Honda Adventure Riders Forum

The Varadero International Meeting (VIM) - where riders of our forum meet => VIM19-2017; June 2 - June 5, Gotland, Sweden => Topic started by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 05:44:00

Title: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 05:44:00
Hi all
I plan to write up my trip to Europe to attend VIM 19 and the road trips I undertake to get to and from VIM 19.

It is quite an exercise in planning logistics to travel so far from NZ and to look at travelling around the EU and into Russia when one is not from the area. Doing the planning and and organization is part of the fun and anticipation is now building as departure date for me is less than three weeks away.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 05:45:16
My write up is going to be in three parts:
I will start the stage 1 write up later this week.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 07:18:38
Part one - Doing the planning and logistics to get ready for a tour.

This year I plan to do two trips. The first trip will be a small group of four bikes and five people as we head to and from VIM 19.  I will then undertake a second, shorter trip probably by myself for 8 days. 

The first trip, the group of five, will depart the Netherlands on Sunday 28 May. To make that I depart Wellington on 21 May to head to Auckland for three days of work meetings and then I jump on Singapore Airlines to fly to the Netherlands on Thursday 25 May, departing midday. Because of the direction I fly in, I arrive in the Netherlands around 8:00am on Friday morning 26 May.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 07:31:03
The Group of five plan the following route - Netherlands to Germany to Denmark to Sweden to Gotland Island. We will arrive at VIM 19 on Friday 2nd June.

Following VIM 19, we will travel to Stockholm, then catch the night ferry to Finland, then through to St Petersberg, Russia, then Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and back to the Netherlands. We arrive back on Monday 19 June.

I will then most probably head off again on Wednesday 21 June back to Germany to visit the VW assembly plant in Wolfsberg, then head down to Munich to catch up with a friend from my university days before riding up Stelvio Pass, through Switzerland to either France or the Black Forest on my way back to the Netherlands, returning on Wednesday 28 June.

I depart the Netherlands on Friday 30 June.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 07:54:14
As you know, my bike of choice is Red. A 1998 Honda XL600V, which I rode to VIM 18 in Winterberg.

Red has undergone some modifications since VIM18.  As it turned out, Red struggled a little with me and my gear, I'm not the smallest of people  VCIF_a_008 . The riding position was a little uncomfortable, partly because a little before I came up last year I had dislocated my tail bone. But the lack of comfort was exacerbated by poor riding position. On return from the trip last year, Two Plugs and I hatched a plan to modernize the bike to suit me. The bike's suspension was old but functional for a rider a lot less my weight so I needed to change that. I went for Wilbers progressive on the front and Wilbers 640 on the rear that comes with pre-load and rebound adjustment. The bike suspension was then tuned to my riding weight without luggage.

The seat also came in for some attention, and we had this completely rebuilt, including creating a soft spot for my tail bone (just in case). The engine had a flat spot in mid range, so we installed a K&N fliter and also dynojets. 20mm bar risers were added. The seat build raised the seat height by 1cm at the rear and then we went straight forward at that height. The front bit of the seat is raised by 4cm.

Finally I needed a better luggage solution. Buying racks and panniers for bike 19 years old is a bit of a mission. But Two Plugs found some, Heavy Duties. We ended up purchasing two pairs of side panniers as these have also been fitted to one of the other rider's bike that is coming on the trip this year.

The bike with the new seat, and panniers is now looking the part. So when I turn up to VIM 19 the bike will look like this (Bernard's in the background)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4qbZ3Pw/1/554f6a79/L/i-4qbZ3Pw-L.jpg)

(I'll need lots of stickers to put on those panniers).

Two further changes will be made between now and when I arrive which is explained in the next post.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 08:06:11
Like all good trips away from home, getting ready for this year's ride is requiring a little bit of effort.

Booking flights and getting to the Netherlands is easy, but not cheap given the distance.

After last year's ride I left my helmet, a pair of gloves and a pair of boots with Bernard. That rationalises a little bit some of the gear I need to take up with me this year. No boots and no helmet makes a big difference in carting gear to and from an overseas destination. The next choice comes down to whether or not to take my leather jacket or my synthetic jacket. The leather one is more comfortable so I will probably take that, although it is heavy. I will not take my leather pants, sticking with riding jeans instead. I may yet buy myself a new pair when I arrive. Either way the important stuff is the wet weather gear to throw over these should I need it. Clothes are more straight forward, I have the luxury of taking five sets of underwear, woolen undergarments and t-shirts. I will use two zip up cardigans, one woolen, one poly prop, to layer up or down. I long ago stop using the winter layer of my bike jackets, preferring to use instead clothes that can double for wear under the jacket and for wearing at night when not on the bike. I use one pair of three season gloves and if these get wet I use thin poly prop bicycle riding gloves as under gloves for extra warmth should I need it. One pair of shoes, two pairs of longs for evening wear. I can go lighter if necessary, but with two 39 L side panniers this gear will easily fit in.

The bike has a small 20 L top box, and in this goes my one pair of walking shoes, one extra layer of clothing for under the jacket should I need it and all my electronic gear. I will not be running with a tank bag this year.

I will be fitting a new GPS to Red, a TomTom Rider 450 (the latest version just released) which Bernard has ordered for and arrived today I believe. We can't get the either the 410 or 450 models in NZ, only the 400 which has NZ and Australian maps only. The 450 is worldwide. Since TomTom is a Dutch company, buying the 450 in the Netherlands is cheaper than buying it here. I will purchase two wiring looms so I can fit it also to my Africa Twin back home. I will also take my old HTC phone without a SIM card as a back up GPS. I have Sygic GPS running on this and recently reloaded maps of the countries I will be visiting via WiFi.

Red has hopeless headlights. To be easily seen by other road users I have to run with the headlights on high beam, but that irritates some of the constabulary in various countries. Time to fit some LED's. I've sent up a set of Touratech LED's by courier ahead of time so these can be fitted with the GPS when the bike gets it pre-trip service, timed for when I am coming up on the plane.

All of the countries I am visiting except for Russia are part of the EU. The thing I like with how the EU is organized is one currency and riding from country to country is easy, no border checks. All I need is my passport, an international driver's licence and my NZ licence. Getting an international driver's licence is easy from the NZ Automobile Association, you just need a passport size photo and a little bit of cash. Takes about ten minutes.

Travel insurance is more problematic. Most travel insurance will not cover you if you are riding a motorbike above 200cc. Fortunately the company I use does, but sadly they changed their policy recently so next time I will need to find a new travel insurance provider. I managed to buy my travel insurance for this year ahead of the policy change.

