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From Italy to Japan through Russia, on a Vespa
Hello world!:thumbup1:
I'm an italian guy of 18 years old and i'm planning a trip from Italy to Japan through Russia by a scooter (Vespa). The trip should be like this: -Italy -Swiss -Germany -Danemark -Sweden -Finland -Russia -Japan I'll ride the vespa untill Moscow than i woult take the Transiberian Train untill Vladivostock( the fastest one with no stops, i think it takes 7 days) and finally take the ferry to Japan. I should do Europe in 20 days, Russia in 15 and than pass one month riding the vespa in Japan... The trip will start around july 2010. BUT i have some problems in planning...So i'm going to make to you some QUESTIONS...
I hope to recive good answer becouse i have to plan the trip before the end of november... Tanks world! Peace! |
I see a little problem though. Most countries do not allow to drive a 50cc motorbike on highways... and most of your transit has to be done in highways. Plan that carefully.
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Ehm....I don't see anywhere in the post where it says that his Vespa is a 50cc model...
There are plenty of problems but all in all Cesare's plan seems more or less doable. He certainly has plenty of reading to do, but the info is all here on this site. Just a couple of things that come to mind: Make sure you have understood exactly how long the russian visa is valid for, as the import permit for your Vespa may have a different (much shorter, validity. Be prepared also to face very corrupt police, especially around Moscow,although there is plenty of exaggeration on this point. If you're not able to deal with such people then it can turn out to be very expensive. (my experience is only with kazakhstan, so I prefer not to comment on something I don't know about from direct experience) Only other thing I can think of for now....I'd suggest that you learn as much russian as you can! You do know that japan requires a Carnet right? (apparently it's avoidable, check this out) A Cesare: in bocca al lupo per il tuo viaggio, come ho detto qui sopra le info rilevanti le trovi tutte su questo sito, altre informazioni utili le potresti chiedere anche sul forum viaggi di vespaonline.com,(naturalmente ammesso che tu non l'abbia già fatto.) Solo una parola riguardo alla Russia, dovrai essere pronto a dimostrare una estrema pazienza riguardo a tutto quello che può riguardare l'apparato statale. (polizia sopratutto). Comprare un biglietto di treno non è così semplice come da noi, e per la Vespa si può passare per i canali ufficiali (costosi), oppure semplicemente "fare un regalino" agli addetti sul vagone merci e convincerli a caricare la Vespa (e volendo, anche te stesso) sullo stesso treno..Purtroppo non ti so dire niente riguardo ai prezzi. La domanda però mi sorge spontanea....invece del treno perche non ti prendi un po di tempo in più e vai in Vespa...? Tanto, le strade per esserci ci sono. Fammi sapere se ti servono info varie, ho dei contatti a Mosca nel caso. |
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up!
p.s. (Am i allowed do do ups like this? Sorry if not!) |
Help ...
Cesare,
guess there is not too much I can help you with at this time concerning the Russia part. If, however, you come to Japan and have any questions about this, please get with me! The offer always exists to RTW biker friends: a place to sleep, a hot shower, something to eat and drink is the least I can do. Looking forward to hearing from you again |
welcome cesare
Welcome to the HUBB,
this is the right place for you to find out all you need to know before leaving on your trip. First thing I want to tell you: YOU can do it !! I have done my first long motorcycle journey when I was 23 and internet was not available, so you can do it with 18 and the internet. Here is what you should do, you dont have to but it will make your trip much easier: 1. Believe only in people that have done a journey like this. Dont let others scare you. 2. Set yourself a date for leaving home, this will be the most difficult day of your journey. 3. Get to know your Vespa. Talk to the mechanic, read and post in forums for your model. Learn how to service it and what spare parts to take. 4. Learn all you need to know about visas, carnets, money, etc. One advise here: keep your paperwork in order, dont overstay visas or permits (if you can ;-)). 5. Take a light tent and a sleeping bag. You dont need a stove. One advise here: eat well and dont drink wodka (Tell them that your father was alcoholic, most Russians understand that) 6. Never hurry, never ride at night, contact people in Russia over the internet, contact vespa clubs on your way, contact the Iron Tigers in Vladivostok, contact the HU Communities on your route. 7. The train ride and the ferry you book when you get to Moscow/Vladivostok. But try to find out the departure times on the internet. Dont forget you will have to ship your Vespa back from Japan, this will cost you a lot of money. 8. Learn as much Russian as you can. 9. Enjoy So, there is a lot for you to do. If you have a further questions, feel free to send me an email. Keep the people here on the HUBB up to date about your journey and send trip reports to Grant for the ezine. Greetings Mika |
Thanks for the reply!
