Georgia (Tblisi) to Russia (Stavropol) - How long?
 

Another one of my hair brained ideas! I'd like to get from Tblisi, as quickly as possible, to Stavropol in Russia on motorbike and then back again. I will have the correct VISA for Russia and don't lecture me on how expensive and stupid it may be, I am stupid, everyone knows that :)


Google maps says about 700km and 10 hours.

http://s1.postimg.org/49h8l1c1r/Scre...t_12_08_23.png

I'm aware that I can't go the other way that's on that screenshot. Has anyone crossed the Zemo Larsi / Verkhnij Lars border lately? I can't see if it's open 24/7 and I'm curious as to how long it takes to get through as I am on a tight timescale.

I have been monitoring the webcam here Просмотр изображений с web-камер пункта пропуска «Верхний Ларс» (обновление раз в 5 минут) as well as the daily visitor speadsheets, but it anyone has real experience here it'd be appreciated.

Hi,
You could possibly drive from Stavropol to Vladikavkaz in one day ride. Bear in mind that as you enter North Ossetia it is forbidden to stray off the main road (arrest, fine and deportation from Russia). I went to that part of Russia twice before. Most of the journey is basically pretty flat and boring on the motorway. What may slow you down are the checkpoints as you enter the Caucasus area. Other than that the roads are very fine and there are no problems with fuel availability.
Traffic gets a bit unpredictable as you go further South and be cautious with people passing you from left or right or any other way possible at insane speed.
I did not cross the pass to Georgia and cannot help for the second part of your trip.
Good luck.

Thanks for the helpful reply, really appreciate it Now it's just a case of the Georgia and border bit - Anyone?

In reply to the Georgian side, the ride is about 3 hours from Tbilisi to the border and is dependent on weather and traffic. My experience with the border has been varied. The Georgian side has been 10 to 15 minutes, while the Russian side has taken from 20 minutes to 2 hours. The entry into Russia has always taken longer than the exit. I count on 7 to 8 hours from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz, which includes breaks for fuel and lunch - this is not at a rushed pace.

Thanks for that, it's really helpful I appreciate it.

If going north Tbilisi to Stavropol it is best to stop for the night in stepetminda (kazbegi) so you cross border early morning so you don't need to stay in vladikavkaz not a nice place.if you are on bike go to front of often long queue at border otherwise you will be there all day .georgia side easy and fast ,Russia side v slow . Good luck and don't speed Russian cops will try to take your money.

Thanks for that Sinky, very helpful indeed!

As for the Russian cops taking my money, all cops take my money :)

Stavropol
 

Hi Modman!
I live in Stavropol and have got Georgia by moto about 10 times.
This summer border is 24/7. Crossing by moto takes less 1 hour usually.
Tblisi to Stavropol is a normal and fun one day ride.
Vladikavkaz-Nalchik-Pyatigorsk-Nevinnomisk-Stavropol is a fastest way, 90% normal motorway.

This info is 5 year age, not actual allready. Now all is much better.

But what is your interest in Stavropol? (if it is not a secret...)
Russian Caukaus has many other places of interest, such as Elbrus, Dombay, mountain roads...
Hundreds of russian bikers go Georgia this summer.
Using Google Translate, take my information about all the region:
http://forum.awd.ru/viewtopic.php?t=179364

Komendant, thanks so much for that, it's very reassuring.

The reason for my very quick visit... it's an amusing story. Here in the UK I run the weekly 5km parkrun (parkrun UK and parkrun Россия) I see they do it in Stavropol too and I'd just like to do it in Russia, so that's why it's pretty quick visit, I'd love to stay longer, but unfortunately the amount of holiday I get from work dictates my schedule.

Appreciate your detailed reply and suggested route that I will definitely follow.

Parkun in Stavropol is alive, their groop:
parkrun Ставрополь
Wich day do you want to come?
We can add motorcycle ride around the city.
I have Triumph Tiger 1050.

Thanks Komendant. I shall try and see what I can do as my plan was to ride there on Friday (5th Aug), run on Saturday (6th August) and ride back on Saturday afternoon. My friend is waiting for me in Tblisi so I need to be quick. I shall let you know :) Thanks a lot.

PS - I have a Triumph Sprint ST 1050, amazing engine! However on this trip I'll be on my little BMW G650 X Country.

Yes, 1050 engine is my love.
Save my cell no +7 906 411 15 3 zero
Call or message me on a place.
Regards,
John