The most challenging bit of organisation for this trip is getting into Russia. As most of you know, this requires time and a number of approvals. I made visa application several weeks,ago and this came back to me in two weeks later. For this I needed a valid passport, a completed application form and supporting information. The supporting information is a full itinerary of your trip from leaving NZ to coming back. This can be challenging as for me, a part of the trip will not be decided until two
thirds of the way through the time I have up there. But the Russian Embassy seemed happy that I just provide a broad outline of my possible intentions for that bit of the time I am away, the critical bit are the dates I intend to be in Russia. More importantly, the visa application is made much easier if you get an invite to Russia. The easiest way to get an invite is to prebook and prepay for accommodation. The trick here is prepaying for accommodation is non-refundable. So if your visa application is turned down you are out of money! Once the accommodation is booked and paid for, the accommodation owner sends you a certificate to confirm your stay and invitation.

Since I was a little boy one of the places I have wanted to visit is Saint Petersburg. That ambition is finally going to be realized.

And then there is the motorbike!

While it is my bike, technically I don't own it. Two Plugs has the bike registered in his name as I can't road register the bike in the Netherlands as I am not resident there. The bike is also insured in his name and I am a named rider. For the trip we need a copy of the ownership papers, copies of certificate of full insurance for the bike and for me I need Two Plugs to formally (officially) authorize me to use the bike. This needs to be prepared by a public notary appostillized by a court. The cost of obtaining this is not that significant but it is another pre-trip expense and another bit of the exercise to get into Russia.

So all going well, the paperwork is almost completed and that will be the last of the administrative bits baring finalization of accommodation for the to and from VIM 19 route. The team of five have been busy chipping away at this over the last three weks and we only have a couple of nights accommodation left to arrange.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 03, 2017, 10:30:17
See you soon David!
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on May 03, 2017, 13:13:04
Who's your EU / Dutch Agent? Can I rent him too?  ;D ;D VCIF_ThumbUp
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 13:22:52
Who's your EU / Dutch Agent? Can I rent him too?  ;D ;D VCIF_ThumbUp

Ha,ha, ha. Yeah, nah as we say in this part of the world.

Decent bloke really  VCIF_2757
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Grass on May 03, 2017, 21:40:43
Hi!
If You need any help when driving through Latvia, just let me know.
Or just to have a beer together.
Grass
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 03, 2017, 23:42:51
Hi!
If You need any help when driving through Latvia, just let me know.
Or just to have a beer together.
Grass


Thanks Grass. Our plans have us departing Estonia on 13 June (overnight stay in Mustvee) and then heading to Riga for two nights (arriving 14 June, departing 16 June). Looking at your profile, I see you live in Riga?  Maybe we can catch up for that beer? 
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Grass on May 04, 2017, 13:12:44
I am in Riga city center. Will be nice to meet You!
If You need help with accomodation or sightseeing just ask. i am willing to help.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 04, 2017, 21:26:12
Sorry to make mess but we plan the same route 2-3 weeks later, without Russia!
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Grass on May 04, 2017, 21:57:19
Perfect! Will be glad to meet You! 10th of July I start my motorcycle trip to South of France.
Until then I am in Riga.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 05, 2017, 12:29:52
Perfect! Will be glad to meet You! 10th of July I start my motorcycle trip to South of France.
Until then I am in Riga.
How long you are going to stay in France? I will not be back till end of June...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 05, 2017, 14:41:19
Sorry to make mess but we plan the same route 2-3 weeks later, without Russia!


yes, your trip looks good.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on May 06, 2017, 23:19:26
I am in Riga city center. Will be nice to meet You!
If You need help with accomodation or sightseeing just ask. i am willing to help.

Deal. I haven't received a reply on my Q to you earlier,  Grass, did you received it? If was a reply on your motorhome Q.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Grass on May 08, 2017, 21:33:09
Hi!
I will be in France during July. Not June.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on May 08, 2017, 22:08:10
Hi!
I will be in France during July. Not June.
VCIF_a040hae VCIF_a095  VCIF_salut

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 08, 2017, 23:03:36
And hopefully I can skip through the norther region of France in late June on my way back to the Netherlands.


Sorry Giles, can't make it happen to get down to you in the time available  :'(
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on May 08, 2017, 23:26:27
Sorry Giles, can't make it happen to get down to you in the time available  :'(

No problem, I'm not far from Andorra  ;D  and Stelvio is better then my area
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 09, 2017, 00:29:05
Soon we met again VCIF_varaGrey . Skye has promised warmer weather  VCIF_ThumbUp VCIF_2757


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8RkDn6N/0/37388411/XL/i-8RkDn6N-XL.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on May 09, 2017, 17:14:45
Lol. Last time some one promised warmer weather @ VIM we suffered with snow and 4 degrees in Sicily...  ;D
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 09, 2017, 23:00:14
Morning joy germ  VCIF_a055 VCIF_a055



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on May 10, 2017, 09:29:41
Hi!
I will be in France during July. Not June.

And soon we will be meeting again too! Looking really forward to it, Klavs!  ;D VCIF_ThumbUp
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Skye on May 10, 2017, 19:56:05
Was snowing and 2 cm of that lapponian mold on ground yesterday at the site

..but it will change two weeks from now
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: bogdanbc on May 10, 2017, 20:59:05
..but it will change two weeks from now

Perhaps ...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 11, 2017, 00:16:42
Was snowing and 2 cm of that lapponian mold on ground yesterday at the site

..but it will change two weeks from now

Just read Finland is expecting snow again after tomorrow...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 11, 2017, 01:22:17
hmmmm, this is not what I want to hear  :o .


There's time yet for the weather to warm up, I'm an optimist, but I'll pack some riding layers in any event.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 15, 2017, 23:25:12
Red waiting for her service, and to have LED's fitted to the crash bars, plus the Tom Tom Rider 450 wired up. All ready this week for me to ride on the 28th.

Not a mighty Varadero, or the cruisey VFR1200X, or an agile Africa Twin, but a sturdy ride none the less  8)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ln9sMqc/1/d5f1e6a2/L/i-Ln9sMqc-L.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on May 15, 2017, 23:39:22
only problem with this bike is the plate  VCIF_a055  VCIF_a_008
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 16, 2017, 01:33:01
only problem with this bike is the plate  VCIF_a055 VCIF_a_008


 VCIF_37_ohh
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: SB on May 16, 2017, 10:00:25
only problem with this bike is the plate  VCIF_a055  VCIF_a_008

For those to young to remember !

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/mz04092700.html (http://www.realclassic.co.uk/mz04092700.html)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: meine dicke on May 16, 2017, 10:59:56
only problem with this bike is the plate  VCIF_a055  VCIF_a_008

For those to young to remember !

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/mz04092700.html (http://www.realclassic.co.uk/mz04092700.html)

Old enough and coming from GERMANY where the MZ was build  VCIF_ThumbUp.

Greetings from the South of Germany
Rainer alais meine dicke
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 16, 2017, 12:07:06
Sorry for side track but I continue with others...

