Hubbard Motorcycle Adventures

But first we leave Mongolia. Amongst the hard work of riding a motorbike in Mongolia there were some very amusing things. But first here is a plan of the empire of the great Mongolian empire at its zenith in Ghenghis’s own handwriting !  Close to the last town in Mongolia we were stopped by a policeman who wanted to see my passport. I handed it over to him. He went slowly through it examining it page by page which seemed to take an eternity. He looked puzzled which is usually not a good look with a passport. Then I saw his problem. I gently removed my passport from his hands and and turned it up the right way for him!  He flashed a big  smile of understanding and appreciation, handed it back and we were on our way.  Then not too far away we were stopped again by a young and cheerful policeman “in charge” of a barrier arm. He did not have a word of English. No, he was not interested in our passports. It was money he wanted.  2,000 Mongolian Tughrik ( about $2NZ ...

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 ...

Well we have had two fall offs in the last two days - both in soft sand and dirt at negligible speed so it is only the ego that was damaged. In these circumstances you just pick the bike up, think of early English explorers and just carry on.  We did like the advice to  Diana  from our friend “Ken of Wellington”  fame. Time for the pearls now  I think -  Which pannier are they in ?  But let’s back the bus up for the last three days. We leave Tsetserleg and it is a nice 350 km trip on a sealed road (mostly) to Tosontsengel. We cross several mountain passes - one about 8000 ft we think. It was very cold and there were particles of ice in the rain. As we got close to Tosontsengel the heavy rain threatens but never arrives.  Another biker who arrived at the hotel just on dusk said it was snowing heavily on the pass and then heavy rains when he came thru.  Climbing , climbing towards the big sky. They call Mongolia the “big sky country”. We thoug...

Well we have had two fall offs in the last two days - both in soft sand and dirt at negligible speed so it is only the ego that was damaged. In these circumstances you just pick the bike up, think of early English explorers and just carry on. We did like the advice to  Diana  from our friend “Ken of Wellington”  fame -  Time now  for the pearls now  I think -  Which pannier are they in ?  Bit let’s back the bus up for the last three days. We leave Tsetserleg and it is a nice 350 km trip on a sealed road ( mostly ) to Tosontsengel. We cross several mountain apaases - one about 8000 ft we think. It was very cold and there were particles of ice in the rain. As we got close to Tosontsengel the heavy rain threatens but never arrives.  Another biker who arrived at the hotel just on dusk said it was snowing heavily on the pass and then heavy rains when he came thru.  Climbing , climbing towards the big sky. They call Mongolia the “big sky coun...