Today’s (part 1)ride on Komoot
Today’s (part 2) ride on Komoot
I woke fairly early and even listened to the Aus news, such was the strength of the phone signal.
I took my time. I’d do another 80 today but there was no rush at all. Muesli and real coffee were had. It was the first time the cheesecloth had been used on this trip and it was great.
I am still not in a camping routine so packing took ages. I’ll halve that time over the next week or two.
I had another visit from the shepherd who kept pointing at my bike and shaking his head. He’s a great guy, very generous and it would have been great to speak properly with him.
Then it was back to the shop for the days water and off.
I stopped for some Samsa at a roadside food stop and had a Nescafe. I also checked out possible camp spots, and there was à great on in 80kms and an ok one in 60kms. I thought I’d decide later but over the next 20kms, the wind built up. While it wasn’t perfect it was really helpful, so I made good time and stopped for a rest at 52kms at 1pm with 50kms to go to the good camp spot.
Back on the road, the wind really helped. I was flying along on a good surface, a small shoulder and very little traffic. At one point it looked like they were building toll booths and the road surface changed. It became concrete but with lateral grooves. The effect was enormous
Cars emitted a high pitched whine as they sped past and trucks sounded much louder and really ferocious. The level of road noise was ridiculous.
This lasted until the turnoff to Bishkek where I left the fast traffic and noise behind. Unfortunately, there was a 5km climb, and I can tell you that at the end of a 102km day, it’s the last thing I needed.
However, I had an unbelievable tailwind by this stage. I enjoyed it for the rest of the ride but oh how I cursed it when I was camping. It was strong and gusty all night and half the next day.
Luckily I was able to cook my dinner at the idyllic looking camp by a stream. I’d found it on iOverlander, and it was superb. Again, friendly shepherds waved as they went by, and there were some confused and timid sheep as well. The shepherds round up their sheep, goats and horses here, all by themselves. No dogs are involved.
A cool and very windy night ensued, but my tent was fantastic – it passed it’s first test.