I already setted a date for the departure, that will be the 15th july. I'll study abouth the mechanic of the Vespa, bot now i still have to buy it! Yeh and i also have to take the licence...Anyway i would buy the vespa before jennuary and i should take the licence around march... I made a list with all the paper that i have to have, but of course ill' begin to take them after having bought the Vespa... I sitll have some questions to do! -How does it work with the corrupt police? Do dey ask u money directy? How often i'll find these kind of cops? -Where should i buy the train tikets for the transiberian train? To the station or to a turistic agency in Moscow? -Do you think i'll find somebody of HUBB in Moscow how is able to help me in case of problem? ( you know, just for caution... there is an italian saying that says "prevention is better than cure"...And i'm planning this trip keeping in mind this saying...) -How can i contact the HU community on my road, and what is the Iron Tigers of Vladivostock? Please answer to all the question and you'll make me quieter!XD Thanks! |
more answers
Hello Cesare,
I will answer to all of your questions, but dont be quiet after this, because you still have a lot to learn and ask - just ask me by email ... mikakuhn (at) web (dot) de 1. Corrupt traffic police. On your route you will find them only in Russia. If the police wants to stop you, stop! They will ask first for your documents and you will give them copies. They will ask for originials, so just give your passport. Maybe other documents if they insist. Than they will tell you that you have broken the law (speeding, not stoping in the right place, scooter dirty, no headlight, red traffic light etc.) and they will ask for 100 Euros. You start acting very stupid, because you dont understand Russian. It will take some time also for you to learn the game, but dont forget they have got your documents. If you pay any money you have lost the paper game, but never pay more than 10 per cent of what they started with. Enjoy, there is a lot for you to learn, dont be affraid. 2. Buy your train ticket in the station. But first organise the Vespa to be put on the train (maybe it is not the same train), you do this also in the station, or somewhere near, ask your way around. There are people in Moscow that speak English, and Russians are very helpful. 3. Yes, contact the HU Communities, there should be one in Moscow. Look at your left on the HU website, there you find everything about HU Communities and their locations. The Iron Tigers are a motorcycle club in Vladivostok, and they help travellers. Any further questions? Dont be affraid of Russia, the Russians are fantastic people and they will help you with everything you need. Dont forget in Japan you ride on the left hand side, and dont forget to google or look at the HU shipping database for shipping your scooter back to Italy. Greetings from Berne Switzerland Mika |
hey man
hey man, hows it going? I too am young (21) and had a Vespa when I was 18. You guys got some kind of pre-training down there? in the UK with have to do a CBT, which to cut a long story short is a load of crap, but is a good way of getting experience. Your getting the bike in january and doing the test in march I see. You ridden a vespa before dude? there quite difficult to master, but if you pull it off 150cc is a good size, and dont let anyone tell you you cant off road on one, trust me!
