Really looking forward to the big trip now

[Shep]

Just finished checking my little wee strom out, changed the oil and Filter, fitted a set of Iridium plugs, she is now ready for the big trip

Saturday 6th June, 0730 Dover Calais, through France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece down to my parents place just outside Pylos in the southern Pelopeneese. one week on the beach and diving !!!!!!. Then up to Patras get on the ferry to Brindisi, up through Italy, via Naples and Rome to the Lakes, then Switzerland and France to Le Havre then ferry to Portsmouth and home to Godalming.

Camping all the way, cant afford hotels with the Zimbabwe Pound.

the last 2 weeks of August and part of September i want to take the bike to Berlin and then out via Krakow and Aushwitz to the Ukraine border, Lvov, Kiev, Kharkov into Russia and right on out to Volvograd (used to be called Stalingrad) i want to retrace the original route of German Army group South all the way to Stalingrad, incredible monuments and museums there, also want a boat trip on the Volga bit of a dream of mine this trip

The roads are good all the way, all you need is a good reliable bike, camp gear, a russian visa, as no visa required for the Ukraine anymore, a taste for Vodka and an adventurous spirit !!!!!

Anybody want to come?

[chris1201]

Shep
Loved the photos. I've been biking in the South of France on numerous occasions and I have to say it is the most fantastic place in the world to do so. I've been to the Pyrenees, Torn Gorge and similar other gorges (even went swimming in one of them when the air temp was 32c in 2005), Millau, Carcassonne etc. and I wouldn't swap it for anywhere else in the world for biking. Damn, those roads looked sooooo busy!!!! lol

Anyway, enough praise and slapping you on the back for being a great chap, here's the main reason for replying.......the NEXT trip you have planned in late August.....I seriously reckon I'd be up for that one if you're looking for a riding buddy. I was in Poland earlier this year (but not on the bike) and I'm particularly attracted to the idea of the WWII kinda theme you have in mind. The whole trip sounds like it could be highly interesting and it fits in with my intended schedule as well. So give it some thought, and if you're interested then let me know.

Chris

[cabbage2404]

Enjoy the trip Shep, and take care mate .

[STAVROS]

send message when u ll be in greece......If u ll need anything or just for coffee......

[bazd]

good luck on your trip and keep us all updated,it sounds awesome!

[moon]

sounds like a good trip all round Shep, if you're coming through this way (Burgundy) on either of the trips,then let me know & i'll get the kettle on...

I'll pm my phone number which is also, obviously, available if you get any porbs in france at all, i've biking contacts all over the country.

[Shep]

Chris

Apologies for not getting back to you but i am really busy at work clearing my desk ready for the Greece trip which is now a week saturday, i get back on the 29th June, i will contact you then to see if you are still up for the Stalingrad trip, great to have you along.

We could even buy a Ural with a sidecar and fit a machine gun make the trip really original feeling !!!!!!!