Eastern Europe Ukraine/Bulgaria poss Belarus July or August this year

Hi, I'm planning on spending 3 weeks in either July/August this year heading off to Ukraine/Bulgaria/Romania/flexible. I'd be interested in doing Belarus once I've investigated the visa issues.....
I've got a 1200GS and I've done a lot of Europe trips in the past. I'm planning on staying in budget hotels with the odd bit of luxury thrown in whenever I feel the need.
Mileage wise I'd like to to a couple of long days (500/600 miles) to get into the countries of choice asap, after that I'm flexible. I'm not much of a tourist but I'd be keen to visit some of the more recent historical sites, perhaps Chernobyl and the like for instance. I've done the Tranfargarasan Highway (last year) but would be happy to do it again.
I've not given much thought to a route as yet apart from getting of the train/ferry in Calais (I live in Bromley, Kent)
On the homeleg I'm thinking about the ferry from Igoumenitsa (Spelling, Greece!) to Venice to break up the journey a little!

Looking for advice & to talk to anyone interested in either joining me or meeting up on the road.


Thanks for reading,

JC

Hi JC,

I am planning to leave from London on the 25th July and spend 2 weeks riding in Eastern or Southern Europe. My plan in still up in the air but so far there are 2 flexi options:
1. France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, ferry Bari-Chios, short ferry to Cesme in Turkey, Bulgaria via Istanbul, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, back home
2. Ship bike to Poland (I know trusted company that does it for £250), fly to Krakow to pick it up, cross to Ukraine, do a big loop there, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, ferry Patras-Bari, back home

Planning to stay in private guesthouses or budget hotels though it may be tricky in Ukraine. I don't like very strict schedules and if the place is worth staying I stay, if not I go further.

Let me know if your dates are clearer and what you think of my routes.

Our paths won't cross, I'll be back in the UK on the 24th July.
Good luck on your trip though, you've picked some cool countries to visit!

Hi

I work in the nuclear industry and have just returned from Chernobyl on a bike trip. There are restrictions now to the site so I would check it out. Expect delays at Belarus crossing but a smile always helps!!

Have fun
Ali

Hi
I posted info in relation to Belarus here

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260802

Hope it Helps
Gizmo