Grand Russian Traverse 2007

[Zukin]

Saw a cool movie about a couple cycling through Mongolia. Mongolia is starting to apeal more and more... Anyone been there?

Do Svidanja

Mark

Hi
I have never been to Mongolia, but a very good friend of mine is over there all the time
He hunts (that is his business)
He tells me that the locals are very friendly and that you should always enter a Bukka (sp??, their huts) and turn to the left....

It is a great county by the videos he has shown me, and never eat the sausages!!
They don't have any beef over there so the sausages are pen@*
Definately worth it if you can get through there.

We are planning to head over to Sweden in Feb 08, so if you are around let me know, I have loads of friends there too, and they would only be too willing to put you up should the need arise


Cheers Scott

[cooneyr]

We are planning to head over to Sweden in Feb 08, so if you are around let me know, I have loads of friends there too, and they would only be too willing to put you up should the need arise


Cheers Scott

Speaking of Sweden (sorry to hijak bartman) - check this link from adv rider out. Pics of up north above the circle. Awsome place and have been lucky enough to get a week up in the artic. Going back this september for 2-3 weeks.

Hej do
Ryan

[Bartman10]

Just a quick update.

The bikes are now en-route to korea. You can check out their progress here: http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/shi...tml?call=MZHC8

We've got our flights and visas sorted, and finished getting our jabs and we're stocked up on other medical supplies.

I've been working on some GPS tracks etc. They're still mostly unfinished, but if you've got Google earth or garmin map source you can check out the downloads below...


***IMPORTANT*** becasue KB won't let me upload the google earth or Garmin file extensions please download the RussianTraverse.doc file and rename it RussianTraverse.zip. You can then extract the contents and view at your leisure.

There's also a nice picture of the container ship.

Only problem is that I'm about to have a nervous breakdown!

Big thanks to Korea on this site for his help!

Cheers,

Mark.

www.russiantraverse.co.nz

[Bartman10]

Looks like the bikes have arrived in Korea.

Anyone want to add any last minute advice....?

We're leaving Wtn this Sunday and flying out of Chch next Saturday.

Big thanks to the KB community for your support. My introduction to KB wasn't the best, but you guys have been superb.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=9271

I'll try to keep the updates coming...

Cheers.

[chris]

Hi Mark,

Apart from enjoy yourselves, not much to add. Although, it may be worth trying to blag some adventure type riding gear as I'm sure that after digging out or picking up a 200+kg DR650 for the umpteenth time while wearing leathers, you'll wish you had. Even if it's a pair of MX boots, pants and an Enduro jacket. I know you're out of the country now, but there's no harm in trying.

Anyway, have fun, I'd love to see Russia and am only slightly jealous...

[Crisis management]

Have a great trip, we'll all be watching from here.........enviously!

[chris]

I've also got a set of standard bars and hand guards for a DR650 if you need them! (or anyone else for that matter).

[dasser]

Hi Mark,
The dilbert zone is not going to be the same.
Your old office is just a shell, Computer gone, I have your old chair... Not sure if I really want this ...
You two take care... watch out for the beers....

[Bartman10]

Thanks dasser

We landed in korea yesterday and spent the night at a pretty flash hotel. That's the end of that though, and we're back to $25 places from tonight.

I'm impressed with Korea. It's very well organised and the people are very helpful.

Things are going according to plan so far. I'll post another up date when we get to Russia.

Cheers.

[Bartman10]

We've got the bikes, and we're packed up ready to go.

We intended to take the ferry on Thrusday but we're running a couple of days late.

Taking the ferry at 15.00 local time (18.00 NZ time)

Let you know when we get to Russia.

We've updated our diary pages. www.russiantraverse.co.nz/diary.html

Cheers.

Mark and Jane.

[merv]

OK have fun then.

[kerfufflez]

I'm impressed with Korea. It's very well organised and the people are very helpful.

Glad you're having a good time on your trip. But that quote really made me laugh. I agree with it - until you have to work here, then things are not quite so organised, mostly a complete shambles in fact.

But that's largely irrelevant, have a great time through Russia.

[The Big J]

Good work man - have a great trip. Just having a nightmare currently getting maps for South America so I hope you are sorted there.

Got a body blow having a saddlebag 'disappear' while ferrying stuff to my hotel room. Such a pain in the arse to replace things and the fucker got my icebreaker thermal before I go to Bolivia. FUCKER.

Still we live and learn eh? Drive safe and I'll watch your website.

[hondav2]

Ride safe and enjoy your journey, I have ridden about 100,000km on my 2 DRs and if i can be of any help please contact me . I have done a 1,000 miles in 24hous and 3 days of 500miles each day on gravel in North America. There a good bike , only major problem was when Ignition pick up failed . Had to replace stator as well , cost heaps and when i got home the local Suzie dealer told me u can soldier in one from a GN250 costing about $80. Switch on clutch lever can fail as well. When do u think u will be back in NZ. We will have to have a beer. Cheers Toddy

[Bartman10]

Hey guys.

Managed to clear Russian customs alright and everything seems to be fine.

Enjoying the sunshine here in Vladivostok. Roads are mix of good, bad and very bad. Glad we're using DRs and not Gixxers. Hope to do a diary update on our website soon, but we've been busy organising insurance, tyre shipment and cellphones.

PM me if you want to be added to our news letter.

Not sure when we get back to NZ.

Cheers,

Mark and Jane

www.russiantraverse.co.nz