cheap! I found the Czech Republic to be great for biking, especially the south which (to me) seemed less "European" than the north. My first step into the country was Cesky Krumlov, which was interesting after Austria!

Southern Poland might be more interesting in terms do topography. Living in East Anglia northern Poland was, at times, a little too much like the Fens! Also, I found Poland to be more 'European' than the Czech Republic; great for them, perhaps, but I wanted something a little different. Maybe I just didn't look hard enough . . . . . Gdansk was great, though! 3 course meal for £15!!! :D

Enjoy the wandering . . . .

cyber-zebb 21 Jan 2013 20:05
Hi Ted there is still a link on the bottom of my website with pics from our 2009 eastern block trip ,, its the same as everywhere you've travel mate rough camp, food out of the super market, Lidl seams quite big over there, center of Poland has a nice lake area, if you go south there is a campsite at Auschwitz i have some gps co` for that , Lithuania is beautifully , Ukraine , wild (Crimea is very cool) Romania great scenery Bulgaria hot and dusty has good roads and is great fun

regards zebb :scooter:

*Touring Ted* 21 Jan 2013 20:25
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyber-zebb (Post 408650)
Hi Ted there is still a link on the bottom of my website with pics from our 2009 eastern block trip ,, its the same as everywhere you've travel mate rough camp, food out of the super market, Lidl seams quite big over there, center of Poland has a nice lake area, if you go south there is a campsite at Auschwitz i have some gps co` for that , Lithuania is beautifully , Ukraine , wild (Crimea is very cool) Romania great scenery Bulgaria hot and dusty has good roads and is great fun

regards zebb :scooter:
What's your website fella ?

Toyark 21 Jan 2013 20:57
Ted it's. motoloco.eu
Take the diesel if you can sleep in it.
Way more comfort ! and if you rig a hot shower system it's hard to beat!

*Touring Ted* 21 Jan 2013 21:30
Well,,, I do have my 1.5 Kangoo DCI.

I get about 60 mpg and I could sleep in it. Might be fun eh. Another string to the bow perhaps.

oldbmw 21 Jan 2013 23:54
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 405227)
Hey all..

I think I'm going to escape this summer to Eastern Europe on my Tiger 955i or maybe in my Kangoo Diesel Van.

I've got about 8 weeks and I'll be on a £1500 budget. I'd like to see as much of eastern Europe/Black sea region as possible.

Maybe doing some Help Exchange: free volunteer work exchange abroad Australia New Zealand Canada Europe if I can be bothered.

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.

Throw some ideas at me to brainstorm...

Thanks in advance.

Ted :thumbup1:

The day I spent at the "Flytrap" in Poland alone made a great impression on me. think I may even visit it again one day.
In Turkey Ephesis is a lovely place to spend a day absorbing the ambiance. Pammukale is also interesting.
A van will have many advantages over a bike. I have done a bit of travelling through europe in my 1989 Fiat Tipo, Use the boot as a kitchen. back seat is storage. Has 400 mile range without even using a spare can ( usually keep these directly on the floor behind front seats).

regards

cyber-zebb 22 Jan 2013 10:48
Sorry Ted i thought i posted it ,, www.motoloco.eu , if your still living around moreton area we could meet in the spoons for a beer and i could pass any info that i have

zebb

*Touring Ted* 22 Jan 2013 11:30
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyber-zebb (Post 408716)
Sorry Ted i thought i posted it ,, www.motoloco.eu , if your still living around moreton area we could meet in the spoons for a beer and i could pass any info that i have

zebb
I'm living in Prenton and moving to Bebington on Friday.
But yeah... I'll pick your noggin.

Hold that thought though. As I'm moving house, the ball n' chain will remove my crown jewels and wear them as ear rings if she thinks I'm nipping to the pub to talk about travel plans :rofl:

cyber-zebb 22 Jan 2013 13:23
OH YEH know that problem ,, just pm me when you get the urge,

RoadTrekker 23 Jan 2013 16:08
Visit CZ
 
Hi ted,

I live just outside of Prague in Czech Republic so I am biased and love the area there are some great roads and places to visit. So if are passing through let me know and I can show you around but do it on the bike not in a metal box.

