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SPIRITS OF ADVENTURE 2007 ITINERARY
BMW World Record Tour: Countries
Read a selection of the Newbound's country descriptions and journal
entries from the past four years. The most recent are listed first.
Check in to the Spirits of Adventure 2007 website for the latest entries. They try their
best to keep the site current but it is not always possible because
of limited internet access or extended times on their bikes.
Czech Republic
Not only rich in history, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful
scenery and towns in all of Europe. Prague like a peacock, displays
some of the greatest architecture in the world. Czech cuisine is
inexpensive, varied and exciting. The Czech Republic is a country
that we have fallen in love with and it is still one of the cheapest
destinations in all of Europe. If it is winter sports or relaxing
summer holidays then the Czech Republic should be one of your first
tourist destinations. The Czech people are resilient, hospitable,
full of character and extremely proud of their heritage. We have
thoroughly enjoyed our stay here in this rich and cultural country.
Germany
Visited BMW Munich and then experienced some wonderful days riding
along the banks of the Rhine - the mighty river that gives western
Germany a touch of class. You can enjoy majestic cruises along the
river for an hour or a week, or simply marvel at the baroque architecture,
dine in incredible restaurants or riverside cafes or ride along
the banks of the Rhine and enjoy some of the best scenery that Europe
has to offer. Great cuisine, amazing hospitality, superb terrain,
wonderful camping and all at a reasonable value. Don't ride through
Germany - stop and embrace it!
England and Wales
We made a brief return to England and thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful
few days with our families in Plymouth, London, Stafford and Wales.
We also experienced one of the must do experiences when in England
and that is a sight seeing tour of London and received an incredible
welcome from the officers and soldiers of the 26th Engineers Regiment
British Army when we visited their base in Salisbury.
Switzerland
Fast transit but stunningly beautiful, have spent many days in Switzerland
before the record quest and certainly one of the highlights in Europe.
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Austria
Regrettably we had a fast transit through Austria. Beautiful scenery
and certainly one of the top European tourist destination in summer
and winter. We look forward to returning soon.
Iran
For the latest travel news and political news we recommend that
you check with your embassy and Travel Advisory before planning
your journey. Adventure in our opinion, is relative to familiarity
and for that reason alone you should consider Iran as an adventure
experience. We found the people that we met in Iran to be hospitable
and kind. "BMW Tehran - Nuriani Enterprises" bestowed
on us exceptional hospitality and Mr. Hushang Nuriani at 70 years
old was certainly one of the greatest if not one of the most inspiring
characters that we have met during our three and a half years on
the road.
Turkey
Immediately we found ourselves embraced in Turkey's culture, history
and cuisine and simply found it impossible to leave. We can only
comment on our own experiences so far, but in the short time we
have been here, we found Turkey to be safe, friendly, cultural and
exciting. The whole Turkey experience is like a great adventure
novel. With each turn of the page it continues to captivate leaving
you spellbound and lusting for more.
Macedonia
After the shortest of visits to Albania we returned to Greece and
rode North to the Macedonia Border and on the way visited the beautiful
towns of Pirsogianni and Kastoria. Confusingly we saw two or three
"Welcome to Macedonia" signs deep inside Greece before
we eventually crossed the real border. Again, because of our government
warnings we made our visit short and returned to Greece.
Albania
We thought long and hard about visiting Albania such is the instability
of the country. After a final consultation with our government website
warnings we decided we would enter the country visit the first city
to obtain a Albania Sticker for our bikes and then exit the country.
Unfortunately there were no Albanian stickers or "Welcome to
Albania" signs.
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Greece
We departed Italy from Brindisi ferry port and sailed with bikes
to Igumenitsa and arrived on time at 5.30 AM. Our aim was to visit
Albania and Macedonia as quickly as possible and then tour beautiful
Greece. It wasn't long before we were cruising high in the mountains,
swimming in the beautiful lakes and experiencing scenery that was
simply out of this world.
Vatican City
The world's smallest country, given independence by Mussolini in
1924 and the home of the Catholic church. Incredibly our visit was
at the same time as the Pope was giving an audience to pilgrims
and worshipers from around the world. Absolutely incredible experience
and just another day in our BMW World Record Tour.
Italy
We arrived in Italy from Spain and visited Pisa, Florence and the
capital Rome. During our time in Italy we realised that it was certainly
great to be back in Europe. So many beautiful places to see and
discover. It is regrettable that in one week we could only scratch
the surface of this beautiful country.
Monaco
Unfortunately our schedule allowed us just 24 hours in Andorra,
but it was time enough to visit the mountainous region of Northern
Andorra. Our next destination was the world-famous Monaco and Monte
Carlo.
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Andorra
After a cultural couple of days and one press conference hosted
by Ms Carmen Rosa of BMW Spain and our translator Eva, we had the
pleasure of exploring Barcelona and discovering all that this incredible
city has to offer. We then rode North across some spectacular scenery
to Andorra - famed for its motorcycle riding and scenery.
