Trip Highlights

• Meeting up in Ulan Bator for your training day - meet the Kudu team and get to grips with the kit and equipment you will be using throughout.
• Heading north to Russia - your first wild camp. Get used to life on the road and the routine of camping in the wild as we cross over into Russia on good tar roads.
• Ulan Ude - cosmopolitan city at the start of the Trans-Siberian Highway.
• Take a day trip out to visit Lake Baykal, the largest mass of fresh water in the world and the world's deepest lake.
• Head east on the Trans-Siberian highway and then turn northwards towards Yakutsk. Endless miles of Siberian forests and mountains on rough gravel roads where you will soon become accustommed to live under canvas.
• Yakutsk - have a hot shower and a well earned rest in this fascinating city deep in the Siberian wilderness. You and the Kudu team will take time to prepare for the toughest sections of the route to come as we prepare to tackle the Road of Bones.
• Crossing the mighty Lena River and feeling you are really embarking upon a mighty adventure. 2,000 miles of wild Siberia stand between you and your ultimate destination - Magadan.
• Tackling the Road of Bones - you will undoubtedly find it tough going and always expect the unexpected. Broken bridges, mud, badly deteriorated tracks and roads mean you will need to remain flexible, work as a team and show real determination to make progress.
• The final leg to Magadan - the last, easier gravel section will be a welcome relief as you ride the final miles to Magadan. Entering the town will mark the successful conclusion to a long-held dream for many riders. You have now joined a select few who have ridden the Road of Bones - time to celebrate!
  

Kudu's Bikes

You can ride a Kudu bike or your own on this expedition and prices vary. Kudu will be using out tried and tested Yamaha Teneres which are great all-round bikes capable of covering huge distances on tar and trail in comfort. They have a comfortable saddle, good wind protection and a punchy, 660cc single cylinder engine. They performed excellently on our Round the World 2009 Expeditions and really come into their own when riding on the more challenging tracks and trails. They are especially easy and forgiving bikes to handle if you are an off-road beginner and they will make the long sections through Siberia and on the Road of Bones a real joy to ride.

Bringing your own bike

Many other dual purpose bikes are suitable for this trip but we do not recommend bringing a big touring bike such as a 1200 or 1150 GS which will be extremely difficult to handle during the most difficult sections. Please be aware that the bigger the bike, the tougher the rough road sections are going to be and this is most relevant to off-road novice riders. In addition you will have to consider how your bike is going to make it to the start line in Ulaanbaatar. If you have any queries at all about the suitability of your bike then please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

Pre-Expedition Training and Orientation

We at Kudu take great pride in running thoroughly professional adventures which are open to anyone with a desire to challenge themselves and what they are capable of.  You do not need to be a highly experienced motorcyclist, off-road expert or have a huge amount of adventurous travel experience.  Our training and orientation days are designed to be informal, enjoyable affairs where you can meet your fellow adventurers and the Kudu team in a relaxed environment.

TRAINING (1 DAY) :

• Meet the Kudu team and each other
• Equipment and route familiarisation
• GPS training
• Ride out and navigation practical
• Motorcycle maintenance and repair

With Kudu's unique pre-expedition and en-route training, all included in the price, you can begin the toughest challenge of your life well prepared for what lies ahead. At present the trainind day is earmarked to be held on day one of the expedition (on arrival in Ulaanbaatar).

Your Kudu Support Crew

As usual you will be supported throughout by members of the Kudu Expeditions team including an expedition leader and guide, mechanic and medic. Our support vehicles are packed with tools and spare parts to keep vehicles and riders moving and they also carry communal equipment, such as tents, chairs and cooking kit. Our expeditions are run in a unique and highly successful way designed to give you the right professional support as back-up, whilst still enabling you to experience real adventures on a truly challenging trip.

Is this trip for me?

The Road of Bones Expedition will be a tough adventure at times covering vast distances and some very challenging terrain. Please remember however that all routes are achievable for any determined off-road beginner and it is normal for us to have several off-road novices on our tours - you wont be alone! In addition we take a very pro-active approach to training throughout the tour and staff will be there to instruct and help you along, whether it be with your off-road riding skills or GPS navigation. There are many nights camping out in the wilderness too where we will be completely self-sufficient, and for most this is a real highlight of their adventure. If you have any concerns or questions about how suitable you think this expedition may be for you then please don't hesitate to get in contact with us - we are here to help! Much more information is available in the Road of Bones Info Pack.