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Mongolia - you sure tested us (in the riding department!)

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It is time to say adios to Mongolia. Tomorrow we cross the border back into Russia. We have had 11 days in Mongolia. The people have been warm and friendly, the  history is fascinating and some of the scenery has been amazingly beautiful. On the other hand crossing Mongolia by motorbike (or with any vehicle) is a serious challenge and not for the faint hearted. That I think will change quickly and in 10 to 15 years time modern roads will replace the wild roads and no roads situation that you have today. Like it is not I also think Mongolia will become a major tourist destination

But enough of soliloquys. What have we been doing in the last three days 

Well firstly it was a rest day in Altai after coming of the tough cross country “ road”. I got the Redhead cleaned - she was filthy I did a tho right check for “ loose bits” and checked the wheels carefully. They seem to be holding up well 

Then we set off for Khovd - a 430 km day. What a contrast The Road was smooth smooth tarmac - are we still in Mongolia?




We are crossing desert - the road is very much like the road across the Nullarbor in Australia. Huge long straights and “ quite a lot of not a lot of not a lot”   A number of trucks look suspiciously like ex-Russian army trucks 



Then out of the wilderness comes an ultra-modern, high-spec roadside diner with a huge array of food served by girls in shining white hats and gloves. The kitchen looked immaculate. One assumes that the provision of this was part of the specs for the road construction  contract. 
You couldn’t miss it!



 In every country kids do love sitting on the bike - these are the descendants of Ghengis Khan!



And thus we arrive at a very nice hotel in the town of Khovd 

But it is a stopover and then we are  on the way to Ölgi - in the Outer part of Outer Mongolia and the most western town in Mongolia. The scenery becomes stunning - photos don’t do it justice 







Then whoops - 50 km of roadworks - back to the dirt tracks again 



And river crossings 



 Diana gets a roadside lesson in falconry 



Come fly with me 


And we get to Ölgi.

It is time to reflect on what has been a full-on time in Mongolia but a hugely fascinating “in your face” experience. 
It has brought our survival skills and teamwork skills to the fore. 
We have been on the receiving end of amazing kindness. 

And now tonight I put my stash of rubles back in my wallet, collect all my Russian motorbike paperwork together and hope we get a reasonable run through the  border crossing tomorrow morning   Apparently the record is 6 days to do the crossing! If there is no blog post for 6 days you know why! 








Comments

Arthur said…
Mongolia on a bike - sitting in my comfortable chair in the heated house with a glass of red wine is more my scene. Stay safe Bro
1 July 2019 at 18:40
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