Mongolia
21. June 2009 — Into Mongolia
Broke camp and headed for the border around 9:30 am. We just drove past all the cars and trucks to stop right at the gate. Only stood there for a few minutes when the gate was opened and we were let thru….
22. June 2009 — Bike Maintenance Day
So bike maintenance day for most people. Not for me but I helped people. Tony and Sigi did oil change, adjust valves and changed tires on their BMW R1150GS. Olivier & Sylvie changed tires on their BMW R1200GSA and F650GS…
23. June 2009 — Another day in UB
Easing into the day. Rene managed to get hold of some Ural spokes so we had to get them shortened and then get the nuts modified. That done I started to get the tire off so I could fit the new spoke. Tony helped again….
24. June 2009 — Museum and saying goodbye
Tony and Sigi were up early and after we had breakfast they left for Russia. I might see them again when they are on their way back from Vladivostok and I’m back in Russia…
25. June 2009 — Leaving UB or not
Woke up early and had breaky with Norm (the Australian Biker) and Jan (the German traveler). Did feel tired and sluggish this morning. Not in the mood for riding the bike…
26. June 2009 — Leaving UB for real
So finally leaving UB today. Yes really really really. Woke up early because its so bright outside by 7am that I can’t sleep. Had a few smokes and cups of tea before real breaky…
27. June 2009 — Tiring day across the steppe
Rained all night. Did not sleep much because I woke up a lot because of the wind and rain. Luckily it stopped raining this morning so at least I didn’t have to pack up in the rain and the tent was mostly dry….
28. June 2009 — More tough riding
Got up early and broke camp. Was on the “road” by 8:30am. Another day of the good, the bad and the ugly Mongolian roads. Problem is you get a bit of good firm dirt track were I went up to 50 mph and after 1/2 - 1 mile it suddenly runs out and you have to throw the anker so you don’t hit the bad spot at full tilt….
29. June 2009 — Khövsgöl Nuur
Only 85 miles today. Some bits easy others pretty difficult, like dry riverbeds. Last 10 miles tricky thru forest with steep uphill and downhill part. Not much to report…
30. June 2009 — Rest Day on Khövsgöl Nuur
Very nice one of the girls working in the camp came in at 7am to make fire in the ger. So nice and warm by the time I got up at 8am. I then went for breaky with Enkhe and Thomas. Went for a short walk along the lake but my leg is still not good enough to work a long way…
01. July 2009 — Getting Misplaced Mörön
Disappointed no one came and made fire this morning. Service is slacking. Went for breaky and then was asked by the manager if I could bring the key for their motorboat to the guest house in Khatgal. Of course I could…
02. July 2009 — 230 miles for nothing except off-road practice
Hm, drove 230 miles and I’m back at the place were I started. How did that happen? Well a combination of me being a chicken and crapy maps. So drove the 20 miles back to Mörön and headed out on the right road. I did not get petrol because I had only gone 40 miles and the town that should have petrol was only 65 miles away. Drive was stunning across mountain passes and then dropped into valleys again…
03. July 2009 — Little off roading today
So after hearing the weather forecast from Maurice yesterday and after looking out the window it was clear that I wouldn’t leave town. The road south would lead me up to 2000 m and the clouds were hanging that low…
04. July 2009 — Nice but tough drive to White Lake
Managed to get on the road by the usual time - 10am. Again had a little trouble finding the right track. Just so confusing but in the end managed. Fairly small “road” leading up this valley to a pass at 2000 m. Road was very rocky and pretty difficult to drive….
05. July 2009 — Roadside repair
Got up early did, the usual bike maintenance and then got on my way. Oiling the chain was pretty pointless because on the next 10 miles I had to cross two rivers. Stopped at a shop in Tariat to buy water and a few things…