Hi guys!

I'm finally in UB and could not be happier. What a feeling after years of yearning...
This morning I extended my Mongolian visa so I can stay 60 days, and after that I dropped my passport at the Russian embassy and they said it should be OK. So.. I should be able to cross towards Kazakhstan.

After this I bought a stove and went checking bikes. Since the budget is blown I'm looking and t push bikes at the moment, which is awesome! Cycling home! How cool!

But! I know what I want to see in Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

But what is the situation in the short passage through Russia? I will get 30 days visa. Since I will be pushing pedals speed is... well.. not existing.

So, just cruise though and get to Kazakhstan asap or are there a few must sees/do?

Also, I spoke a Mongolian woman today and she said lots of snow are expected next week . Anybody got a tip on what to expect road wise?

Alex

Fortune and Glory, kid. Fortune and Glory.

....ahem......

Weather Mongolia
Weather Russia
Useful page

I have a feeling that the quote from my hero mister Indy Jones triggers some nerves. So... behold and look below... and you'll see nothing!

now then...about the batman avatar.....

Peddle power is ...what? averaging 25Kms/hr for say 6 hours a day=150Kms a day? wow, looking at the distances....that's going to be some peddling. Have a look at Colebatch's waypoints- they might be of help to you.
As for weather and everything else, local knowledge is always priceless Alex - ask the same question to 5 different people and see!

Now I can see the issue with the footer... but the Batman will never leave!!

Thanks! Appreciate the info.

The miles.. yes. I think 150 is a very, very high estimate on the km. I'm expecting it to be lower, with the wind and rain. And the road conditions. I do get around 150 a day in Europe. . But hey.. that's In Germany. With a bakery on every corner!

About the weather.. it's really nice right now.. 18 degrees, walking around in a shirt getting a lovely sunburn. But the lady selling me the stove asked what I was going to do... and she said.. 'oh no, lots and lots snow coming. Warning is given. Last week, snow as high as car roof! No ..no.. no camping or traveling for you'. So yeah.. that scared me..

But for some... unclear reason mongolia is not worrying me. It's the part in Russia that feels very ... unknown territory.

Will spend the coming days buying a first aid kit and a water purifier and then get going. I always wanted this.. and now that it's here.. is scaring the ... out of me!

Alex

The wedge of Russia between Mongolia and Kazakhstan is one of the most beautiful parts of Russia; the Altai Republic. The most beautiful parts require border permits which you would need some time to secure, but just riding down the M52 (Chuya Highway) is a stunningly beautiful journey. One top would be to be a little wary of local (Altai) drunks who can be a touch aggressive. Camp out of sight of the road / villages. This is easy however. The scenery is superb.

Once you get down close to Gorno-Altaisk, the scenery is less exciting, and Gorno-Altaisk is definitely missable. There are a few routes to the Kazakhstan border, but I would recommend crossing the bridge in Aya, then going through Beloretsk, Aleisk and Rubtsovsk. Or you could try to find a backroad to Zmeinogorsk which is also a lovely place; friendly Siberian towns which are very welcome after the wilderness of Mongolia and Altai.

Mongolia is fantastic, absolutely full of things to see. BUT, if it snows you can really get in trouble. As there is only really one or two formal roads, the majority of tracks simply disappear if there has been any amount of snowfall. If you are in a remote region, you can get lost very, very easily. I speak from experience!

I've written four articles about the 3.5 months I spent driving around all parts of Mongolia on my website (link below), perhaps you can find some inspiration. I would stay away from the main 'roads' as much as possible though, unless it really does snow appreciably.

EO

__________________
EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.

Saving money for a long time and collecting a lot of info everywhere on where to go and what to do... and finally making a decision.

I just got back from the store with my brand new ride!

A whopping 1hp (human power) and with a pretty good fuel consumption this baby will get me around the globe! Only downside might be getting her going on a cold morning. At least 3 coffees before anything happens...

Anyway, I'm as happy as can be and will start packing tomorrow! And then.. ready to ride!

Alex

Wow this looks amazing! I'd love to do some kind of bicycle tour to get me a bit fitter! I suspect cycling 50 miles a day for a few weeks will probably tighten up the old tummy!

What bike did you get and do you mind if I ask what gear you will be taking? I did look a bit into it but I didn't think I could carry everything I needed on bicycle panniers, even on a touring bicycle!

Very best of luck to you

Sure, it's a Trek 8.2 ds. Pretty basic model with no features. Because of the budget and easier to fix in the middle of nowhere. So no hydraulic brakes for example.

Luggage is: clothing, tent, sleeping bag + mat, spare inner tube + tools, stove, pan, food, water and 'other' (gps, map, camera, book, first aid, ...).

I'm not a fatty and drop weight a little too fast. However! Tummy is not a flat/six pack as wanted/hoped and requested by woman. I do hope that riding the bike will tone the rest but for the stomach I'll have to do 'some' crunches. It's the only way to get the stomach that will get you on the cover of men's health. And is that not something we all want..

Alex