When I went to DDR 1989 with CB1100 biggest bikes for east Germans were MZ 250 and police had MZ 350 to be faster. My Honda was faster than any of them in second gear  VCIF_salut only problem was to find over 90 oct fuel...

Later they sold the factory to Turkey where the production continued under name of Kanuni...
http://www.kanuni.com.tr/en/tarihce (http://www.kanuni.com.tr/en/tarihce)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 16, 2017, 23:54:17
No worries about the side track, this is quite educational. That's the beauty of forums like these.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 16, 2017, 23:57:31
And to side track the side track back to the main, but not exclusive, topic, Bernard sent me some pictures over night of Red post her service.

She has had her eyes put on and her sense of direction installed  VCIF_2757

The eyes have it
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rcZHmNR/1/a408da84/XL/i-rcZHmNR-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PthfXgL/0/ed33e7a1/L/i-PthfXgL-L.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 16, 2017, 23:59:25
As for her sense of direction, the age old conversation of which GPS is better continues. The TomTom Rider 450 has been chosen for this little beauty


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DzRfDJj/0/bc8dbeb3/M/i-DzRfDJj-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zvNVBRf/1/7501d225/L/i-zvNVBRf-L.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 17, 2017, 10:03:46
Red's manager took her out for a spin last night and he reports those new eyes are pretty good for night time riding. I normally add LED's to my bikes for daytime running, not night use. However, the lights on the 600 Transalp are a bit soft.

With no LED's on, just headlights
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TR9N54B/0/2b005c4d/M/i-TR9N54B-M.jpg)

Headlights plus LED's.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2sXMM8g/0/8b5d167f/M/i-2sXMM8g-M.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on May 17, 2017, 11:39:14
Touratech lights are awesome !  VCIF_ThumbUp

You have an hot point perhaps a little setting  ;D
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 17, 2017, 13:37:07
Yes, zebulon, settings are not quite right. Between Bernard and I we'll get it sorted. Cheers...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on May 18, 2017, 20:13:44
We will. When I did the test last Teusday in the national park, I was chased by a forrester who thought I was a light poacher and on the motorway home, a 747 tried to land on me!  😂☀☀☀
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 18, 2017, 21:57:37
We will. When I did the test last Teusday in the national park, I was chased by a forrester who thought I was a light poacher and on the motorway home, a 747 tried to land on me!  😂☀☀☀
what is a light poacher...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 21, 2017, 23:36:53
Today I begin my trek north, driving to Auckland for a few days of meetings. I spent the weekend sorting and packing gear, hopefully I have not left anything behind.


So it is goodbye to my wife and family for seven weeks.  See you all soon...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on May 22, 2017, 08:50:05
So it is goodbye to my wife and family for seven weeks.  See you all soon...

Thought your wife come with you this year ?... Nice and safe ride David  VCIF_ThumbUp
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 22, 2017, 10:19:49
David, you can always buy stuff you missed, you are coming to old continental :)

Welcome and see you in 10 days...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 22, 2017, 22:05:24
So it is goodbye to my wife and family for seven weeks.  See you all soon...

Thought your wife come with you this year ?... Nice and safe ride David  VCIF_ThumbUp
My wife has a busy time with work in June. So June is not a good time for her to be away.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on May 27, 2017, 04:50:36
The first part of my journey has been completed. On Thursday midday, NZ time, I departed via Auckland international airport for my flight to the Netherlands. I arrived at the airport in time to relax with a good kiwi coffee, a flat white.

Then it was time to grab the passport, fill put out the departure card and head to the plane.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RLZsPJP/1/c5e4580d/L/i-RLZsPJP-L.jpg)

It is a long flight from NZ to the Netherlands. This year I flew with Singapore airlines, 10.5 hours form NZ to Singapore, 5 hour stop over and 12.5 hours to the Netherlands. Flying west has its advantages, I left midday Thursday NZ time and arrived in the Netherlands 8:00am Friday having spent 30 hours travelling.

Then it was time to catch a train to Assen. I managed to negotiate my way around an altered train time table due to maintenance work and finally arrived in Assen late morning Friday.

After such a long trip, it was a relief to be met by the ever smiling Two Plugs and we have now retreated to his place to complete final preparations for our ride.

But first time to orient myself to fabulous summer weather and relaxation.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-33DcTKX/1/a40f7add/XL/i-33DcTKX-XL.jpg)(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vCkbV7w/1/dcef3878/XL/i-vCkbV7w-XL.jpg)
No afternoon and evening is complete without a Dutch treat.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fmtpXVF/1/35f2048a/L/i-fmtpXVF-L.jpg)

Thus the beginning has ended, the next chapter of my 2017 European adventure begins.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on May 27, 2017, 10:21:11
I also found out 30h is the shortest you can find and Singapore airlines is not that bad :)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 01, 2017, 19:42:35
We've arrived and settled in

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Jyrays on June 04, 2017, 11:06:22
https://youtu.be/uYFv_sog9fU
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on June 04, 2017, 11:35:37
Thank you friends, happy to see Bogdan too  VCIF_ThumbUp A pity not to have been able to ride with you
 VCIF_salut
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 04, 2017, 17:47:35
I have not been very good at keeping this thread up to date. So I will attempt to do some of this now.
I need to write up the trip to Gotland first.





Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 04, 2017, 17:52:51
The first day ride out from The Netherlands, we gathered at Bernard's to ready ourselves.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4KHGDh6/0/2287d353/M/i-4KHGDh6-M.jpg)


The route took us through Germany, over a river on a ferry to Oldenburg Holstien to a lovely old Hotel.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WZRCX7S/0/4701ad55/M/i-WZRCX7S-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-td9dPQ2/1/5fc13c21/M/i-td9dPQ2-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GVZWmGb/0/58cc9b98/L/i-GVZWmGb-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SgpSLwR/0/eca9ed8f/L/i-SgpSLwR-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 04, 2017, 17:57:46
Monday 29 May - From Oldenburg Holstein to Gleemingebro in Sweden through Denmark.


We stayed at a quaint Bed and Breakfast. The only food that night was from a Chinese take away. I came all this way from NZ just to eat chicken friend rice!


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-p9jFFrz/1/0c116d49/L/i-p9jFFrz-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6jJ4grD/1/a2661cd8/M/i-6jJ4grD-M.jpg)


The church in Glemmingebro
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8LtpDzg/1/1e1b1cb3/L/i-8LtpDzg-L.jpg)

We settled into a night of relaxation and fun.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2KKDrc5/1/9f39e3f7/L/i-2KKDrc5-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b4jKp9D/1/d25496c3/M/i-b4jKp9D-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LMV6ZkM/1/8bfa3d41/L/i-LMV6ZkM-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 04, 2017, 18:05:05
Tuesday 30 May - Frm Glemmingebro to Hultsfred, Sweden, staying in Cabins in the woods. Had excellent Wifi here too.


A great evening BBQ.


