Ukraine and Eastern Europe

[Jake666]

Having rode across the world to Australia, Northern Africa and several times Spain, Andorra and France, each time in one circled trip I decided in August just gone to head to the Ukraine. My journey took me the following route. France - Belgium - Germany - Luxembourg - Germany - Poland - Ukraine - Moldova - Romania - Bulgaria - Macedonia - Serbia (through Kosovo) - Montenegro - Croatia - Bosnia + Herzegovina (Through - Sarajevo) - Croatia - Slovenia - Austria - Germany - Belgium - France.

The trip was over a month. 7000 miles. All nights were in accommodation which can be found reasonable to cheap. I gave up camping years ago! I have always travelled alone and this trip was no problem. Be aware of the border police particularly in southern Moldova which is now (although not marked on the map) an independent police state? Easy to get in, hard to get out. I was forced to bribe the passport control on the way out unless I wanted to ride hundreds of miles back. Be very careful if you think of offering a bribe, it can be a dangerous thing to do. There are ways to do it and only certain people you can do it to. You'll know when your in the situation as long as you slowly feel your way along. On leaving Moldova customs / passport control searched my person before getting into their back yard. They held me for almost two hours. No doubt trying for more bribes. I decided not to pay them and went the tedious course of dealing with their backward manner.

Obviously loads more to report but I won't bore you. If you want info on these countries or any country between here and Australia or Northern Africa drop me a line. I am off - Canada to Chile soon so also drop me a line if you have something for me.

Happy riding.

Terrain Rider - Jake.

 

[al_burnett]

did a very similar trip earlier this year, although went south from Poland through Slovakia and into Ukraine from there. Was lucky in Transnistria crossing in that the rather attractive border guard spoke a bit of french and wanted to practise. Basically told her officious boss to get lost when he came out with the official bribe forms. Didnt go down through croatia, macedonia etc but straight back accross romania and hungary. Planning early next year to do the Croatia-Montenegro-Albania-Macedonia-Kosovo-Serbia-Bosnia bit. Any hints and tips you could offer? Only real concern I have is Kosovo, which I may skirt round the edges of depending on the situation at the time.

Couple of questions - camping in Croatia - any impressions?
Insurance - Can get cover in some places but not most, rode through Ukraine et all without it, didnt worry me. Same down there?

Any chance you could send a copy of your route and places to 'must see' - all helps with the planning phase. Last planning phase consisted of getting up on a friday morning and packing. Was away saturday morning - didnt even have a full tank when I set off.

 

[Dave Barrett]

Was lucky in Transnistria crossing in that the rather attractive border guard spoke a bit of french and wanted to practise. Basically told her officious boss to get lost when he came out with the official bribe forms.

I wasn't so lucky this year. The border guards (all male, fat and sweaty) only spoke Russian, with the only exceptions in English being "you don't have the right paperwork", "that's not possible" and give me 10 Dollars".

 

[Jake666]

Transnistria, yep that's the name I couldn't recall. Al, I don't camp! I've carried a tent and bag across the world on an 8 month outing and used it once. I now find rooms of some form along the way, that way I can travel with two t shirts and a pair of jocks. I did however pass signs for campsites all along the way. Croatia is beautiful and any place you stop along the long coast line will be good. You will also suddenly be passing other bikers doing what your doing all along the coast road. Your green card will get you into just about everywhere even if its not legal. Half the time they just nod you on. Serbia (Kosovo) will take the green card. You can also pay from £15 - £40 at the borders if requested for 2 weeks insurance. Before take off I make lots of paperwork up including insurance documents stating the specific countries I feel I might have a problem.Works well for Morocco too.

As for my route it took me through the countries I stated. Since my first trip I've learnt too much planning doesn't work. I plan almost like you have in the past. A week before I rode off I decided to go. I went to morocco around 24 hours after deciding on the trip. I once went to Spain by packing in the morning and riding to Portsmouth, when I got there I realised my brakes were almost metal on metal, so while waiting for the ferry I put my spares on in the street.

This said obviously some planning is advised.

Kosovo, If you'd asked me yesterday I would have said yesterday no problem. However 30 minutes ago I saw on tv that war might break out again. Keep listening for updates.

In May / June I am going back to the Ukraine. Its incredibly cheap (practically free) and the women are stunning and love the British!!!

Keep the wheels moving.