|
|
17 Jul 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave O
Hi Margus and Others
Really good info, and I'm leaving on tuesday. I have a few last minute questions though. Are you allowed to camp wild in Estonia? Legally? Also what are the midges and mosquitoes like at this time of year. Hope you can help. Fancy a some time in the next few weeks Margus.
Regards
|
Hi Dave,
yes you can camp. Only you have to ask a permission from owner if it's a private land (usually marked "Eramaa"). If you see forests with "RMK" or "Riigimets" marking - feel free to camp where ever you like in the free nature. Just don't leave any rubbish behind you please
If I'm off the work certanly let's have a and maybe I could give you some advice on the map etc where to go what to see.
Ride safe, Margus
|
17 Jul 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba
Looks like there will be a lot of Hubbers in the baltics this summer.
I’m leaving tommorow and will be in Tallin in a few days then heading (slowly) towards Poland/Germany.
|
Goddag Ali,
let me know if you're around and need any help etc. I'm currently in Tallinn myself too.
Good roads, Margus
|
17 Jul 2007
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba
Looks like there will be a lot of Hubbers in the baltics this summer.
I’m leaving tommorow and will be in Tallin in a few days then heading (slowly) towards Poland/Germany.
|
Yes me too!
Leaving London 21st July, up to Tallin via the Baltic States (not too quickly). After Estonia, down through Czech Rep etc to France for some wine for sure and window installation...maybe.
Africa Twin, alloy boxes.
Good roads to all
|
5 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Margus
Goddag Ali,
let me know if you're around and need any help etc. I'm currently in Tallinn myself too.
Good roads, Margus
|
Thank you but no help needed. Would have been nice with a anyway:-)
The route:
|
27 Jan 2009
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Resurected thread
Hi All,
not seen anyone planning this trip in 2009 yet, but I'm gonna be in the Baltics late summer this year.
From all the advice in this post (and others around HU) this area sounds fantastic and I can't wait to get started. The only downside is having to wait due to holiday restrictions from work
My question here is about the amount of time I have for this trip. I'm planning to go:
UK > Netherlands > Germany > Poland > Kaliningrad > Lithuania > Latvia > Estonia > Sweden > Denmark > UK
The interesting part is to do this in 16 days. I realise that I'm not going to get the chance to see as much of these places as I feel they deserve (reinforced by this thread), but due to work this is all I have.
People that have travelled / live in this area - do you think this route is realistic given the time frame? I'll not be camping, as I'll be riding 2-up and we won't have the luggage capacity.
We're doing this in the last week of August and first week of September. Not the hottest time of year, but the guides tell me the weather should be good.
If anyone that can help is going to the ace cafe meet on 8th February I'll see you there and maybe we can chat. I've got the Black KTM 950 Adv.
Also, is vegetarianism popular through these countries. I guess you can get pizza everywhere, but a little meat/fish free local delicacy would be good
Thanks in advance.
Rich
|
27 Jan 2009
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Thanks James,
I'll make a point of searching you out!
I should be pretty easy to spot at 6'4", in a light grey Bering jacket (possibly a KTM waterproof ), and very little hair.
If anyone else wants to grab my attention with advice for the trip (or anything else for that matter) then please grab me.
Thanks again,
Rich
|
27 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: aachen/germany and valence/france
Posts: 95
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaid
We're planning on touring the Baltic States later this year - does anyone have any suggestions of things to see, places to go etc. etc? We will be in the area for 2/3 weeks.
Thanks
|
hello mermaid,
we travelled the baltics in 2007.
here is our album about it: Picasa-Webalben - airhead - "escape to th...
if you are interested in the trax, let me know.
|
28 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
I have ridden through the Baltic States a number of times on my way between my bases, using various routes including the Coronian Spit. I am due to fly back just in time for the Ace - look for a Dakar with RUS stickers (not VRM).
Be aware that Kaliningrad is Russia. You will need to obtain a Visa before you start your trip. Also, irrespective of your own insurance/green cards/whatever, you will have to buy a Russian Company Road Insurance at the border- about GBP20 for a month. The rest is EU and your UK Insurance Certificate should give you legal minimum insurance.
Having said that, the Kaliningrad border controls are the smoothest RUS border crossings I have had - less than an hour each. And a smile too!
|
29 Jan 2009
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Hi Tony,
if you do manage to make it to the ace cafe it would be great to meet up with you also.
Is it possible to then to ride from Kaliningrad to Lithuania via the curonian split and then get a ferry from the spit to the mainland? I couldn't find details of any ferries that would take the bike so I assumed not. If I can then its great news!