Good luck:welcome:

*Touring Ted* 23 Jan 2013 18:19
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadTrekker (Post 408893)
Hi ted,

I live just outside of Prague in Czech Republic so I am biased and love the area there are some great roads and places to visit. So if are passing through let me know and I can show you around but do it on the bike not in a metal box.

Good luck:welcome:
Cheers. I'll keep that in mind. I'd love to do it on the bike but I might have to sell it to pay for the trip doh

Crusty 24 Jan 2013 21:20
When you going Ted..?

We're heading in that sort of direction from around April-ish, possibly a bit later.

Maybe we could meet up and disscus the relative merits of BMWs... :innocent: :smartass:

*Touring Ted* 25 Jan 2013 12:56
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty (Post 409071)
When you going Ted..?

We're heading in that sort of direction from around April-ish, possibly a bit later.

Maybe we could meet up and disscus the relative merits of BMWs... :innocent: :smartass:
If/when I'm going !! hmm, probably July/August time if I've scraped enough cash together.

Would you like me to fill my van full of BMW spare parts for you ??? :innocent:

:rofl:

rockwallaby 25 Jan 2013 13:24
Quote:
In the beginning Ted wrote:

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.
Likewise, 100%.

Ted, I'm heading from Australia and back over to France at the end of June, landing in Paris then to go to my bike which is stored between Le Mans and Angers in a farm house garage.

My fluid plan is to head more east this year, but to at least take another swipe through the Alpes along the way. I would like to go to Slovenia at least, then further east.

The TDM-850 is right to go.

It would be great to have a riding partner at some point.

I have everything on the bike;
loads of techy gear, tent and cooking stuff, leaving room for le bottle du wine and food. I'm pretty independant with the setup.

Have you any planed route as yet you would like to do? ?c?

I'd take the bike and leave the thingy that has four wheels at home :scooter:

I'll keep an eye on the thread.

Paul

uk_vette 25 Jan 2013 13:48
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keks (Post 405276)
Hi Ted, sounds like Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Turkey are your destinations of choice. Only stealing is cheaper. It´s easy to have a good time in Romania and the Ukraine with your planned budget/time. Gas is most certainly the biggest item on your spending list. Haven´t been to Bulgaria yet but it´s no doubt as exciting as the other three are.
Cheers
Chris
.
Well if gas is your biggest concern, then guessing that Turkey is the second most expensive in the world,,,,,,,,,,

Might rule out Turkey.

For my suggestion, I would head through Russia to Mongolia.
Have a month in Mongolia, then back.
.
Mongolia.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w...R/Mongolia.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w...Mongolia7a.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Mongolia4.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Mongolia3.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Mongolia2.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Mongolia1.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w.../Mongolia8.jpg
.
http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w...Mongolia10.jpg

All pictures from UKGSer (Tim)
http://www.ukgser.com

If you have time, have a read here. Russia and Mongolia with lots of pictures

vette

Crusty 25 Jan 2013 22:28
Quote:
Would you like me to fill my van full of BMW spare parts for you ???
How marvelous, my very own support vehicle..! :D

Actually my BMW has covered 400 miles a week since I bought it, with no problems. It's fast, super-comfortable, keeps me warm & dry and has a good stereo. Best car I've ever had..:innocent:

It's rubbish off road mind..:rofl:

For traveling though, we'll be taking the trusty Transalp..:thumbup1:

John933 26 Jan 2013 21:39
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 405227)
Hey all..

I think I'm going to escape this summer to Eastern Europe on my Tiger 955i or maybe in my Kangoo Diesel Van.

I've got about 8 weeks and I'll be on a £1500 budget. I'd like to see as much of eastern Europe/Black sea region as possible.

Maybe doing some Help Exchange: free volunteer work exchange abroad Australia New Zealand Canada Europe if I can be bothered.

I hate rushing...
I like meeting people, partying, seeing the culture etc.
Wild camping is great.
Company is great.

Throw some ideas at me to brainstorm...

Thanks in advance.