But first a detour to look at the the Ales Stenar stones
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6565khq/0/46295b5c/L/i-6565khq-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-L7TVRLp/0/b959ef8e/M/i-L7TVRLp-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NB6q2Mz/1/faab7e51/L/i-NB6q2Mz-L.jpg)


We encountered our first rain of the trip on this day. A stop along the way
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6HJSg5s/1/7a0cee67/L/i-6HJSg5s-L.jpg)


Arriving
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5M65L7D/1/2e006db8/L/i-5M65L7D-L.jpg)


Getting into the swing of things for the night
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RQwfJc7/1/b0b28e04/L/i-RQwfJc7-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6gKnPfQ/1/d38c4bae/L/i-6gKnPfQ-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6k3rKLm/2/90d6ba3b/L/i-6k3rKLm-L.jpg)




Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 04, 2017, 18:17:40
Wednesday 31 May - Hultsfred to Sodertalje


We stopped to look at the Gota Kanal
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-r9nScxN/0/b93119ee/XL/i-r9nScxN-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KdRwD68/1/42b3009f/L/i-KdRwD68-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kz2LBVJ/0/84e89948/XL/i-kz2LBVJ-XL.jpg)


Then the Gripsholm Slott Castle, an impressive building. One wonders how many bricks were used to build it!


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6vshc8R/0/19ef3eed/L/i-6vshc8R-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gXvcqXZ/1/e5118625/L/i-gXvcqXZ-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JvRQnw5/1/29f73a07/XL/i-JvRQnw5-XL.jpg)


And our night's accommodation
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mq9cLF6/1/6c736514/L/i-Mq9cLF6-L.jpg)


The owner of the B&B we stayed in owned this house, which had on thew grouinds about a 300 year old oak tree.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mgFfkQF/0/09e0a3fe/L/i-mgFfkQF-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rq9kLqm/0/bde7dd33/XL/i-rq9kLqm-XL.jpg)




Then it was catching the ferry to Gotland
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-97V6wnw/0/6fa7cda5/XL/i-97V6wnw-XL.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on June 04, 2017, 18:30:26
Thx David for the update  VCIF_ThumbUp
 VCIF_salut
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 09:35:53
We arrived in Gotland on Thursday evening 1 June.

The ferry crossing was straight forward and the ride to Faro was nice, although a little chilly.

We settled into our cabin for the next four days
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xjvNj5j/0/8b968163/L/i-xjvNj5j-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RLzRn8w/1/f3be70d3/L/i-RLzRn8w-L.jpg)


Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 09:45:52
Friday 2 June, a lazy start to the day. Some domestic duties was the first order of the day, a pile of clothes that needed washing.

Then a ride around north Faro to visit some rocks.  Enjoyed an initial blast on some gravel roads.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bRFSnXQ/0/fcd41d07/L/i-bRFSnXQ-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JzMkxS8/0/de429e1b/M/i-JzMkxS8-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-p49n4bR/0/52dee891/L/i-p49n4bR-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bHbsQzF/0/ba9c5248/L/i-bHbsQzF-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NnRtHzR/0/6b642d5d/L/i-NnRtHzR-L.jpg)


Then back to the cabin for more relaxing

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JL3WLc/0/864d3974/M/i-2JL3WLc-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9r7gsLg/0/01fb038f/M/i-9r7gsLg-M.jpg)






Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 09:51:43
Saturday 3 June

Today I enjoyed some gravel and off road riding with Jyrays and Bogdan.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tN36dGx/0/13b5e2da/L/i-tN36dGx-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7tMK7Tg/0/da976933/XL/i-7tMK7Tg-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BfmS3Mb/0/c4118669/L/i-BfmS3Mb-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mwtfrCJ/0/d3382f43/M/i-mwtfrCJ-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tHgrWHB/0/c951cff2/M/i-tHgrWHB-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zpf5Sgx/1/b77afdbd/L/i-Zpf5Sgx-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QfvF3x7/0/9311a5a2/L/i-QfvF3x7-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-McBztB7/0/4e9e7570/L/i-McBztB7-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mvJsK53/0/ee399a5a/L/i-mvJsK53-L.jpg)


Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 10:03:01
Sunday 4 June
Today I set out on my own to ride around Gotland at my own pace and stop where I wanted to take photos of things that interest me, sights I don't usually see in NZ.

I'll let the pictures do the talking
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XskDHgx/0/7c2531a9/M/i-XskDHgx-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pw95mgT/0/3743b7b0/L/i-pw95mgT-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w92Kq3Q/0/51e7623a/L/i-w92Kq3Q-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CJ3SvSH/0/0f8e2742/L/i-CJ3SvSH-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PM6Qnxd/0/84d6a25b/M/i-PM6Qnxd-M.jpg)


Typical Gotland roads and countryside
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MMchCpM/0/9c619f4f/L/i-MMchCpM-L.jpg)


I'm intrigued that the Churches here sometimes have wooden roofs
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BD2sJsD/1/a1617396/L/i-BD2sJsD-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2md4dv7/0/d50b9fe9/L/i-2md4dv7-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tJ9xXSv/0/09412fdb/L/i-tJ9xXSv-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B3gVv3G/0/871078ba/L/i-B3gVv3G-L.jpg)

Centre of Visby
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JP8bQ7S/0/59f332d7/XL/i-JP8bQ7S-XL.jpg)


A nature reserve (small Island in the background)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JDVPz9/0/9a506c06/XL/i-2JDVPz9-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 10:05:17
And of course, Jyrays has already posted the video of some of our gravel riding.  Hope you enjoyed watching it. I certainly enjoyed riding with Jyrays and Bogdan. Thank you guys for a blast.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 05, 2017, 10:08:28
More than likely this is my last VIM.

I have enjoyed the two VIMS I have managed to get to. I especially value the friends I have made and the hospitality you have all shown me. Thank you.

As we ride from Gotland today I still have a lot of adventure left on this trip with Bernard, Kitty, Mense and Lidy.  This trip is a trip of a lifetime for me.

Safe travels everyone as you head home, I will remain in touch through this forum.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 06, 2017, 23:25:47
The next part of our trip post VIM 19 begins.

To Russia we go.

Monday 5 June we arrived in Stockholm and settled into the campground at around 9:00 pm. The sun was still in the sky, which for this Kiwi is an unusual sight. 11:00pm and this is about as dark as the night is going to get...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TrZvmPn/0/2aaebca2/XL/i-TrZvmPn-XL.jpg)


We headed away from VIM19 late in the morning and headed for Visby. On the way we stopped for Kaffe, the old shed and cart caught my attention.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cVtWp9Z/0/3f03d5b2/L/i-cVtWp9Z-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hqJZ59L/0/e98f98d0/XL/i-hqJZ59L-XL.jpg)


Outside the old Visby Wall by 1:00pm we had time to kill before catching the ferry. Bernard and Kitty decided to walk around the town while Mense, Lidy and I decided to ride south to the bluffs along the coast, then to a beach and back to Visby via an inland route.


