After seeing my friend Bridget McCutchen set the Guinness World Record for the youngest woman to go around the world on a motorcycle (congrats, Bridget), I'm considering trying to set the record for the OLDEST! I'm currently 77 years old and hoping to do this next year. I'm awaiting word from Guinness about the requirements.
By way of background, I've been riding extensively for the last 25 years. I've done Alaska to Ushuaia, Europe, western Russia and Ukraine, Australia, Vietnam, and quite a few others, so I have some experience. In total about 300k miles.
The problem seems to be routing and the Guiness requirements. I would have to hit two antipodes (opposite sides of the globe). I'm trying to avoid re-doing all of South America again. I'm also not sure yet what they will allow in terms of shipping. I have written, but am still awaiting an answer.
I would love to do part of the route through China (even willing to be part of a group), but my understanding is that you need a temporary drivers license and they won't give one after age 70
So I'm thinking of shipping to Europe (maybe from Bogota if that helps me get to an antipode), then going through Turkey, Georgia/Armenia/Azerbaijan to Kazakstan. Then north to Russia (around Omsk) and take the trans-Siberian highway to Vladivastok. From there ship to Seoul and then to SE Asia. I should mention that I have a Panama passport and so do not need a visa for Russia for up to 90 days.
I would appreciate any ideas from people who have done these areas.
Thanks,

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Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama

I dunno Steve, think Guinness will let you qualify as the oldest woman?

Anyway, try playing around with https://www.antipodesmap.com/. For example, the antipode to Santiago de Compostela is Arthur's Pass in New Zealand! Those are destinations worth riding to.

The route you describe is viable and fairly straightforward, and none of those countries (as far as Vladivostok anyway) require a CDP. Check out the visa situation though.

Azerbaijan land and sea borders are closed for entry but you can certainly go Turkey-Georgia-Russia. If you want a more interesting (and also more challenging) ride than droning along the Trans Siberian Highway for weeks consider routing through Beyneu-Khiva-Bukhara-Samarkand-Dushanbe-Pamir Highway-Almaty. From there either China or north to Barnaul.

Be aware that western cards don't work in Russia, so you'd need to take enough cash ($50 or $100 brand new notes only) to change into rubles to see you through. Note also GPS is jammed in most Russian cities, which can make finding hotels... interesting. Ostrovok is the best booking app for hotels, Mobimatter will get you a working eSIM, insurance can be bought via Zelenkarta. Health insurance, find a broker and buy locally. Officials and checkpoints are polite and efficient and the local people are warm and welcoming. If you learn a little Russian it's appreciated (and will help you read the road signs!)

Just thought I would update you guys on the plans. It's a go!
I got the approval from Guinness and will leave from Panama on March 7 (Flying the bike to Madrid). Got a new DR650 that I modified for the trip. Can't wait to get started.
You can follow me on www.facebook.com/steveswayaround.
Also, I'm always looking for contacts along the way for coffee, a , or a chat, so feel free to refer me to your friends in strange far-away places.

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Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama

Best of luck with your trip mate!

As I getting close to 60 myself its great to see people almost a generation older than me still hit the road for big trips.

I have a friend in England that are 81 now and he still does long trips, to Africa, far flung Russia etc…..

BTW - China can be done unescorted nowadays - but you will need help from a travel agency with paperwork etc…

Malaysia, Indonesia uses Carnet so that is needed if you go down that way.

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