We really knew we were in high altitude this morning.Getting out of bed was a chore because it was so cold. We really wished we took up th offer of having the fire started at 5 AM. Our trip to the toilet block revealed a layer of frost over everything. I guess we knew what we signed up for when we took this trek on.
Breakfast was in line with all others so far, offering fried eggs, omelettes, a variety of cheeses and meats as well as coffee, tea and chai.
After our morning ride brief we headed off for another 55km unsealed road adventure. This road took us over yet another pass covered in melting snow and ice.
The vistas were spectacular and the melting ice was creating ruts and rivers down the road. This did cause a bit of a problem on the down hill run but as any good bike rider will know, err on the side of caution.
After we topped the pass we were on our downhill run. You guessed it..... more switchbacks once we all safely navigated the downhill run we opened out to a river floodplain that took us into a small township where we stopped for a toilet stop and coffee break.
Until now I have avoided the toilet conversation but I really think the uninitiated need to be aware of the situation. Toilets in a lot of Asian countries are called squats, because you do. There is generally just a pit under a board with a hole in it. Lets just say you need a strong stomach at times. Well this particular squat cost 5com or 10c for one to use. If anything I have a new appreciation for porcelain. I do not begrudge paying for the use of a squat. This is a poor country and the average wage is around $1500 a month in the bigger towns and cities, so in small country towns like this any means to make money is fair.
With our coffees down and a layer of warm clothes shed we set off to refuel and a short ride before lunch. Our route was going to follow the shore of lake Issyk Kul and our lunch was in a nice shaded area looking out over the lake. All of our lunches have been prepared and have been quite nutritious. My bike was having an issue with the brake light staying on so after a quick clean of the switch it was ready for the road again.
Our ride to Karakol was on a main road again and the usual crazies were on the road in their Mercedes-Benz and BMWs. One particular BMW driver passed us around 5 times and overtook us with inches to spare and at least double our speed with oncoming traffic. It was good to finally arrive at our lodgings and out of the traffic.
Our room looks quite luxurious but suprisingly does not have any air conditioning as it isnt really necessary here. After we settled in and showered we went out to dinner. I was in the mood for something spicy so ordered a hot kiss salad. I know why they gave it that name now. I think my lips were tingling for hours afterwards. After dinner we went back to the hotel and literally crashed. It was a long day requiring a high level of concentration.
Breakfast was in line with all others so far, offering fried eggs, omelettes, a variety of cheeses and meats as well as coffee, tea and chai.
After our morning ride brief we headed off for another 55km unsealed road adventure. This road took us over yet another pass covered in melting snow and ice.
The vistas were spectacular and the melting ice was creating ruts and rivers down the road. This did cause a bit of a problem on the down hill run but as any good bike rider will know, err on the side of caution.
Until now I have avoided the toilet conversation but I really think the uninitiated need to be aware of the situation. Toilets in a lot of Asian countries are called squats, because you do. There is generally just a pit under a board with a hole in it. Lets just say you need a strong stomach at times. Well this particular squat cost 5com or 10c for one to use. If anything I have a new appreciation for porcelain. I do not begrudge paying for the use of a squat. This is a poor country and the average wage is around $1500 a month in the bigger towns and cities, so in small country towns like this any means to make money is fair.
Our ride to Karakol was on a main road again and the usual crazies were on the road in their Mercedes-Benz and BMWs. One particular BMW driver passed us around 5 times and overtook us with inches to spare and at least double our speed with oncoming traffic. It was good to finally arrive at our lodgings and out of the traffic.
Our room looks quite luxurious but suprisingly does not have any air conditioning as it isnt really necessary here. After we settled in and showered we went out to dinner. I was in the mood for something spicy so ordered a hot kiss salad. I know why they gave it that name now. I think my lips were tingling for hours afterwards. After dinner we went back to the hotel and literally crashed. It was a long day requiring a high level of concentration.
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