Corrupt cops is all part of the journey my friend I sure there'l be some hubbers knocking about somewhere that can help you out if you get into *bother*. Riding into Tokyo on a vespa will be sweet if you end up there! sounds like a sweet rip, start the paperwork now though, mite be a saving grace down the line. like mika says lay your burdens down now man, youl get all you need to know on here :thumbup1: take it easy mate |
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Its possible to put the bike on freight trains. However I have never heard of it being possible on the trains people travel on/commuter trains. There are companies which specialise in this type of transport to Vladivostok.. Here are ones I've used to ship stuff around Russia Fesco (Far East Shipping Co) - Òðàíñïîðòíàÿ ãðóïïà FESCO – êîíòåéíåðíûå ïåðåâîçêè è ëîãèñòèêà, ìîðñêèå ïåðåâîçêè êîíòåéíåðîâ Global 1 Logistics - no idea of their URL we only did business face to face to get a broken bike to the next major town. Some things to note.. you can haggle on price and if you have a fair bit of time the prices can be very cost effective. If you want it there "immediately" its going to be expensive. Additionally being a vespa you maybe able to air freight it at fairly cost effective rates.. worth checking out. These guys are some people who will be able to give you invaluable advice on modifications they had or wish that they had for ther vespa doing Milan to Ulaanbaatar this year (we met them on our trip several times). TheItalianWheels they have contact information on their web page. Anyway I wish you the best of luck. Regards, Jimmy. |
Hi Cesare I'm very happy to see somebody so young from our coutry is planning to make such a trip.
regarding corruption a simple advise: do not keep the "real" money in your wallet, the best and most polite excuse is always "I give you / I show you, what I have", be patient . Bring as little baggage as possible: is always easy to buy extra clothes on the way, not the same for petrol, you need an efficient and safe system as Vespa fuel tank is small. Vibration makes Vespa driving very tyring on long range , do not underhestimate this. In July you will be tempted to leave in shorts and croks, don't do that, you don't want to spend your time in a hospital far from home for a stupid traffic accident, you want to get to Japan!! Buy a Vespa maintenance manual (Haynes - Practical Manuals, Books and DVDs it will be helpfull to choose your Vespa as well I can't tell you much on Russia as I have never been there, but I am from milan and I have some travel experience if you need all the best ciao At |
Ciao Cesare, It's nice to see that other italians write on HU
You have lots of questions, I try to answer to some of them: - I took the transiberian train from Irtkusk to Moscow last year, bikes were not allowed on this train, but it was possible with other trains that take 5 days instead of 3 (we shipped them by plane), I think it's better to book through a travel agency, very few people speak english and russian bureaucracy is well known, so ... - you don't have problems if you respect rules (vespa doesnt't go too fast..), have patience at customs, don't travel at night and always look for a safe place to sleep and park the vespa, and yes, I also suggest you to learn some words in russian, otherwise even ordering food in a restaurant can be difficult.. if the menu is in cyrillic... - last but not least, how do you think to go back from Japan to Italy ? If you think to ride all the way back, remember the double visa for Russia, in San Petersburg or Helsinki you can take a ferry boat to Rostock in Germany (to save some road) - I also think it doesn't make too much sense to cross all Russia on a train, you should make some part of it by road, i.e. from Baikal Lake to Vladivostock... very nice area Let me know if you need some more info ciao e .... in bocca al lupo! H.R. |
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-Shipping: I already contacted some shipping agency and they told me the costs will be around 900 euros...But i'm still looking for something cheaper... -Deposit: I'm also thinking about let the vespa in Japan for 6 month or more and than going back to take it, but i don't know if it's possible nor if there are parking or deposit where i could let it. 2)The trip is focused on riding in europe, japan, and the transiberian train. I know that i'll not ride very much in Russia but that's not my wish. Anyway i'll arrive in Russia from Finland, so i'll ride the vespa to S. Pietroburg and than to Moscow. I'll take the transiberian train becouse i really like it and it's more chilling and safe than russian streets.Than i'll pass almost one week in Vladivostock probably, so i'll ride the pacific area for few days... Do you think it make sanse or do i should change program? Anyway...i'm still confused one one point becouse everybody gives a different interpretation, so let's try to make it clear... Is it possible to charge the vespa on a transiberian train?No right? Bot i heard that is possible and cheap, but how? In a agency? Giving cash to some trainworkers? Hiring a wagon? What's the best, fastest and cheapest way to teke the vespa with me from Moscow to Vladivostock? Thanks! |
I wouldn't worry about corruption. There's a lot more talk about corrupt Russian police than first hand stories. Riding in Russia this year I didn't get stopped once by the police at all, and other interaction (stopping to ask directions) got proffessional helpful response that you'd expect from any European police force. Riding from Helsinki to Moscow I'd be amazed if you got any aggro off the Police.
