The motorcycling fraternity across the world is something to behold. Not only are we a diverse group of individuals, when we meet whether on high mountain passes, back country roads or even in urban settings, a wave or a nod confirms our solidarity. Thus the opportunities for camaraderie and friendship abound. And so it was to be on this trip too.
THE CREW Good mates Chris Cole( UK) and Raytcho Raykov( originally from Bulgaria) have been riding in Europe for many years and, when Raytcho purchased a large-ish property in Montenegro, he had ideas of starting up a B & B and motorcycling tour-guiding business. Chris went about sourcing older model CRF250 Rally models knowing they would be reliable, suitable for a large range of riders, in both size and ability, providing the beginnings of a great enterprise. Chris comes to NZ every year, and also joined Greg’ s 70th birthday Cape York ride( click here to read that), so we know him well. Not so this Raytcho fella, who not only sounds dodgy but looks it too. So, when he was looking for some guinea pigs for a first tour, Chris thought that a bunch of Kiwis would be the right fit … if we didn’ t return, the world wouldn’ t see it as a big loss. After some to-ing and fro-ing, last minute
replacements and logistical nightmares, three of us headed to Montenegro to catch up with Chris and Raytcho, as well as another UK superstar, Simon Chance. Chris Stephens, Chris’ s son Tim and I met in Gatwick, then travelled by Wizz Air to Podgorica to meet Raytcho, for the private transfer to Sutomore at Raytcho and Eva’ s HQ. Chris C and Simon had travelled overland from the UK, arriving the evening before, claiming the larger of the three new and well-appointed, self-contained apartments on offer at Raytcho Ranch.
BIKE PREP First on our agenda was obviously to choose a bike and give it a once over. Comprising of two Honda CRF250 Rallys and one CRF250L( the naked Rally), we were underwhelmed at the prospects of 14 days on one of these gutless little toys. Chris C, Simon and Raytcho turned up on KTM 690s, so were feeling quite smug that they didn’ t have to ride the 250s. We spent a day sorting the bikes, preparing the gear, first-aid kits, and special tools( essential to remove the Honda front wheel), all packed into Kriega luggage. We fitted our helmets with Cardo communications, which proved to be invaluable once on the trail, not only for the light hearted
KIWI RIDER 25