Ted :thumbup1:
If it's not a bike holiday and just getting around to see the world. I would take the van. You are going to get about the same MPG from a van as a bike. But you are going to get more in a van than on a bike. Plus push come's to shove you are going to be dry and warm. Not takeing in to account. You can sleep in the van.
Hope that help's
John933

rockwallaby 26 Jan 2013 21:48
Quote:
John wrote:
Plus push come's to shove you are going to be dry and warm
I wouldn't have thought one would want to keep 'dry' and 'warm' during the hot summer months and especially in the area of interest?

Maybe you have cold and wet there now, it will change in a few months I am sure, except of course if you're in the UK :rofl:

Paul

John933 26 Jan 2013 22:56
For two month's, there is going to be rain one day at least. Or one time when you will wish you brought the van.
John933

rockwallaby 27 Jan 2013 00:11
mmm 1.7% time spent wishing you had a cage, leaving the rest of the 98.3% time regretting and crying that the roads are so good, the open air smell of the counrty side, that sense of freedom one only gets while riding.

For me, that 1.7% I will relish and say 'wow, what a great adventure, bring it on' :stormy: :clap:

I wonder what Ted is thinking?

Paul

*Touring Ted* 28 Jan 2013 11:46
Thanks for all the advice guys... All taken on board.

MPG wise, my Kangoo does 60mpg and runs on Diesel which is usually easier to find.

My Tiger 955 does about 40-50mpg.

I kinda like the idea of going in the little van as I've never travelled in one. I've done backpacking, motorcycle, canoe and train. Never car or van though.

Crusty 28 Jan 2013 20:24
Hey again Ted,

I did 6 months in Oz in a Ford Falcon van, I wish it had done 60mpg, more like 20..! It was great fun, really practical and dead easy for camping as there's no tent to contend with and you don't have to pack so carefully. I was glad of it during some truly biblical tropical rain too..! Despite all this though, I often found myself longing for a bike. Nothing wrong with the van option, and I considered a van for our Europe trip due to increasing decreptitude, but, well, it's just not the same....:(

I'm sure you'll have a ball whatever, just sayin'...:mchappy:

RoadTrekker 30 Jan 2013 12:26
Support and rest
 
:welcome:

Well if any of you guys are passing through CZ then I have a free cherry orchard field that you can camp in, plenty of beer beer and a fully fitted out workshop if you need one.

Happy touring,:scooter:

Cheers

rockwallaby 30 Jan 2013 12:46
Hi RoadTrekker,

I have never been to the Czech Republic, and you say there are many interesting places and routes to see, great. I might put your area on my list of places to visit when I get back to Europe in June for three months if you are home and accepting a visitor maybe.

I hear you have a neat little studio, for doing video work using FC Pro on a Mac system, even more enticing. And a workshop for small fixups on a bike, wow, I bring the pivo, err, I mean the drinking stuff bier.

Do you need help picking the cherries from the trees when they are ripe?

Paul

TobyG 23 Feb 2013 13:43
Any updates on the trip planning?....actually, I am also planning a cheap-bastard-ride through Eastern Europe, general direction being the Balkan countries. My budget is bit bigger than Ted's, but not by much.
I will be riding my bike, an extremely modified Bmw F650GS (I might need to think about a way to carry some extra fuel, as I only have a 12 liters tank...that will only give me a little over 200 km)

Starting in Poland, then heading through:
Slovakia/
Hungary/
Romania/
Bulgaria/
Greece/
Albania/
Mazedonia/
either Kosovo(?)+Serbia -or- Montenegro (more likely)/
Bosnia/
Croatia/
Hungary/
Czech Republic/
Home.


I don't really have a time limit, I actually set myself a limit as for what to spend on the trip. If I used around half of that, I am just gonna start heading back, even if I dont make it all the way to Greece.

A rough, possible outline (~6'500 km if riding it this way, so I'll calculate with 8'000 to 9'000 km, to be on the safe side):

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8082/2013ku.jpg
(Source: Google Maps)

If you plan on riding in July and August, we could possibly meet up somewhere and ride together for a bit?
As I said, the route above is nothing, but a rough outline and will be subject to quite a few changes, anyways.