Taking a long distance train through Russia will show a part of Russian culture and give you an idea how vast and empty the country is. But even if you stop off at cities on the way you won't really get an idea of what Russia "is". I put my bike on the train between Krasnoyarsk and Moscow, with a small rail freight company that only operated between those two cities. I won't tell you how much it cost, but someone who knew the company in someway did the talking and the bike got sent as "auto-parts" and as less weight than it actually was. The same amount of money spent on petrol would not have got me very far at all. A passenger train on that route is 3days, the bike took 5, and for even less money it would have took 10. There was a few days wait before the train it went on left though (which we knew about). Other freight options would be putting it on a post wagon - Never found exactly who we needed to speak to about that. Or getting your own container - Would take forever to send something this way, well over a month I would have thought from Moscow to Vlad. So basically a private rail freight company is your best bet. Even if you could take the same train as the bike, why would you want to? Better to take a normal (fast) passenger train and spend the time seeing Moscow, Vladivostok, and maybe a couple of cities on route if you don't mind paying more in train fares. You need to find a rail freight company that operates this route and get someone to translate for you, or even better find a Moscow biker who can help you. Don't expect to turn up in Moscow speaking minimal Russian with no contacts, and get your bike going anywhere fast or cheap. |
Well the point is that i would stay more as i can in japan, that's why i want to take the train and why i hope to cross all the russia in 20 days.
But to do that i have to have certain ideas about train stuff. I would take the bike on the my same train to be sure that when i'll be in vladivostock i'll have my bike and to do not lost the ferry to Japan. So i'm looking for somebody who could tell me how to do it. I'll really appreciate it! |
you'll have a great trip. I wouldn't worry much about crime, would worry more about getting in an accident, but that risk isn't too bad either as long as you stay on your toes. just use common sense and good judgement (I know you're kinda young, but...)
corruption is not that big of a deal. Don't speed or pass in no passing zones and you'll eliminate 95% of the problems with "corruption" (ie, traffic violoations). If they stop you if you don't speak russian just play dumb and be prepared to wait. don't lose your temper. never pay more than 2000 rubles, and even that only very rarely (usually only a couple hundred). bring a couple of extra international drivers license in case the cops get greedy, you can let them keep one and continue with the others. i think russians lose their license for six months for passing in a no passing zone, so the fines for that are rather high. getting the scooter on a train will take a little effort, but several people on this site have done it, you might want to track them down and PM them for contact info for train assistance. |
you can't guarantee you're bike will arrive with you, even if you managed to get some kind of passenger/goods train (probably with the bike in a post wagon). Long distance trains don't stay as complete trains, maybe some wagons aren't needed and get took off, maybe some wagons need to go faster so get attached to a faster train, whatever.
Imagine driving your bike into the biggest passenger railway station in Rome, and trying to get it put on an express passenger train. Wouldn't happen would it. It's the same in Russia. It one of the biggest most well organised railway networks in the world. If you send your bike with a private freight company it will arrive on the date arranged. |
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So anybody who knows something about it, please write it down here! Cheers! |
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Anyway Thanks |
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Upppp! ;)
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Go for it Cesare, great to see another rider attempting it on a scooter! :)
I did it in the opposite direction on a Burgman last year (Korea to Palermo). Didn't bother with trains - more fun riding - and had a wonderful time. See Across the universe Feel free to PM me with any questions. |
Hi guys!
