Siberia - Winter Biking
 

3 months across Yakutia

Just 10 days until I fly back out to Russia with my bike.

The plan is to start cycling from Irkutsk, up Lake Baikal, to Severobaykalsk. Then head to Yakutsk on the zimnik (ice road) via the Lena River. Hopefully I can pop to Oymyakon (coldest inhabited place on earth). Then it'll be along the Road of Bones until turning north on another zimnik to meet the Kolyma River and continue up to Cherskiy on the north coast.

I've got 3 months on my visa and I'm going to need every day of that! Even so, it's a bit too far to cycle the whole distance, so I'll be hitching a ride for a bit, probably between Lensk and Yakutsk. All I know for sure is that I want to bike from Yakutsk to Cherskiy, and Lake Baikal (if it actually freezes over in time! I am yet to develop the ability to ride on water :) )

So the route will be something like this:

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Not sure how much I'll be blogging on the way. But I will def be sending updates via Twitter. And I'll be carrying a SPOT so you can see how I'm progressing...

Wish me luck and a return with all my fingers and toes!

Very excited now. Can't wait to get out there...

Looks very exciting. Wish you all the best :thumbup1:

Very Impressed
 

Wow Helen, that is quite an undertaking, my fingers are getting cold just at the thought of it:freezing:

You'll have a great time- all the best

Tiffany

Take lots of pics ... especially after Ust Nera.

You planning on going further next winter? to Egvekinot / Anadyr?

Be careful and please keep us posted.

PS: You're insane!

I'm sure your adventure will be an unforgettable experience and a great success.

I wish you all the very best.

Greetings from north Italy, you are absolutely great!

Thanks all!

That was my original plan, but what with visas and permits, I'm finishing in Chersky this time. Let's see how this winter goes first :)
There is a Japanese cyclist who has already biked there, several years ago. Very impressive! (Hiro Andow)

Well, I'm all packed and will be off to the airport early tomorrow. Excited and nervous!

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Now what on earth gave me this ridiculous notion to think that cycling in Yakutia in winter would be a good idea?!

So far, this trip is not going quite as planned!

When I first arrived in Irkutsk, with the plan to cycle up Lake Baikal - it was still rather warm. Crucially, the lake hadn't yet frozen completely. That makes cycling over it tricky! So I went for a few day's biking from Irkutsk to the Lake instead - and that was pretty cool. And the lake in winter is beautiful.

Then I took a train to Neriyungri to start cycling up to Yakutsk - earlier than intended. Crucially, that meant it was colder than if I'd arrived when planned. All I can say is that the difference between -30C and -50C is not a pleasant one. Not at least when you're camping and your stove won't work or when you're cycling and you get (another) puncture! I never thought it would be easy... but there is no grim masochistic satisfaction with these constant survival challenges!

So, will I make it to Cherskiy? That, I'm not sure... I may have to console myself on the Road of Bones to Magadan (at least there I can get help along the way if/when I need it).

Well, more on my blog and plenty of photos too...

Into the White
Biking to Baikal and Olkhon Island
Too Cold - Winter Biking Yakutia - from Neriyungri to Yakutsk

I had a look at your blog(s). It seems to be bitterly cold but loads of fun!! Enjoy!

Well, I am now in Magadan!
After Yakutsk, the cycling was great, what a difference 20C makes. It was still cold at night though and my toes were definitely suffering with the prolonged cold.
I made decision to ride to Magadan, not Chersky... primarily because of the slower than expected pace meant I would be short of time on my visa and to be honest, I needed to rest up if I was going to take on that challenge. So I took the shorter, easier road to Magadan and enjoyed the whole way. It was the right choice, although I am pretty gutted I didn't go north.
But, I now have a good excuse to return... perhaps then I will start in Ust-Nera and continue into Chukotka. Very tempting... (now I'm cosy, snug and warm indoors).

Anyway, here are some photos from Yakutsk to Magadan:

http://helenstakeon.com/blog/kolyma-...sk-to-magadan/

Well done Helen, glad you made it to Magadan!


Mark
www.bamriders.com

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