The old city wall
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LsbTXmJ/0/706e5891/M/i-LsbTXmJ-M.jpg)


The bluff lookout looking back towards Visby.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RkRTcfF/0/44d9d99f/L/i-RkRTcfF-L.jpg)

WWII bunkers
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9L6kDnt/0/3772ccad/L/i-9L6kDnt-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GqvqBnZ/0/1afbc4c3/M/i-GqvqBnZ-M.jpg)




Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 06, 2017, 23:56:51
Wild flowers by the coast - Blue weeds, Echium vulgare

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3KVdhkW/0/65b6cc83/L/i-3KVdhkW-L.jpg)

Finally we arrived at the ferry, along with lots of other bikes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wJVqhgg/0/9547b2e8/L/i-wJVqhgg-L.jpg)

Then to the camp ground at Bredang, Stockholm.

I found a way to fight off the mosquitoes  ;D ;D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n62n32R/0/94ca9915/XL/i-n62n32R-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 07, 2017, 00:06:16
Tuesday 6 June, a national holiday in Sweden.

We are in Stockholm until Wednesday night, so today was catch a train into the city and walk around the city centre.  It was a warm day, reaching about 22 degrees and very sunny. For this Kiwi, a decent day.

Some pics from the day are below.

Eating ice cream
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n9LRbb9/0/54599ba2/XL/i-n9LRbb9-XL.jpg)


We meet on the way into town two ladies dressed in northern Swedish costume.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bpb8rtP/0/e396d055/L/i-Bpb8rtP-L.jpg)


Narrow street
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ltz9DG7/0/ae5a0432/XL/i-Ltz9DG7-XL.jpg)


City vista
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JpBT9W7/0/d993cd59/XL/i-JpBT9W7-XL.jpg)


Meeting Alfred Nobel  8)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3ZGZmzZ/0/a9b727cf/XL/i-3ZGZmzZ-XL.jpg)


Royal Stables (?)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-C5zBbdb/0/db1efd24/L/i-C5zBbdb-L.jpg)


Friendly inhabitants
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-g7JMf4K/0/17b21d41/L/i-g7JMf4K-L.jpg)




Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 08, 2017, 21:50:46
Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 June.


Wednesday we left the campground late morning to head into Stockholm. On the way we went to a motorbike shop so I could replace my helmet. I purchased an Icon, a brand I had not seen before.


I had purchased the day before an early 60th birthday present (my birthday is not until November so this is really early), a GoPro and fitted it to the helmet.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8jDFH2k/0/986b9c14/L/i-8jDFH2k-L.jpg)


The weather turned for the worse after leaving the bike shop and as we headed into the city centre traffic mayhem reigned supreme. Bernard, Kitty and Lidy went to a museum while Mense and I beat a track to a cafe to hang out and dry out over the afternoon. The weather had improved by the time we caught the ferry, heading overnight to Turku.


A few pictures of the ferry trip.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tt27tfr/0/9e4a919c/L/i-Tt27tfr-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FXGVTzx/0/7b2bb5f4/L/i-FXGVTzx-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RwRDmvq/0/42590a16/L/i-RwRDmvq-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5zz2wkx/0/30fc9f30/L/i-5zz2wkx-L.jpg)





[/size][size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 08, 2017, 21:58:24
Arriving in Turku about 8:00am it was grey and lightly raining.

We suited up in our wet weather gear and headed Hameenlinna. About half way there we stopped and reconsidered our options, it was now persistent rain. We recalibrated our GPS's to the fastest route to Helsinki and set off.

For me, riding at 120km/hr in heavy rain was a new experience. Our legal limits in NZ is 100km/hr.

The motorway made light work of a heavy riding and by early afternoon we were in our accommodation for the next two nights drying out.

Tomorrow the four Dutch riders take a day off their bikes and head into the old part of Helsinki city centre. Me, I'm hoping to set my TomTom GPS for a round round and do a days riding to the countryside and back.

Maybe I will have some vidoes to post.

Here is one - riding onto the ferry (I obviously have a bit to learn about taking videos with GoPro)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mG9drmk/0/1796b943/1920/i-mG9drmk-1920.mp4 (https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mG9drmk/0/1796b943/1920/i-mG9drmk-1920.mp4)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Skye on June 08, 2017, 23:39:32

Royal Stables (?)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-C5zBbdb/0/db1efd24/L/i-C5zBbdb-L.jpg)

Actually Swedish parliament but understand your thoughts..  ::)
Not everyone has all horses in the stable..

Thanx for a nice and describing tour so far, we all reading it but without a descent keyboard it is always difficult to answer

About the Icon helmet. American brand. Got clothes from that company, nice looks but nothing last forever. Think the helmets are better but... AFX is a brand, that have equal stuff, half the price. Quite chocking that you bought it in Sweden, I've imported it from US, price the half..

Once again, thanx for the report. Midway..
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 10, 2017, 08:04:07
Thanks Skye.

Yesterday was a blast. The sun came out  :o  and the four Dutchies went into Helsinki for the day. They ended up catching an air show.

Me on the other hand, I was keen on more riding so I took the day to ride up to Pulkkilanharju and back. I put the TomTom on create a fun route and followed it for the day. I turned off motorways and spent the day riding back roads and gravel.

Some pics and a video

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4b5w5cP/0/64ad2e92/1920/i-4b5w5cP-1920.mp4 (https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4b5w5cP/0/64ad2e92/1920/i-4b5w5cP-1920.mp4)


Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 10, 2017, 08:11:00
Old stone church
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KTwwCwd/1/337391e8/L/i-KTwwCwd-L.jpg)


Lovely back roads to ride
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-49Pj5hC/0/fcc93a56/XL/i-49Pj5hC-XL.jpg)


I saw the church spire in the distance and rode over to it. Was not disappointed, I like this building.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mxcTX8R/0/21d30adf/XL/i-mxcTX8R-XL.jpg)


Farm buildings
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jr5ZLmp/0/037ec4a5/L/i-jr5ZLmp-L.jpg)


Tranquil - Pukkilanharju
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FGh6bh7/0/ad38da9a/XL/i-FGh6bh7-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dstnCTS/0/69a7ad1e/X2/i-dstnCTS-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xLcXCpF/0/454913d1/XL/i-xLcXCpF-XL.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Skye on June 10, 2017, 10:41:39
This was Lahti 3 months ago, hosting world ski championship
(http://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Lahti-Ski-Jumps-2017-02-23-at-6.48.28-AM.png)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 10, 2017, 17:36:54
Before we head into Russia, I took the opportunity to again do my own thing today. I left earlier than the others and rode slowly, stopping often to soak up the sun and the Finland atmosphere.

No videos today.

I also didn't take a lot of photos, I chose to look, see, smell, feel and absorb.