These days I was really busy so I haven't thought very much about the journey,but time is passing and i have to take decision and to plan all before the 2010. So I'm still at the point that: - i Don't Know How take the Vespa on the Transiberian train. -And i don't know how to ship the Vespa back to Italy from Japan. But now i'm more concerning about the first point... So please help me, becouse i have no friends how could(or want) to help me and my family is really worried about this trip, besides they are tring to make me change idea. Omg i never thought it could be so difficult to plan such tip... Peace |
some help
I don't have personal experience with the Trans-Siberian, but I thought I could help you find someone who does. I always have trouble with the search function of the HUBB, so I recommend doing a very specific google search. With an advanced search, you can specify the website you want to search on, and even just by putting your search in quotes on the regular search, you can get very good results, often sending you back to the HUBB. I just typed in "motorcycle on the trans siberian" in quotes, and this link came up with specific information that you need and HUBB members that you can contact:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ian-train-2896 Hopefully this will help in all of your upcoming research. Another piece of advice: If you haven't yet, look into couchsurfing.com. This site and the connections it offers can be a golden ticket for a young solo traveler like yourself. It's a site linking travelers all over the world, and you can stay in the homes of other travelers along your route for free. It's not just a way to save money in expensive places (like europe and Japan), but a great way to get to know locals and their culture, and they often take you to see aspects of their countries that you would never find in a guidebook or by talking with other travelers. I just returned from a RTW trip and stayed with people from Japan, Syria, Burundi, South Africa, Ireland and all in between, and most of the highlights of my trip were with couchsurfers. Good luck with the planning, and as Mika says: YOU CAN DO IT. |
Hey men!
I've some new Questions! -Do u think is it possible to do such trip with a 50cc tunned Vespa?(the engine is a 80cc nut originally it was built with a 50). Can I go on all kinds of streets in foreign country? Wich driving licence do i need to drive a 50 cc? And going back to charge the bike on the transiberian-train...help me:( nobody is answering to my pm! And i can't find anything on intenet!! Still thanks, Peace Cesare |
A 50cc vespa is as good as anything if your happy with the pace, mate. chances are for europe you need some kind of pre-training, in the uk we have a CBT. alexlebrit knows more then I do but I think for europe having a provisional licence is ok for 50cc. Russia on the other hand may be tricky without a full licence as a carnet is required, and you can only get one with a full licence.
oh and motorways are no gos on 50cc. tom. |
Thanks for all the answer and for the partetipation, but i'm getting crazy...i have to know how to put my bike on the transiberian, please can anybody give me a clear answer or link me some web site or tell me to who i have to send a pm?
I have to know now what to do. Anyway thanks to all the community, u already give to me a huge help ;) Grazie |
hey mate, try posting on other motorcycle/travel websites like gs rider and big earth. I kno ewan and charlie (dont shoot!!!!) got their bikes on a train in siberia, email someone through the long way down website and I bet you get some info back.
dont worry though, having problems that stress you out and take ages to become resolved is all part of motorcycle travelling, and life in general, in fact it probably IS life for most people... good luck :thumbup1: |
I think I help a little.
1) If you are not going to ride across the old USSR you may want to think about sending your bike back home. The price of shipping to Japan then back home may be a lot more than renting a bike for a few weeks or so in Japan. I have not looked but I am betting a cheap bike to ride where ever you want to then ship it home (even if it never gets there) and a cheap bike in japan and sell it there may run less than shipping your bike half around the world 2 times. 2) Have you priced out the amount your going to spend and on what Japan is not cheap. 3) To get your bike back you will need to fly it home that can be the price of the bike right there. 4) I most cops will be fine but some will say you are speeding when you are not and want you pay the "fee" it is a bribe all around the world. It will go like "you are speeding pay a huge fee now or go to jail" you talk give them a smoke or two then you pay a small fee or no fee and you go on your way. Scares the hell out of you first few times, guns yelling pointing all to scare you in to paying. A big smile and quick "smoke?" sets most cops back. 5) You can make this trip work many people have even with a 50cc. but no trip this long will work out the way you plan it. you can not plan every thing. 6) Calm down going crazy will not help you. 5) That said with all the planing you need to do to make your self feel safe you have left your self little time and even less time to come up with a "plan B" like have savings acount with the money to get you home if you fail, get hurt, are gust get sick of riding. 8) get a full motorcycle licence if it good for you in your home it will be good where ever you ride. 9) paper work have it and have back ups and have back ups at home that you have sent to you and if you can fave them backed up on a webpage someplace. 10) go to HU meeting you will meet people that can help and have done trips like tha one you are looking to do. some web pages for you to look at that will help with your trip. get to a meeting here is the link http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/ Someone that done it 2 times on bikes no one else did. The WRONG Way Round.... on a Chopper! - ADVrider The train you are looking at Russia / Exploring Siberia / The Trans-Siberian Railway How to plan & book a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway got big bucks? MIR Corporation - 23 Years of Travel Planning Expertise Japan Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory but unlike many people here I do not think there is much problims in getting a bike on a train. It has been done. The WRONG Way Round.... on a Chopper! - Page 54 - ADVrider |
Thanks a lot to all of you...now i'm looking for other solutions...i was thinking about going to Russia by car or train, than taking the transiberian train to vladivostock, get the ferry to japan and than rent a motorbike in japan for a month, but the problem is that it looks like they don't rent bike to 18 years old...lol...
