Road Trip To Latvia

[BU5T4]

Hi Folks,

I am wanting to arrange a road trip for me to go and visit a friend in Latvia. This will be my first long trip abroad on my bike and was looking for some tips.

Has anyone done this journey or anywhere close to latvia?

I'm thinking of leaving from newcastle to norway(??) then driving down from there, just so I can avoid driving through too many ex soviet countries.

What should I expect from driving this far and what should I bring with me when it comes to bike gear?

I have a small puncture repair kit with the gas cans in it but I dont know how good these are as I have never had to use it. Actually I dont even know how to use it.

[WRINKLY]

There was a PH'er in Latvia a while ago, Deester ( found after a search) He may be able to possibly help? He has a very nice stable (Ferrari, M5 and X5) so he probably drives around a bit. Sorry can't help personally, but may be worth your while contacting him.

[fergus]

Make sure you have ample breakdown cover. This MUST include recovery & repatriation from the countries you intend to travel through. Check the countries list on what ever insurance you decide to buy. I would suggest that the cheap crap out there MAY not cover the new euro countries?

Also, make sure you have adequate personal & health ins cover.

You may also need to enquire about visas depending upon the route you intend to take.

Regarding luggage, you probably can't get better bike luggage than touratech (google it). They're basically ally boxes. Travel light as you can.

I wouldn't leave the trip too late in the year, as you'll have eastern european weather to deal with - gets cold in winter (& icy!)

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[BU5T4]

fergus can you suggest any good breakdown cover companies?

Deester is actually the person I am going to visit wrinkly. He has not long moved to latvia and I promised him I would visit him when he lived in Gibralter but I never got round to it, so Latvia it is.

[fergus]

sounds a bit strange, but contact the BMF who should be able to point you in the right direction. You could try the RAC, Green Flag and AA, but I don't think they'd be too interested, as it's too specialist for them.