Russian permission granted!

**Bartman10** · 17th April 2007, 15:41

Got the final parts of our Russian visa organised today. I can enter and leave Russia from now until the 17th of October.

A couple of things:

Big thanks to Andrew at Darbi and Stewart at TSS for sorting out tyres at short notice. Using Continental TKC80's for the trip. I'm confident that they're the right choice. Taking two spare rear and one spare front. Will ship one front and one rear 6000 km down the line.

Thanks to www.waytorussia.net for organising the paperwork to get the visas. I was expecting tons of red tape, but the sponsoring company and issuing authorities were helpful and efficient. If you're planning a trip to Russia, I can recommend www.waytorussia.net for sorting your visa invitation requirements. Credit card statements etc all match up. Communication was clear in excellent English. 6 month multi entry visa cost about $550 per person all inclusive. Shorter single entry visas are much cheaper.

Also a big thanks to the Patch Rubber co. here in Lower Hutt for helping out with my puncture repair requirements. Nothing like talking to enthusiastic experts to help one's cause. Highly recommend Patch Rubber for all your tyre patch requirements. Got 150 patches, tyre gauge, glue and various tyre tools at cost. Thanks guys.

We're packing the bikes this weekend and standing by for transport to Auckland... Big thanks to Skunk for loaning us his trailer...

Pannier boxes etc nearly finished too. Here's a picture...

Cheers,

Mark and Jane
www.russiantraverse.co.nz

**Nasty** · 17th April 2007, 16:12

Great going .. not too long now .. good luck

**Zukin** · 17th April 2007, 16:19

Fantastic Guys

It is not far away now, and to think when we were sitting in the house at Mataikona, it was still an idea in parts

I will keep an eye on your website and look forward to the updates when you get a chance

I am soooo jealous.

Cheers Scott & Carissa

**Bartman10** · 17th April 2007, 16:22

Originally Posted by Zukin

Fantastic Guys

It is not far away now, and to think when we were sitting in the house at Mataikona, it was still an idea in parts

I will keep an eye on your website and look forward to the updates when you get a chance

I am soooo jealous.

Cheers Scott & Carissa

Thanks heaps Scott, live the dream... It's hard work, but I've actually really enjoyed the organising. Even if the wheels come off this late in the piece it won't have been a waste of time. Sure I'll be disappointed, but it won't have been for nothing.

We'll be in the bay soon enough for a catch up. No bike though... It'll be at sea. Exact details to follow.

Cheers,

Mark.