Avoiding the cold in Middle East in winter - is it possible?!

[Georgina in Egypt]

Yes, that would be great, thanks!

http://www.tianatagh.blogspot.com/?m=1

 

[huffalump.fairy]

I thought the Middle East was the Gulf and the Levant? I didn't think it included all those dodgy former Soviet states further east in continental Europe?

I would advise against going to any of those areas, TBH. Cyclists are viewed as the lowest in the traffic pecking order, driving standards are shocking, alcohol a big problem and you would be quite likely to come back in a box. Is there something you need to prove? Your lack of understanding of the areas you plan to visit is very clear.

Houses and budget hotels in the Middle East that I know are poorly insulated, have single glazing and no proper heating so your dislike of the cold is not going to help. Conditions are often wet, miserable and depressing; I've been colder and more depressed and homesick than ever in the Middle East in winter because there's often no relief from the cold. If you wanted comfortable accommodation you'd do better to tour Scandinavia, brave the cold riding and enjoy decent accommodation. You can ride in snow and ice with the right tyres.

Have you considered the insurance requirements of the trip?

Thanks for your comments but they seem a little harsh...

Who said the 'dodgy former soviet states' are the Middle East?! I certainly didn't and they're not continental Europe either, they are Central Asia.

Yes, obviously insurance requirements are being considered and the issues that arise from travelling in countries that the foreign office advises against travel to.

Pretty big assumption that I have no knowledge of the area because I am asking for advice. I worked in Uzbekistan, Krygyzstan, China, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories as a tour leader and have cycled in countries where road safety is a big issue (India, Sri Lanka). I just need some inside info on cycling in winter trying to cross from Europe to Asia. At the moment I'm looking at sitting out the winter in Southern Turkey and volunteering on eco projects. I love the 'chance' of travel and the political situations change so regularly at the moment it would be impossible to make a plan and stick to it.

Just need to find that not-too-cold winter weather and follow it for a while.

Thanks

 

[huffalump.fairy]

That's all the things that makes the trip enjoyable and interesting, that why so many of us take these journeys. LOL

Agreed! Strict plans can shelter you from serendipity, political situations change and countries open and close and travel tales would be pretty boring if they had no colourful details! You never know what might happen when you travel which is why I leave home in the first place

 

[huffalump.fairy]

There is one for sale on Manchester Gumtree but it is a 56 frame.

Steve

Thanks, will have a look. Waiting to hear back from someone about a Dawes Galaxy and another bike as well.

Today we heard back from a company who we'd been waiting to hear from about some work...was a disappointing email so I am super keen to get everything ASAP and get going.

 

[Yellow7]

Hi Huffalump.

Hi have no immediate advise or suggestions but maybe what happens in the next few weeks of my tour could be of help. I'm presently on tour and original plans (from last year) was to head through Iran but changes from Feb /march meant this is now not possible for Brits so headed up to Georgia, and now in Azerbaijan's Baku awaiting Uzbek & Tajik visas so we could do some of the Pamir highway, the eventually end up in China, but with one delay after another and now being September the temperature won't be on our side, so maybe stay tuned to see what happens to us....we'll no doubt encounter problems that you could then avoid.

Update: The Caspian sea ferry is not so bad, the new port is easy to get to, three Manchester lads we rode with from Batumi cycling to Oz took the ferry last Monday and it took 20 hrs to reach Aktau, on arrival they just had to sit patient on the boat in port for 24 hours while paperwork was done, ferry cost's $120 U.S. and as of July this year Kazakhstan is visa-free for 15 days (for Brits and 9 other nations) We've just come back form the port to check on next crossing and were told to return tomorrow for an update as the incoming boat is delayed.

mark