Tomorrow it is back to group riding as we ride into Russia.

Pics from today

A church
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HMgpwTM/0/87fa680e/L/i-HMgpwTM-L.jpg)
Found at
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cHv43Zj/0/ccc7c8ec/M/i-cHv43Zj-M.jpg)

The route took me to Artjarvi, Routsinkyla, Pernoo and just short of Kotka for our night's accommodation.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qZbbQmq/0/816e8496/L/i-qZbbQmq-L.jpg)

I enjoy taking photos of derelict buildings
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gTC7nzc/0/8959f161/L/i-gTC7nzc-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XBgJzKb/0/d7b61387/XL/i-XBgJzKb-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cDbSKxh/0/e7f12802/L/i-cDbSKxh-L.jpg)

Love the country side in Finland
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4HkQM4B/0/5b701f85/L/i-4HkQM4B-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XzFFPkg/0/d43ecd63/XL/i-XzFFPkg-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jw9RbtM/0/0e03d7cf/XL/i-jw9RbtM-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qTwKdwB/0/c1500a31/XL/i-qTwKdwB-XL.jpg)

Bug eyes  ;D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2vH3CVn/0/b9f6cedb/L/i-2vH3CVn-L.jpg)

Met another transalp rider. His bike is a 1995, and like mine has very low miles on it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PDrcghc/0/c1d545a2/L/i-PDrcghc-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wfQjTXr/0/ca5ed0f4/M/i-wfQjTXr-M.jpg)

He did tell me his name, but I found it unpronounceable.  We had coffee and a long talk, I enjoyed the conversation.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BBm7ghP/0/78288284/L/i-BBm7ghP-L.jpg)
[size=78%]


 

[/size]
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 10, 2017, 17:43:45
I followed a road that run beside the Kymi River that runs into the Baltic sea at Kotka.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-W6vLSN6/0/b701a3a7/L/i-W6vLSN6-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tSbRtGC/0/fb07dc7c/L/i-tSbRtGC-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kgdcFN9/0/a66cd1bc/L/i-kgdcFN9-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZRLmCvk/0/7fc53564/L/i-ZRLmCvk-L.jpg)


Near to where we are staying I came across this old wall. I haven't yet googled it to see what it is, looks old.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-L747XMR/0/a0b93f47/L/i-L747XMR-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gdGJx77/0/9b918050/L/i-gdGJx77-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JRmtXhJ/0/0269565d/L/i-JRmtXhJ-L.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 10, 2017, 17:46:06
Tomorrow we cross into Russia to St Petersburg.

Personally, this is one of the two most important bits of the trip for me.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on June 10, 2017, 19:28:22
Stunning David  VCIF_ThumbUp thank you very much  VCIF_ok
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 15, 2017, 08:40:55
I've been struggling to get a fast enough WiFi upload speed to update this report.


We are now in Latvia, having come from Finland via Russia (St Petersburg - an awesome city), and Estonia. More to come later.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 15, 2017, 08:50:37
One picture as a teaser...

This is the building I had most wanted to come and see having seen pictures of it when I was a small child.  It is the Church of the Spilt Blood.  The Cathedral.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JFQNwXD/0/f9c047ad/X2/i-JFQNwXD-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: zebulon on June 15, 2017, 09:04:50
 VCIF_ThumbUp
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 16, 2017, 20:20:17
Russia.

I'd like to spend a little bit of time on this. For me I have had a very long desire to travel to Russia. It is a country of mystery and intrigue for me.  Growing up I was taught Russia and communism was bad, therefore Russia was not a country I should aspire to travel to. Yet I read books and saw pictures of amazing places and intriguing people. I determined from a very young age that despite all of the persuasion from parents, friends and family not to travel to Russia that I would indeed do that.

Well some 30 years later I's finally on the doorstep of the great big country. Much has changed since I was a young adult.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 16, 2017, 20:29:01
We left Kotka early and made the Finland side of the border just before 9:00am. Ten minutes later we lined up at the Russian border. It took about an hour to get through. The border officials were helpful.

We then decided to take the shortest and quickest route into St Petersburg, including the new toll roads.  I found the toll roads very nice.

Russian drivers on the other hand were not. Coming from Finland where almost every single driver was polite and considerate the Russian roads were a big contrast. It was almost survival of the fittest!  Definitely needed to use mirrors on both sides of the bike.

We made it into the city and found our accommodation without trouble. Well a couple of false turns but not bad. We settled in and then walked into the city. The accommodation was very nice.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BxCX3Qt/0/48e76e04/L/i-BxCX3Qt-L.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 16, 2017, 23:15:11
The walk into the city center took a little while, but the day was warm and the weather kind. The visual explosion of buildings and architecture was mind blowing. The two must see buildings for us were the museum, the Hermitage, and the Cathedral - the church of the split blood.

Lidy and Bernard went inside the museum while Mense, Kitty and walked walked around the center and surrounding buildings. I was stunned at the beauty of it all. I had waited so long to come here, and the city was exceeding my expectations.  It was awesome.

Some pics
Russian Museum (not the Hermitage)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CqXx2gg/0/f509b61b/M/i-CqXx2gg-M.jpg)


The Church of the Split Blood
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7gr3w9H/0/8763d8ab/XL/i-7gr3w9H-XL.jpg)


Inside this church the art was spectacular. Each picture is not a painting, but a mosaic.  Look at the picture closely and you will the individual tiles
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SSs5hGS/0/529924e1/XL/i-SSs5hGS-XL.jpg)


My videoing is pretty poor, I am a new user of the GoPro. Anyhow, look at this short clip of the inside of the church and my reaction to it on walking in.

https://mrkiwi.smugmug.com/DWC/Europe-2017/Videos/n-wGC5V6/i-GkQbG5T/A (https://mrkiwi.smugmug.com/DWC/Europe-2017/Videos/n-wGC5V6/i-GkQbG5T/A)





Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 20, 2017, 13:05:04
The next day, Monday 12 June, I unfortunately slipped getting out of the shower and strained my back. I had an enforced rest day and caught the team up for dinner.

It was Russia Day and I had planned to go into the city center to see the celebrations. We caught some of the band's practice yesterday. However, I decided that I would not. In any event, it was just as well, as there were protests nearby the celebrations and avoiding the hot spots turned out to be a good strategy.

We instead had dinner at an Irish pub in St Petersburg. One of the waitresses was intrigued that I came all the way from New Zealand. But she got New Zealand a little confused with those pesky Australians  ;D .

The next day we packed up early and left for Estonia.

While I liked St Petersburg I could not quite relax when roaming the streets. It was an interesting city, well worth the visit. I'm very glad to have finally made the trip to St Petersburg.


