Amazingly, Geoff in his entire biking life clocked up one million miles on the way into Irkutsk! We were saving the celebrations for Lake Baikal. As we approached Baikal, Geoff overtook me punching the air. We'd clocked ten thousand miles so far! We were heading for the island of Olchon, recommended by many travellers, including two more Germans on BMWs, on their way back home. The road to the island via a free ferry was difficult for me and I was struggling on the gravel. By the time we reached the town the road was sandy and I was finding it impossible. I'd never been so scared riding a bike before and how I'd stayed on this long was a miracle. Geoff has some off road experience and Rick was a master, both giving me helpful tips. Finally it happened. A deep rut and my big foot caught under my pannier twisting my leg. I let go unceremoniously and posed for a photo!
Geoff helped me and the bike up, then searched for a campsite with Rick. A passing Russian walking his dog, said he was a biker and mimed a saxophone saying he had met President Clinton, but meeting me here, all the way from London was even more exciting for him!
Geoff returned, covered in mud after helping Rick out of the tundra, and rode my bike for me across the sand to a beautiful spot by the lake. I was tired, my knee hurt and I needed some sleep. I felt like a burden to Geoff and Rick who had spent all day riding at my slow pace when they could've gone twice as fast. If this is how the road would be, how would I cope? I had aggravated my old knee injury from my accident at 18 with the lorry and I was worried if I damaged it further the trip would be over for me. I tried to put on a brave face but I was in a lot of pain.
Next day my knee was much better after spending the day on the beach with the local cows, while Geoff and Rick rode to 'Nikitas' a famous traveller site with the second most beautiful view Geoff had ever seen.
I'd love to see it but my morale was getting steadily worse. I had been struggling since we left Volgograd, Geoff knew this and was doing everything he could to help, but I couldn't do anything to gain the confidence I needed, I wanted to help him but I felt useless and I still had the Amur highway to look forward to, voted the third most dangerous road in the world. I didn't want to be a burden to Geoff, not being able to ride off road, I wanted to be his backup as he has been for me. I must pick myself up, physically and mentally, I'd got this far....
Geoff helped me and the bike up, then searched for a campsite with Rick. A passing Russian walking his dog, said he was a biker and mimed a saxophone saying he had met President Clinton, but meeting me here, all the way from London was even more exciting for him!
Geoff returned, covered in mud after helping Rick out of the tundra, and rode my bike for me across the sand to a beautiful spot by the lake. I was tired, my knee hurt and I needed some sleep. I felt like a burden to Geoff and Rick who had spent all day riding at my slow pace when they could've gone twice as fast. If this is how the road would be, how would I cope? I had aggravated my old knee injury from my accident at 18 with the lorry and I was worried if I damaged it further the trip would be over for me. I tried to put on a brave face but I was in a lot of pain.
Next day my knee was much better after spending the day on the beach with the local cows, while Geoff and Rick rode to 'Nikitas' a famous traveller site with the second most beautiful view Geoff had ever seen.
I'd love to see it but my morale was getting steadily worse. I had been struggling since we left Volgograd, Geoff knew this and was doing everything he could to help, but I couldn't do anything to gain the confidence I needed, I wanted to help him but I felt useless and I still had the Amur highway to look forward to, voted the third most dangerous road in the world. I didn't want to be a burden to Geoff, not being able to ride off road, I wanted to be his backup as he has been for me. I must pick myself up, physically and mentally, I'd got this far....
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