*Touring Ted* 23 Feb 2013 14:12
Things have changed a little.....

I think I'm going to wait and turn this into a UK-Magadan :P

TobyG 23 Feb 2013 14:37
" a little change" seems about right :lol2:

Another of those rides I swear I will do. Some time in the future. Def. not in the next 5-6 years.


However, share your insights once you've done the trip :thumbup1:

*Touring Ted* 23 Feb 2013 14:39
Quote:
Originally Posted by TobyG (Post 412838)
" a little change" seems about right :lol2:

Another of those rides I swear I will do. Some time in the future. Def. not in the next 5-6 years.


However, share your insights once you've done the trip :thumbup1:
Will do... Financially, I'm not looking at this for another year or more anyway.

maria41 5 Mar 2013 14:15
Hi Ted,

when are you setting off? We plan to go that way too (we only have 3 weeks) end of August and the 2 1st weeks of September. So we will blast through France, Italy and maybe slow down by Croatia and Bosnia into Romania.

Would be cool to bump into you again!

PS Alistair just made an offer for a Triumph Tiger XC and I made an offer for a Versys. So we are back in the saddle. Well, we will be by saturday! :D

*Touring Ted* 5 Mar 2013 20:20
As always, my plans have changed AGAIN...

I've just got a job with BMW as a Technician so I'm getting stuck in at that for a good while...

Me... Working for BMW ! Who would of believed it !! :rofl:

Still got my eyes on the prize though............

maria41 6 Mar 2013 09:25
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 414313)
I've just got a job with BMW as a Technician so I'm getting stuck in at that for a good while...

Me... Working for BMW ! Who would of believed it !! :rofl:

Still got my eyes on the prize though............
You?! Working for BMW?
What has the world come to! doh

*Touring Ted* 6 Mar 2013 19:24
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 (Post 414389)
You?! Working for BMW?
What has the world come to! doh
It's an inside job.... :rofl:

docsherlock 7 Mar 2013 01:09
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 414313)
As always, my plans have changed AGAIN...

I've just got a job with BMW as a Technician so I'm getting stuck in at that for a good while...

Me... Working for BMW ! Who would of believed it !! :rofl:

Still got my eyes on the prize though............
That, Ted, is truly ****ing hilarious!!

Well done - enjoy!

I presume you mean bikes?

Get the knowledge, get the experience and open your own business - you know it makes sense.....

*Touring Ted* 7 Mar 2013 10:42
Re: Eastern Europe - Two months - Cheap as possible - Advice please folks....
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock (Post 414475)
That, Ted, is truly ****ing hilarious!!

Well done - enjoy!

I presume you mean bikes?

Get the knowledge, get the experience and open your own business - you know it makes sense.....
Yup... Bikes.

I'll have to say, while working on them I'm actually finding some things I really like about them.

www.touringted.com

maria41 7 Mar 2013 11:12
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 414519)
Yup... Bikes.

I'll have to say, while working on them I'm actually finding some things I really like about them.

www.touringted.com

Well, you know the saying: "if you can't beat them, join them" :innocent:

*Touring Ted* 7 Mar 2013 12:32
Quote:
Originally Posted by maria41 (Post 414522)
Well, you know the saying: "if you can't beat them, join them" :innocent:
hahaha neeevvveeerrrrr

Moose69 10 Mar 2013 15:10
Hi, when are you likely to be going? Sadly I'm not flexible with time (Teacher) , but will be heading to Czech/Slovakia/Hungary/Romania/Bulgaria in late July/to mid August. Will be spending 4 wks or so. May be able to meet up for some travel, beer etc.

Cheers

Exile 20 Mar 2013 19:27
Totally agree re Eastern Europe (I'm biased as my wife is from Slovakia), we are doing the run from UK again this year via France, Germany,Switzerland (pricey), Austria, then Slovakia, Hungary, Slovakia (again), then either Poland or Czech, great people, good hotels at reasonable prices, and I can get away, not hear my native tongue, and forget about the day job that pays for it all:thumbup1:
don't miss out on the High Tatra's if you go to Slovakia

Simon_100 1 Apr 2013 10:56
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 409576)
Thanks for all the advice guys... All taken on board.