Spain
After just five days in Portugal visiting Vila Real, Porto and Lisbon
we entered Spain via the town of Badajoz and visited Madrid, Valencia
and Barcelona. We received the kindest of welcomes from BMW Group
Spain and gave a press conference in Madrid and Barcelona. We later
visited the historical town of Valencia and rode north east to Barcelona.
Special thank you to BMW Groups Portugal and Spain for your hospitality
and generosity.
Portugal
We arrived in Northern Portugal from Southern Spain and visited
the beautiful towns of Villa Real, Porto and Lisbon. A beautiful
country rich in history and culture and one we would love to experience
again. Special thank you to BMW Club Porto and Team BMW Porto for
your hospitality and cultural music CD.
Spain
After visiting Paris, France we rode South and entered Spain from
San Sebastian and rode South East to Villa Real, Portugal.
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France
After the briefest of stays in Luxemburg we rode South for a small
family reunion with my sister Jane and dad and enjoyed the culture,
cuisine and art of this truly amazing country.
Luxemburg
After a 1100 mile ride from Slovakia across the Czech Republic and
Germany we arrived in Luxemburg - our 40th country. Regrettably,
we did not have the time to explore this small and beautiful country.
Romania
Departed Bulgaria for a fast transit across Romania so we could
meet with our family in Paris, France. From our short stay Romania
we have to say it was incredibly beautiful with some excellent riding
however at times the highways and B roads were in extremely poor
condition with no visible sign at all of highway maintenance.
Bulgaria
After a fantastic time in Serbia experiencing their culture we arrived
in Bulgaria to enjoy and experience some great scenery. We had a
few days on the beach North of Sofia and attended a Bulgarian motorcycle
rally.
Serbia and Montenegro
Had a incredible good time hosted by the many motorcycle groups
of Serbia. Special thank you goes to the Belgrade Motorbike Club
"Arc Angel" and the Novisad Motorcycle group.
Bosnia
After riding south through the Adriatic coastline we arrived in
Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2004 and experienced some historic
and traditional landmarks. The hospitality was generous and the
cuisine excellent.
Croatia
After our bikes arrived from USA, we crossed the Czech republic,
Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia and then arrived in
beautiful Croatia in June 2004.
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USA
We spent twelve months discovering the United States and
only touched the surface. Wherever we went we were the recipients
of incredible generosity and kindness. A country which simply has
everything. The USA has a rich and complex culture and a wondrous
and diverse landscape. We found the people to be honest, religious
and giving, and they have a love of sports, music and the recreational
outdoors. If there is one country we would like to explore again
it would be the United States of America.
Canada
Yukon - Nova Scotia
We returned to Canada after touring Alaska and commenced
our fourth crossing of North America, our destination St Johns,
Newfoundland. We had a fantastic time with our family in Edmonton
and thoroughly enjoyed the riding, scenery and hospitality of the
Canadian people. Canada is without doubt one of the most beautiful
countries we have ever seen. Wherever we went the hospitality was
warm, friendly and courteous. Certainly one of our favourite countries
and one we are desperate to return to.
Canada
British Columbia - Fairbanks
We arrived in Vancouver Island and headed North through
British Columbia and onward to Alaska and Prudhoe Bay. We then travelled
from the West coast to the East coast and visited every province
of the country.
USA
Butte, Montana - Vancouver, Canada
After our second crossing of USA we departed Virginia for Alaska
visiting Custer's Memorial, Powwow Indian Event, Sturgis, Crazy
Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and met motorcycle stunt riders Evil
Knievel and Robbie Knievel.
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Mexico
We returned to Mexico from Cuba and headed North West to
mainland USA experiencing some of the most wonderful scenery and
riding of our world tour. Monika and I received generous kindness
and hospitality during our time in Cancun from Mr. Jorge Pinto and
his wonderful family.
Cuba
We flew to Cuba from Cancun and stayed for six incredible weeks.
We visited almost every part of the island. Special Thank you to
"Adolfo Priesto" and his family for making our stay such
a memorable one. Thank you as well to the Harley Davidson Club of
Cuba.
The scenery was outstanding, the people warm and the historical
attractions, old houses and relic cars made for a memorable and
exciting visit.
USA
Our arrival in Key West marked the first of our coast to
coast crossings of North America, riding from the southern tip of
Baja, California across the USA to the beautiful Florida Keys.
Baja, Mexico
Baja California was our first chance to completely rest after six
long months crossing the former Soviet Union. It was the first time
we had seen sun, surf and sand since the record challenge began
but we didn't rest until we completed the world famous "Baja
500" Route.
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USA
We arrived in America at Los Angeles Airport after a one
month tour of Japan. We were generously hosted by Al and Julie Jesse
- Arizona who generously provided accommodation until our bikes
arrived three weeks later. We then commenced our North America section,
a journey involving four coast-to-coasts and every mainland state
of the USA and every Canadian province.
Japan
We arrived in Japan by ferry from Vladivostok and spent a month
touring this beautiful country. Incredible hospitality, amazing
culture, wonderful riding. Thank you to Mr. Kato - BMW Japan for
your hospitality and thank you to the Chizuko family and Peter Shackley
for making our stay so wonderfully memorable.