As far as Kaliningrad is concerned I know that I need a visa. I've been in touch with the visa agencies referred to on another part of the HU site, and they've been very helpful. I've also been in touch with the Russian embassy, and while a little cold, they've been helpful too. Its come down to me getting a transit visa direct from the embassy (I have to apply no more than 2 months in advance) and I have to take a load of paperwork with me. I forget how much they charge. I only seem to need a transit visa as I won't be stopping overnight (does this seem correct?). I could do exactly the same using a visa agency, but I have to pay them to issue me an 'invitation'. For those that have had Russian visa's would you advise going through an agency rather than going direct to the embassy? If so why?
I know I won't need a carnet, and I've contacted the RAC (that I already have breakdown cover with) and I can pay to get extra cover for all countries I'm going through (except Kaliningrad - Russia). Haven't contacted my insurance yet. The RAC told me that I will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) and another type of driving permit for Kaliningrad (I forget the name they used). Does this all sound about right?
Is there anything else that peeps think I may have forgotten?
Thanks all,
Rich
|
29 Jan 2009
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
There is a very efficient RUS/LITH border half way down the Coronian Spit. They are more used to hikers and pedal cyclists but got my motorbike through in under 15 minutes.
There is a short ferry ride between the northern end of Spit and Klaipeda. It takes about 15 minutes and runs (sails?) every half hour or so. Me and my bike cost under 3 pounds. No waiting, just turn up and go - although cars may have to queue and wait, they always squeeze bikes on.
I read elsewhere on HUBB just now that Green Cards will be valid in RUS. See my post.
The ДПС (roads police/mafia) are, in the absence of a bribe, always happy with just my IDP, Russian Ins Cert and the Temporary Russian Import Cert (V5 equivalent) for the bike.
I'll PM you my mobile so we can meet up at the ACE.
|
29 Jan 2009
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Almeria, Andalucia
Posts: 185
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P
The Kaliningrad border controls are the smoothest RUS border crossings I have had - less than an hour each. And a smile too!
|
Quite agree about the northern border post on the Curonian Spit. I was the only vehicle there and both sets of officials were ace. 15 minutes tops.
But it took me two hours to get through the Kaliningrad-Poland border, and to do so I had to queue-jump at *least* 400 cars, driven by Poles and Russians, who were taking up to three *days* to get through.
On a bike, you'll be waved forward with smiles, laughter and cheers. Cars were physically lifted by hand to allow me through.
But I was left with a lasting reminder of how crass and bureaucratic Russia is.
Oh, and as for vegetarian dishes, Rich: I hope you like beetroot and cabbage.
--Mike
|
2 Feb 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Garden of England
Posts: 478
|
|
I'm planning to arrive in Tallinn, Estonia (riding from Denmark leaving Copenhagen on 27 July so will arrive either by ferry from Stockholm or Helsinki) sometime in the week of 03 August and then travel down to Latvia to be in Riga on 08 August. Then riding via Lithuania to Penza in Russia and back to Kivoli in Estonia for 22 August before departing out of Tallinn for Stockholm on 25 August.
As you can see, I've got some dates I want to be in particular places but other than that, would be great to share some miles or just some stories with anyone on the road.
Ps. If you sense an 800GS rider listening in to your chat and taking notes at the Ace, it's only me!
__________________
Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
|
2 Feb 2009
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Hi Wildman,
we'll be leaving the UK 21st or 22nd of August and then back in the UK no later than 6th September. We'll be about 4 days to a week behind you for most of it, but may catch up with you in Sweden. Keep in touch an we'll see what happens. You can see my rough approximation of a route earlier in this thread.
Rich
|
2 Feb 2009
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK
Posts: 91
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildman
Ps. If you sense an 800GS rider listening in to your chat and taking notes at the Ace, it's only me!
|
don't stand on the sidelines. come and join in. life's not suposed to be a spectator sport
|
2 Feb 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Garden of England
Posts: 478
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by riti
Hi Wildman,
we'll be leaving the UK 21st or 22nd of August and then back in the UK no later than 6th September. We'll be about 4 days to a week behind you for most of it, but may catch up with you in Sweden. Keep in touch an we'll see what happens. You can see my rough approximation of a route earlier in this thread.
Rich
|
Hi Rich. Yes, I'll be working for a couple of days in Stockholm so by the time I'm through with that, you may have caught up. My route as it stands:
__________________
Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025:
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- France: September 19-21 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
HUBBUK: info
See all event details
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|