Some more pics


I couldn't quite bring myself to order this
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nrSVksh/0/c8615eb7/L/i-nrSVksh-L.jpg)


Secure bike storage
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pZNkhfN/0/f1794146/L/i-pZNkhfN-L.jpg)


Another interesting church
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SZBqtHJ/0/e7d6b999/XL/i-SZBqtHJ-XL.jpg)


More buildings of interest (to me  8) )
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B52KVSK/0/7468b46d/XL/i-B52KVSK-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Szcjb8T/0/1149822e/L/i-Szcjb8T-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-djXDbRZ/0/002a0345/S/i-djXDbRZ-S.jpg)


Fish and chips
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dHrfdZV/0/6a5ee891/XL/i-dHrfdZV-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 20, 2017, 13:10:15
Tuesday 13 - St Petersburg to Mustvee Estonia.

Unlike the countries I had visited up to this point, where I knew a little about them even though I had not been to them before (apart from the Netherlands and Germany), the next four countries I knew almost nothing about other than were they were on a map. I was looking forward to learning a little about Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.


Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 20, 2017, 13:59:17
The Russian border crossing was more or less straight forward. The border officials were helpful, but they took some time to assess my first aid kit. I have a strong allergic reaction to bee stings so I carry an EPI pen in in my first kit. This pen is used to administer adrenalin should I need it. The border officials didn't know what to make of the EPI Pen but in the end they got out a magnifying glass the read the small print on it and they let it through.

The Estonian border reception was warm and welcoming.

We then took the road to Mustvee on the side of Lake Peipsi. The accommodation we had booked was over-subscribed but they put us in another building with better off road parking for the bikes and in a quieter location, but no WiFi. Mustvee is a small village that is essentially a summer holiday location. The lake is huge.

Some pictures
Thunder storms rolling around us as a welcome
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ghCFnQw/0/8e2b40e7/L/i-ghCFnQw-L.jpg)


The lakeside marina is small but very picturesque.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2XmkMmw/0/f33b2dde/L/i-2XmkMmw-L.jpg)






Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 20, 2017, 15:07:49
It was a short walk from the sleeping house to the restraint in the main hotel. Some pictures of the surrounds


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w2gcF86/1/a2b3c221/L/i-w2gcF86-L.jpg)


Beers in the door step
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-P76khRj/1/724b35f4/M/i-P76khRj-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kmtgZmR/1/b7fa67ad/L/i-kmtgZmR-L.jpg)


Winter supplies
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QqB3GQn/1/fd186366/M/i-QqB3GQn-M.jpg)


The lakeside
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ks4MPcz/1/36bdd593/L/i-Ks4MPcz-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mvZZwht/1/a9cf9d95/L/i-mvZZwht-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8KVfkgZ/0/0f8798ba/S/i-8KVfkgZ-S.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 20, 2017, 15:20:58
Wednesday 14 June - Mustvee to Riga.

This was a solid day's ride through some scenic country side and small towns finished off with a blast down the motorway into Riga.

Here we met up with Klavs Grass.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8DLQD7V/0/5b3ba23a/S/i-8DLQD7V-S.jpg)


He looked after us very well while in Riga. The first night of arrival he picked us up in a van and drove us around the city to see the sites.


The following day we walked around the old part of the town, it was a beautiful warm fine day and we had a lot of fun. A lot of walking too. Then in the evening Klavs picked us up and took us to Jurmala, a lovely beach resort area just outside Riga. The restaurant was fabulous and we were treated to a lovely sunset.


Some pics of Riga and the beach






Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on June 22, 2017, 17:57:12
I will finish this thread when I return to NZ.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 06, 2017, 03:20:14
Pictures of Riga


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5Snmtxb/1/78c5a03c/L/i-5Snmtxb-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xnMCVnq/1/3fdf7eed/L/i-xnMCVnq-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZPD7wt7/0/d30bac7a/L/i-ZPD7wt7-L.jpg)


Nice food too
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bwngR3h/0/17f18395/L/i-bwngR3h-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-McSk44Q/1/723d1d3f/XL/i-McSk44Q-XL.jpg)


The old cathedral in the city centre was built circa 1201=1212
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6XmLDX6/0/23db1f67/L/i-6XmLDX6-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zRbFcFW/0/cb460f16/XL/i-zRbFcFW-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6xNRGHW/0/257288a3/L/i-6xNRGHW-L.jpg)

Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 06, 2017, 03:31:03
And more (Riga was an interesting city)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mkfmm9w/1/83fa6dee/XL/i-Mkfmm9w-XL.jpg)


The famous black cat
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gbTz3jx/0/c773dd4a/L/i-gbTz3jx-L.jpg)


On our second night there Klavs took us out to the local bach about 70km out of town, an area known as Jurmala. There is an upmarket suburb there that wealthy Russians (in the main) live in, such as this one (just a cool two or more million Euros and it could be yours  :o )
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tgVHgpn/0/433b8d3c/XL/i-tgVHgpn-XL.jpg)


We eventually landed up on the beach for a lovely evening over a meal and were treated to a nice sunset.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GMRQSvg/0/8689b297/L/i-GMRQSvg-L.jpg)


The food was divine
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D5XDsrc/0/6a5a448e/XL/i-D5XDsrc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PwjNkZg/0/de65494a/XL/i-PwjNkZg-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DsZtXNj/0/b60c07f2/L/i-DsZtXNj-L.jpg)


I might add this was not my desert!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8KTLzkK/0/0c573016/XL/i-8KTLzkK-XL.jpg)


The sunset was peaceful and picturesque
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gQncCFc/0/bd9d2aff/L/i-gQncCFc-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 06, 2017, 03:34:46
The next morning we headed out to Klavs workshop to have our bikes checked for tire pressure and my chain needed adjusting. He gave laid on coffee and pastries and showed us his workshop.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gCrvQhZ/0/cd952667/M/i-gCrvQhZ-M.jpg)


We made a new friend
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZqcxVzf/0/591a6a61/L/i-ZqcxVzf-L.jpg)


After this we left Riga and Latvia and headed for Lithuania.
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Grass on July 06, 2017, 18:23:08
Hi, David!
Thank You for nice words! It was lovely to see You all.
I hope we meet again.
Klavs
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 07, 2017, 02:14:14
After the stop at Kalv's we hit the road for Lithuania and Vilnius. Even though the day was not long distance wise, around 370 km, we were leaving late after enjoying Klavs generous hospitality.

Our route was main roads as this was largely a transit day, apart for a deviation to the Hill of Crosses. In hindsight a few side roads along the way would have been nice, but hindsight is a wonderful thing.

To this Kiwi, with no knowledge of what the Hill of Crosses is or stands for, riding up to the site I was a little curious and maybe even a little cynical - was this another touristy thing to lure people to it? It looked gimmicky. BUT, I'm not to proud to admit I was totally wrong. This site stands for so much it is hard to put it in words. In the video below I try to, but it is too little and too inadequate.

