Yes, I know it is west towards east, but is it better to ride east towards west?

The bikes will be shipped/flown to the starting point. Do the worst roads with the bikes in their best condition? Riding into the sun every arvo? Develop some road fitness in turkey before hitting the harder sections?

Russia, Mongolia, the 'Stans and either Iran or 'cross the Caspian into Azerbijhan.

There's 4 in the group, and currently 50/50 on direction!

paul

I think this is purely a logistical issue, how will you get the bikes to/from Magadan for example? I've heard of a few people shipping from Magadan by truck, but most people ship out to Vladivostok. I'm not aware of anyone shipping to/from Magadan via air, although maybe its possible. You don't mention when you plan to go, and weather (in particular water levels) could impact the best/worst timing in certain locations.

The main road from Magadan to Yakutsk is not very difficult, I'm not sure how much need there is to "train up" (as long as you have some familiarity with riding on dirt/gravel, and of course the Old Summer Road could be much more challenging). Similarly, hopefully the bikes will be well-prepped and you will have the spares that you need, so hopefully the bikes' condition won't be an issue either.

If we head off from Magadan, we would have arrived in Vlad. and shipped(?) the bikes to Magadan. If west to east, we do the opposite. Then from Vlad to Korea or Japan, then home to Oz. We may just arrive in Vlad and start riding west from there.

Bikes will be rebuilt XT600 Teneres, in as new condition mechanically, and one new DR650.

If the trip starts from Istanbul would start early May 2013 to arrive in Vlad mid August. If going the other way we would leave about a month later. Your advice would be appreciated. We are planning on 3 months travel.

I've not been to Central Asia on a bike so can't speak to it, but I don't think it really matters which way you go. I would not, however, want to ride in the Yakutsk-Magadan area before early-mid June or after mid-September.

Hopefully you'll hear from someone who has done more of your route for a more definitive answer. Have fun on your trip.

hi,
you can challenge a big issue with logistic and customs in Russia, so if you don't want to await you bike instead traveling - then starting from Istanbul will be a wiser decision.

Also you could make choise "on the fly": going to Vlad or or going to Magadan.
Start from west will be more smoothly for your "mind adaptation" :]

East - west?
West - east?
Done both. Across Russia from Baltic states to the Pacific (Magadan, Vanino & Vlad) and back. Not a lot in it but on balance I would go to the east.

Sun? Depends a little if you are an early morning or an evening person. But really it is going to be there staring at you for some part of the day. And days are long in summer at those latitudes, particularly if going from Magadan.

Riding technique warming up? West to east. I agree with others, it would allow for 'conditioning' oneself and ones riding as the tougher sections come towards the end.

Riding relationships? West to east. It will allow finding out how you get on with other riders in the easier parts so you can assess what it will be like relying on them in difficult and tiring situations. It is also more convenient to split off if personalities get strained in the early days - which is probably the most likely time. In the east there is basically only one road depending on where you are.

Customs? West to east. So as to avoid customs and other burocratic delays to starting your journey after flying or shipping the motos to the east first.

Moto? East to west. It starts the more remote and tougher parts with the motos in peak condition (presumably), after thorough preparation, on fresh tyres, chains, pads, filters, etc instead of them gradually deteriorating as you get to the more remote areas and further away from regular spares supplies and repair facilities.

Russia Visas? East to west. Time limits are strict and possibly short depending on Visa type. If you get delayed going west you have more opportunity to get out of Russia by 'cut and run' to a number of bordering countries. Going east there is not a lot of choice. Visas cannot be renewed within RUS - you must get out on time, and to get another some nationalities can only do so in their home country.

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I have done 3 crossings of Eurasia from East to West and 2 from West to East ... I also think riding west to east is better ... less sun in the eyes, and you will be better riders by the time you have the more challenging roads.

You then only have to deal with the fact the bikes will be at their weakest on the toughest roads.

But on balance, its still the better option.

If you have read Adrian Scotts Book, from Magadan to Istanbul, you will note that beginning the trip in Magadan was perhaps too difficult for a fresh rider on a new bike, and ultimately caused him delays that meant he had to skip a big part of his planned journey. The same roads would have much easier for him after he had 3 months or so to get used to the bike and used to riding it off road.

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