Part 1 – Middle East & Eastern Europe Trip - Planning Stages

Speedy Gonzales

Guest
We hope as you follow our posting you will be as excited and blown away by our journey as we were and still are.

The preparation work for the six (6) month Middle East and Eastern Europe trip started way back in February 2005. Here was our first draft of the route. The Eastern Europe portion we left for on the trip as we were not sure how much we could cover.
Middle%20East%20Map.JPG

We purchased detailed Middle East maps, travel books and found a lot of information on the internet. Many friends, who had been in the area, have also helped us with the planning. The route we originally planned was based on area/historical sites we wanted to visit.
Middle%20East%20Maps.jpg

Our research concluded that we couldn't pass through Saudi Arabia, since females are not allowed to pilot a motorcycle. The plan was to start our journey in Dubai, UAE. From United Arab Emirates, we travel through Oman and Yemen. From Yemen we hoped to get onto a freighter ship to Egypt. After exploring Egypt, we enter Jordan, north to Syria, Lebanon and into Turkey. After Turkey we planned to ferry over to Cyprus and onwards to Israel. We decided to visit Israel last, due to the passport Israel stamp issues for other Middle East countries. From Israel back on the ferry to Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Germany…..

……What actually happened will be another posting. An incredible journey unfolded over 6 months. Unbelievable and unforgettable memories and moments. Hope you will stay tuned in as we, Ruby & Mike, keep on posting pictures from every Middle Eastern and Eastern Europe country we visited.

The last month before our departure was frantic. New Metztler Tourance Tires on both Gs’.
New%20Tires.jpg

Packing for our gear for the 6 month trip was not an easy task.
Gear.jpg

Crating the motorcycles at the end of January in freezing conditions.
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We had gotten the metal frame from the local motorcycle shop and purchased the ply wood from Home Depot. Our friend Randy helped us. We had to remove the windshield and lower the handle bars to close the lid. And always remember to take the key out of the bike before the lid goes on. Yeap! had to open up a crate again.
Grading%20of%20Bikes.jpg

February 14, 2006. Ruby’s brother Rusty helped load the crates on the transportation truck to the airport.
Loading%20of%20bikes.jpg

The trucking company was arranged through Hellmann who we used to arrange the airfreight with. Calgary to Dubai for two (2) crates was $4000CDN on the plane.
Transportation%20to%20the%20Airport.jpg

On February 16, 2006 we had a huge going away party with a special cake. Finally we were to start our dream.
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The actual trip preparation took one (1) year, including working full time on our regular jobs. People always think, “lets just get on the motorcycle and go”. If you want to live your dream and actually see things on the way it takes research and some planning, otherwise you waste a whole bunch of time on the actual trip waiting for stuff.

Here are some of the details of what we had to deal with prior to leaving.

February 2005:
- Acquired two (2) BMW metal crates.
March 2005:
- Purchased Detailed Middle East Maps and Guide Books and Garmin GPS for Ruby.
April 2005:
- Started to practice off-roading on BMW 1200GS's and Dirt Bikes.
May 2005:
- Wilderness Remote Responders First Aid Course (May 24,26, 28,29). Total of 16hrs classroom and 8hrs in the wilderness.
- Purchased Lap Top Computer, Waterproof Digital Cameras, Europe GPS Maps.
June 2005:
- Three (3) day BMW Enduro Off-Road Course in Germany (June 10, 11 & 12)
July/August 2005:
- Purchased Digital Video Camera (with Helmet Cam).
- Purchased Evacuation Insurance current for four (4) years from MedJet Assistance Evacuation Insurance. ($1800.00CDN)
-Three (3) week trip (July 16 to August 06) to Yukon, NWT & Alaska. Changed tires at Fairbanks to Continentals TKC80 on the 1200GS'. Tested all electronic equipment, gear and tires on the trip.
September 2005:
- Placed the house on the market for rent through power properties management company.
- Bought condo/townhouse c/w garage.
- Contacted Dubai BMW and see if they will store the BMW after shipment. No reply.
- Got several quotes to air freight or ship the motorcycles to Dubai. Decided to go with Hellmann. Cost to be determined in January 2006
October 2005:
- Oct 01, 2005, booked two (2) flights from Calgary, AB to Dubai, UAE and return from Frankfurt, Germany. Leaving Feb. 17, 2005, arriving in Dubai Feb. 18, 2005 and returning August 23, 2005 from Frankfurt. Cost $550.00CDN plus 210,000 Aeroplan Points.
- Rented out our house Oct. 03, 2005.
- Pre-trip motorcycle service at Blackfoot Motosports. Oct. 07, 2005 - Total cost $1300.00CDN
- Sold Jeep Oct. 09, 2005.
- Moved into new condo c/w garage Oct. 21, 2005.
December 2005:
- Renewed international driver license $50.00CDN.
- Passport Photo 30 in total for Visa applications - $220.00CDN
- Applied Dec. 12, 2005 for Carnet de Passages for motorcycles. Contacted the International CAA in Ottawa. Cost for both applications was $1,438.00CDN.
- Vaccination at the International Travel Clinic Dec. 21, 2005. The following vaccination was required - Hepatitis A/B ($60.00each), Typhoid ($30.00 each), Polio ($45.00 each), Influenza ($20.00 each) and Tetanus. Service Fee of $40.00 each. Total $380.00CDN.
- Purchased Iridium Satellite Phone and 500 Minutes for $2995.00CDN.
- Purchased new motorcycle tires - Metzler Tourance for both motorcycles $950.00CDN.
January 2006:
- Final Vaccination Jan. 23, 2006.
- Purchased World Map for GPS.
- Issued Bank Draft of $20,100.00CDN to CAA for Carnet de Passage. The CAA will hold this draft until the motorcycles return to Canada (5years minimum). Received Carnet de Passage documents on Jan. 13, 2006.
- Packing List, new tires by Angus Tire on Wheels and crating of Motorcycles on Jan. 28, 2006. Total material cost for both crates $250.00CDN.
- Medical Travel Insurance for 6 Months through World Nomads. US$482.00
- Contact Lawyer for back-up in the Middle East.
February 2006:
- Air freight crated motorcycles to Dubai, UAE on February 17, 2006. Freight Forwarder is Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. Rob Marincich, the airfreight co-ordinator from Calgary Hellmann was excellent in arranging the shipment. Contact (403) 219-8554 or e-mail: rmarinci@ca.hellmann.net. Cost $4000.00CDN for both motorcycles. The motorcycles were picked up on Feb. 14, 2006, but got stuck in Canadian Customs for two days and missed the flight. They didn't leave until Feb 18 Calgary.
- February 17, 2006 the journey finally begins:)

More pictures on the trip preparation is located here:
http://www.2canadiansonbikes.com/Middle East.htm

For those of you who can’t wait for the next postings of the actual adventure. Here is our website with all the amazing pictures and stories. www.2canadiansonbikes.com

Enjoy.
Cheers,
Ruby & Mike
www.2canadiansonbikes.com
 
Hi Ruby & Mike

Just had a quick browse of some of your photo's and journals of Croatia, the KrKa National park look's awesome and it must have been a fantastic experience travelling through such beautiful countryside.
I think it will take a little bit of time to read about all of your adventures but am looking forward to it

:beerjug:

Schultz
 


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