Some pictures...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4pVJfMm/0/086a8f87/M/i-4pVJfMm-M.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LfJjdd9/1/8cadb1d1/XL/i-LfJjdd9-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sPKZ4LG/0/962d4d4b/L/i-sPKZ4LG-L.jpg)


Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 07, 2017, 02:15:51
And a short video ...

https://youtu.be/Gu6B_wxaziY (https://youtu.be/Gu6B_wxaziY)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 07, 2017, 02:24:44
That night we reached our accommodation. I had booked this for our group, but I was not expecting what I saw, a petrol station with the accommodation on top of it.


However, it turned out to be quite good. The rooms were clean and very quiet. Downstairs there was food and a small grocery store and for the night the garage manager allowed us to store our bikes in his locked workshop. All round perfect for a transit type stopover.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zt2brbh/0/0d36d40d/L/i-Zt2brbh-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:08:12
Friday 17 June - Vilnius to Sopot, Poland. Distance 550km via a couple of stopovers.

The fastest route on the GPS siad 7 hours riding. But we weren't taking the fastest route. We had two sights to visit so we chose the shortest route. And asmy wife knows, the shortest route can sometimes take the longest to drive as the roads sometimes turn out to be less than you anticipate. Today was such a day. We ended up doing 592 km mostly on back roads. Some great scenery, some of which I caught on the GoPro.

I had a lot of fun riding shitty tarmac roads. Some of these were as rough as guts. The first site we visited is the location of the attempted murder of Hitler in Poland, the Wolf's Lair. This is the site of Hitler's head quarters where he ran the war from. In subsequent years the Russian's decided to destroy the buildings but these were so strong nothing they had could demolish all the buildings. We later on stopped to take pics of the largest red brick castle in the world and that was an impressive building.


This evening one of our community here from Sopot joined us for dinner and then took us on a tour of the water front. Thanks Bogdan Edward Chudzíkíewícz (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001592126172&fref=mentions)
. We had a great night.


Some pics of the ride...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bPpQBtr/0/a00fbd1e/L/i-bPpQBtr-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CfbNbjL/0/ec37dfbd/L/i-CfbNbjL-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-r4nb26n/0/a4b75081/L/i-r4nb26n-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7b6V8dt/0/b178c8b0/L/i-7b6V8dt-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F6DFFLh/0/d3ba9df3/XL/i-F6DFFLh-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:10:11
Along the way we stopped a couple of times to take a pic or two or stretch the legs...


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xRL8ZSS/0/ae2921ef/L/i-xRL8ZSS-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MjPtrmV/0/58e57b06/XL/i-MjPtrmV-XL.jpg)


This is a sight I do not see at home
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wMP7qM5/0/8d461eb0/L/i-wMP7qM5-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:12:59
And then the castle


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-J8HXkTn/0/e431c677/L/i-J8HXkTn-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mKpmxMv/0/adcb9dd7/XL/i-mKpmxMv-XL.jpg)


And here is Oracle Bernie telling us about the castle

https://mrkiwi.smugmug.com/DWC/Europe-2017/Videos/n-wGC5V6/i-ZVRZDLt/A (https://mrkiwi.smugmug.com/DWC/Europe-2017/Videos/n-wGC5V6/i-ZVRZDLt/A)




Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:17:56
Waiting when we got there was Bogdan. We had a few beers and then a lovely evening out (it was his birthday too).  But I have no idea why the Oracle was looking a bit cross  :o ;D


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Rgwdwdh/0/a73ef9aa/L/i-Rgwdwdh-L.jpg)


Sopot at night


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GhQC3LX/0/cb5ce712/L/i-GhQC3LX-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tKNQxKq/0/17e1b70c/L/i-tKNQxKq-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:27:08
Sunday 18 June, Sopot to Usedom, Germany.

Two days of riding in Poland via back roads. Lots of fun, unless you are a pillion. Quite a lot of rough roads, but fun one up on a Transalp with new suspension. We crossed into Germany late in the afternoon after about 370 km. First stop of the day was at some lakes about 45 minutes out from Sopot. Then we stopped at midday at a supermarket and bought supplies for a picnic lunch. I had a bad head ache but some pain killers saw to that. Just as well as we had some fun roads in the afternoon.

Fine all day, temperature around 25. Red was still going strong, as am I was. Tomorrow is the last day of this group ride. Back to the Netherlands. Not many pics. The lake, and on the ferry crossing the river from Poland to Germany at Swinoujscie.

Some pics and a video of fine Polish roads. I must say I really enjoyed riding in Poland. Those country tree lined lanes are fun to ride.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VCdS9jk/0/0b611811/L/i-VCdS9jk-L.jpg)


Leaving Poland
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qdKbh2L/0/bf6169d4/L/i-qdKbh2L-L.jpg)


Evening location for dinner and a spot of boat envy 8)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-V8QGctQ/0/138e2b44/L/i-V8QGctQ-L.jpg)

One of my favourite meals of the trip, simple yet yummy....
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-d9hfw2v/0/49946422/L/i-d9hfw2v-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7dXXQjq/0/56dc7ad0/L/i-7dXXQjq-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VxGkJHr/0/f79f3121/L/i-VxGkJHr-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q5BvRpS/0/cf238f14/L/i-Q5BvRpS-L.jpg)



Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on July 10, 2017, 06:33:50
Monday 19 June - Usedom, Germany to Veendam. Last day.

The day started out cool but the temperature soon enough soured upwards. After a couple of hours riding the back roads we headed for the autobahn to get back as quickly as possible.

Last day pic
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WPfGCvQ/0/2cba12c2/XL/i-WPfGCvQ-XL.jpg)


Several weeks of bug kill
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jQP3Vzx/0/cf181b84/XL/i-jQP3Vzx-XL.jpg)


And then we were back
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TdWLfGf/0/76f0dea2/L/i-TdWLfGf-L.jpg)


Like that the first part of the trip was over. I now had a day to wash my clothes and get ready for my solo ride. This I will write in another thread.

I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. If doing it again I would endeavour to do a few things differently, but this trip got me to places I never thought I would get to. Thanks guys for a blast - it was fun...
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on July 10, 2017, 12:37:45
I'll be pleased to copy that!  ;) VCIF_salut
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: MrKiwi on August 07, 2017, 02:58:15
I'll be pleased to copy that!  ;) VCIF_salut

Got me some stickers too.  Some are a little big, others a better size.

These two belong together...

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-twFQXVJ/0/2e19207a/XL/i-twFQXVJ-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: MrKiwi's Road to and from VIM 19
Post by: Two Plugs on August 08, 2017, 12:16:24
I'll be pleased to copy that!  ;) VCIF_salut

Got me some stickers too.  Some are a little big, others a better size.

These two belong together...

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-twFQXVJ/0/2e19207a/XL/i-twFQXVJ-XL.jpg)

 :-* :-* :-*  VCIF_ThumbUp
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