Anyway i'm looking toward other solutions, if u have any let me know...but i still prefer going there by my bike...let's see how is going to be! peace! |
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It will ride in baggage wagon in same train as you. it will cost around 100euro for transportation. You should bring the scooter empty of gas to the railroad station 2 hours before departure and place it un baggage wagon. Closer to departure I cah give you all details and maybe assist in Moscow (if be there this time). Train tickets can be bought online 45days before departure. Russia is a safe country - I'm 38 and still alive :) |
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thanks! |
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second - place wespa to a baggage wagon in same train 1-2 hours before train departure (it can be done for a penny if you have the ticket for yourself). after pacing vespa to a baggage wagon take your seat and hybernate for 7 days. this is in few words. More details about prices, places, details - closer to the departure. Contact me 2-4 weeks before your start and I'll find all info for you. online tickets: Ðвиабилеты на Ñайте Билет-он-Лайн. СтоимоÑÑ‚ÑŒ авиабилетов в Европу. Ðизкие цены на авиабилеты по Ð*оÑÑии. БыÑÑ‚Ñ€Ð°Ñ Ð´Ð¾Ñтавка авиабилетов. ÐвРnow a place in 4-bed coupe msk-to-vladivostok costs 17311,20Rur=400Euro (7 meals included) but ticket can be bought only 45 days before departure, not earlier |
Japan
Cesare,
for your info: it is not as easy as you think buying a bike in Japan! Just read this here: Buying Motorcycle in Japan - japan-guide.com forum Maybe some more useful information for you on this site: Tokyo Motorcycle Life So, I guess you will be better off bringing your own bike. Also keep in mind that renting a bike in Japan is darned expensive! I've heard of 6.000 to 10.000 Yen a day!! Hope this will help you |
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I can't imagine that you will have any legal problem crossing Russia with whatever license you have--I seriously doubt that the Russian police will care. Regarding the train--don't expect to have this completely sorted out before you arrive, all of the accounts I've read involve someone getting to the relevant station and figuring things out on the ground. |
1. Believe only in people that have done a journey like this. Dont let others scare you.
2. Set yourself a date for leaving home, this will be the most difficult day of your journey. 3. Get to know your Vespa. Talk to the mechanic, read and post in forums for your model. Learn how to service it and what spare parts to take. 4. Learn all you need to know about visas, carnets, money, etc. One advise here: keep your paperwork in order, dont overstay visas or permits (if you can ;-)). 5. Take a light tent and a sleeping bag. You dont need a stove. One advise here: eat well and dont drink wodka (Tell them that your father was alcoholic, most Russians understand that) 6. Never hurry, never ride at night, contact people in Russia over the internet, contact vespa clubs on your way, contact the Iron Tigers in Vladivostok, contact the HU Communities on your route. 7. The train ride and the ferry you book when you get to Moscow/Vladivostok. But try to find out the departure times on the internet. Dont forget you will have to ship your Vespa back from Japan, this will cost you a lot of money. 8. Learn as much Russian as you can. 9. Enjoy Spot on advice Mika. Did you buy the vespa yet? I've just come back from a UK - Spain - Portugal - Morocco + back on my Vespa. Check my blog out here for more info and as like Mika, email me if you want any advise on Vespas etc 150cc will be no problem Good luck A Long Lay Down: First we need some transport |
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