MPG wise, my Kangoo does 60mpg and runs on Diesel which is usually easier to find.

I kinda like the idea of going in the little van as I've never travelled in one. I've done backpacking, motorcycle, canoe and train. Never car or van though.
Hi Ted and everyone,

This thread comes at just the right time for me as I'm planning an Eastern Europe/Asia Minor trip for next year. Lots of inspiration and sound advice.

Shame about Turkey being so expensive though as that's a place I'd really like to visit, especially over the 'far' side into Asia.

Meanwhile, Ted, don't sell your Kangoo! I've got a Dci 1500 too and it's brilliant. Gosh you can get a lot of stuff in a Kangoo - not the new ones though! - and the heavier the payload the better they seem to handle. We've been on four-week tours around Spain with two huskies in the boot :)

Regarding the bike vs. van issue; have you thought about putting a lightweight bike on a tow-hook carrier? I see it all the time here on big German camper vans. With a Kangoo you might need to beef up the rear suspension, but bearing in mind you've got such good weight capacity as long as you keep the rest of the heavy stuff between the axles you should be all right.

Keep the ideas coming chaps and chapesses - it's about time I went ride-about somewhere other than Spain :mchappy:

Regs

Simon

mj 2 Apr 2013 10:56
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 414313)
I've just got a job with BMW as a Technician so I'm getting stuck in at that for a good while...

Me... Working for BMW ! Who would of believed it !! :rofl:
We're doomed...

Timothy 3:1-13:
Quote:
But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;
:helpsmilie::stormy:

Congrats on the new job :thumbup1:

leevtr 11 Apr 2013 22:08
Just a thought...
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 408662)
Well,,, I do have my 1.5 Kangoo DCI.

I get about 60 mpg and I could sleep in it. Might be fun eh. Another string to the bow perhaps.
Is it worth exploring the option of being a backup vehicle to someone elses trip, and getting some of your expenses paid ?? Might be a group going is your rough direction at the right time.....Might get your fuel and grub paid for in return for carrying the tents.....

Like I said, just a thought !!

Tom Bon 865 13 Apr 2013 05:37
April-ish? Or later?
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty (Post 409071)
When you going Ted..?

We're heading in that sort of direction from around April-ish, possibly a bit later.

Maybe we could meet up and disscus the relative merits of BMWs... :innocent: :smartass:
G'day Crusty

When are you planning trip mate? I'm in Romania

Cheers
TG

*Touring Ted* 13 Apr 2013 08:30
Quote:
Originally Posted by leevtr (Post 418462)
Is it worth exploring the option of being a backup vehicle to someone elses trip, and getting some of your expenses paid ?? Might be a group going is your rough direction at the right time.....Might get your fuel and grub paid for in return for carrying the tents.....

Like I said, just a thought !!
I've thought about that a few times.... A couple of things put me off though.

It sounds like a logistical nightmare.... Herding cats !!

I'd get really jealous watching everyone else riding bikes doh

Crusty 13 Apr 2013 08:44
"G'day Crusty

When are you planning trip mate? I'm in Romania"



Hi TG,

Looking like mid May before we get underway now, it's taken longer than we hoped to rent our house.

Are you in Romania long term or just passing through..? It'll be a fewl weeks before we get there. How you finding it..?

Tom Bon 865 13 Apr 2013 17:27
Passing through, but relatively slowly. Honestly mate so far it's highlight of the trip. I'm in Brašov at present, and it's a good base for some nice roads around here. Tar is smooth and windy, no potholes! Snow capped mountains look awesome but can't go over the big ones at present.
My gps is VERY vague here, so I just pick a parallel-ish minor rd to a highway and follow.
In saying that I went the main road from sinaia to Brasov ( via a squiggly rd to Râšnov) and loved every second of it too. Also saw about 15 other transalps and half a dozen sporties.

Have a good trip mate
Tom


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