Russia - Siberia
We entered Siberia from Mongolia and headed east to Vladivostok.
In Vladivostok we were hosted by the world famous Iron Tigers Motorcycle
Club and they treated us like every other biker who visits Vladivostok,
absolutely brilliantly.
Mongolia
Incredible adventure, amazing culture and wonderful people.
China - Beijing
During our time in China we visited the the Great Wall
of China, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and were the recipients
of some amazing hospitality. It is our dream to return to China
to experience more thoroughly its culture, history and landscape.
In our opinion China possibly has the greatest food in the world.
Mongolia
We entered Mongolia from Siberia and it soon became one of our favourite
countries, it was everything we dreamed it would be and much, much
more.
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Russia - Siberia
We departed eastern Kazakhstan and headed for Novosibirsk
Siberia. Monika and I were the recipients of the greatest hospitality
and kindness from the management and staff of BMW Novosibirsk. Siberia
is adventure with a capital "A" and the people of Siberia
are generous, friendly and kind.
Kazakhstan
We entered Kazakhstan from Siberia and and had one of the most memorable
experiences of our world record challenge. Wonderful country, lovely
people and a fantastic adventure.
Russia
We returned to Russia after three weeks touring the Ukraine
and headed north to the capital city. Geoff Mead Sky News and Mr.
Vladimir Vidulov and Ms Olga Pelz BMW Russia ensured our stay was
hospitable, memorable and exciting. BMW Russia serviced our bikes
and offered tyre and service support for our crossing of the Soviet
Union. The architecture and monuments of St Petersburg and Moscow
are grand, impressive and plentiful. We found the people of Russia
and Siberia to be generous, kind and accommodating. The country
is vast and the landscape at times stunning. It is our dream one
day to fully explore Siberia.
Moldova
Our shortest time in any of the countries we have visited. We spent
one hour crossing the south east corner of the country
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Ukraine
We arrived in Ukraine from Belarus and made many new friends
in Odessa. The cities of Odessa and Kiev are historical and beautiful
and the kindness, generosity and hospitality from the Odessa Motorcycle
Club will stay with us for ever.
Belarus
A three day transit of Belarus. To our surprise this small country
was more how we imagined Russia to be, with its many relics and
statues from the former soviet occupancy.
Lithuania
A three day transit of this small country. They say the
best things come in small packages and so it proved to be. Lithuania
is a wonderful experience and like Latvia and Estonia it is really
worth the visit.
Latvia
A three day transit of this small country. We were lucky to be there
during their National Celebrations. Beautiful scenery, friendly
people and some amazing architecture.
Estonia
Beautiful country. Culturally and architecturally Tallinn
is very similar to Prague. We thought Tallinn was one of the most
beautiful cities in the world. Certainly one of the hidden jewels
of Europe and on par with Prague in the Czech Republic.
Russia
We entered Russia from northern Norway just before Russian national
day and rode from Murmansk to Estonia via St Petersburg.
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Norway -NordKapp
Incredibly beautiful with a unique and wondrous landscape. Norway
has fantastic terrain that provides incredible riding to match anywhere
in the world.
Sweden
We arrived in Sweden from Denmark and and rode north to our next
destination Norway. Sweden is an amazing country and Stockholm with
its meandering waterways is truly worth a visit.
Denmark
We arrived in Denmark from Sweden and spent just one day
there. We visited the capital city and experienced a little of their
culture and cuisine.
Sweden
We arrived in Sweden from Finland and rode west to catch the ferry
to Denmark. Enjoyed the beautiful and historical surroundings of
Stockholm. We was generously hosted by Sven and Nadja Dehlen.
Finland
After arriving from Poland by ferry we spent two days touring
the southern part of the country. Beautiful and very similar to
Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Poland
We arrived in Poland from Germany and had three fantastic days in
Warsaw hosted by our friend Richard Jakobek. Wonderful people, historical
scenery and excellent cuisine.
Germany
Check Point Charley Germany - one of the most famous landmarks of
the Cold war. Regrettably we made a fast transit of Germany but
we will certainly return to explore more thoroughly.
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Holland
We stayed for one night in the small town of Tilburg before
moving East into Germany.
Belgium
Arrived in Belgium from France and continued North to Holland -
our destination Tilburg.
France
Arrived in France after a short crossing on the channel Tunnel in
the company of intrepid and good looking Adventurer Richard Jakobek.
We travelled from Dover to Calais and then headed North to Belgium
England
Departed England from the BMF show. Had a wonderful send off from
members of the GS motorcycle club and friends. We received a special
send off from TV celebrities and world adventurers EASY RIDERS -
MONDO ENDURO and TERRA CIRCA Clive, Austin and Gerald, GSCLUBUK,
Dad, Kelly,
Wales
Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our friends and family.
Scotland
A short time spent in this wonderful country. Entered from Ireland
and rode south to England
Northern Ireland
After departing Dublin we headed to Sligo on the western coast of
Ireland and then rode through Belfast to catch the ferry to Scotland.
Ireland
First night camping of our world record challenge. Had a fantastic
send-off from Maxwell's BMW and then rode to the seaside town of
Sligo.
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