*******GOING SOLO ! ********

1. After a long and sometimes arduous journey through Siberia I had decided to go solo from there on. Suffice to say I had some very good reasons to do so. I am totally dedicated to achieving the aims of the project and needed to complete it as planned. I felt that the only way to do this was by going solo. I agreed with the other rider involved in the project to keep these reasons private for the sake of the charity and sponsors. He has, to his shame, subsequently published his totally inaccurate and warped recollection of events, so full of holes that it does not even merit a retort. Bit of advice folks...If you ever plan a trip like this check that the person you ride with is up to it . Suffice to say...babysitting over..I continue with my dream trip, the fundraising and the original plan. It just goes to show the importance of checking out the social skills, mental and physical fitness, focus and motivation of any riding partner when embarking on a journey such as this. He is now at home (since 3rd Sept) and doing what he does best .....No need to say anymore!!!....onward!

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Blog Cont:-In Khabarovsk drying out after torrential rain yesterday. Now 10 hours ahead of UK time. Travelling from Chita had some of the most challenging excuses for roads I have come across. From dust, wet clay, stoned, chippings, concrete and potholes these roads have everything to offer. Remember this folks when you are having a go at the state of the roads in the UK. People here use 4x4s to belt along these roads and some use the ultimate off-road cruiser….the Lada! Luckily the roads were not too bad today however torrential rain made the journey a wee bit unpleasant! Giving up my maps, GPS and tools to my former riding partner gave the journey a bit more excitement and challenge which I savoured. Fortunately I had done my homework and knew the risks and more importantly...the route. I had sufficient fuel and cash to see me through the day unlike some I later learned. The good thing about this area is the number of car transporters making their way to Vlad. Russians import Japanese right hand drive cars by the hundred as they are very much cheaper. Many are taken by transporter but many are driven from Vladivostok to all parts of Russia but not before wrapping them up in bubble wrap and paper for the arduous journey through to Chita. The speed they go at over potholes would fill Tom Farmer’s heart with joy. Anyway, if you break down (and, unlike some I could mention.... have the necessary communication skills) you can always cut a deal with the drivers to load your bike onto the empty trailer and get it into town. My room looks like a Chinese laundry as contrary to the description “waterproof” that, given the wrong conditions, nothing is. Have suffered badly with mosquito bites as they discovered that their proboscis can penetrate the bottom of the Hein Gerike suit resulting in a mass of bites to the back of the legs and rear end….

It is raining here today although my spirits are high and I feel somewhat relieved at my new found Independence from the very uncomfortable and restrictive situation I had experienced hitherto. I will set off early for Vlad tomorrow. Have had contact from some bikers there so hopefully some help. Some contacts now in Japan one of whom I think is a great bloke already. His name…..Nakamura!