Short of Karabutak - 50km short of Aktobe

My second consecutive long day in the saddle started with nice cup of tea early in the morning at my host’s house with the grandfather and grandmother and like most old people they made sure I left with a hearty breakfast inside of me.

The village where I stayed last night.

It was only a short ride to Karabutak and in fact I didn’t need to go into the town as there were plenty of cafes and gas stations along the main road to fill up with all sorts of goodies for the days ride. I’m trying to wean myself off Coca-Cola and have now moved on to an equally sweet variety of fruit based tea drinks called “Maxi” A cyclist still need their sugar!

Russia....getting closer by the day.

The boy at the shop I visited pleaded to ride my bike but I think he might have needed a step ladder to just get up on the saddle. I had to, I’m afraid to say turn down his request for his own safety you understand.

It was another glorious sunny day and I’m sure those reading this in England will be filled with envy every time I mention this as I hear it has been another typically wet English summer. I would however trade a little bit of that rain for a bit of this heat. Riding in these conditions is particularly energy sapping.

It's hot!

In need of a shave!

Once again today was just a case of continuing to ride, my plan was to stop near Aktobe and camp and therefore save myself a nights accommodation in a hotel and also be able to arrive early the next morning in the city and therefore have a whole days rest also in the hotel and of course that elusive shower.

I stopped at a small shop in the town of Khromtaw (Khromtau) and amused the local kids outside by eating my yoghurt with a combination of broken biscuits and my fingers. I sadly lost my spoon a while back now and have yet to get around to replacing it.

It’s been a while since I had the pleasure of sleeping under the comfort of a bridge the last time was China but I was thankful to find one some 50km short of Aktobe setting myself up perfectly for my plan to arrive there early tomorrow morning. Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together?