Kiev - Zhytomyr 134km

As per usual when I stay at somebody’s house I always plan for an early start but this never ever materializes. I woke up this morning around eight thirty and noticed a cup of tea next to my bed, I mean really you don't get service like this even in a hotel, spoiled rotten.

Natalie was not only kind enough to escort me from her apartment to the correct road for Zhytomyr but also drove to the nearby hardware superstore where she picked up some extra fuel for my stove.

There isn't too much to report these days whilst riding but I do have to say that the roads in Ukraine are very very good. You can always guarantee though when the road is good then the wind will turn against you which once again seemed to be the case today.

My favourite roadside restaurant in Ukraine, is it Topw? or Topuy? Whatever it is it serves up top notch food.

I'm a little concerned about the weather. I'm a typical Brit when the weather is very hot it's 'too hot' but now there has been a drop in the temperature and the odd drop of rain it's 'too cold' We are a hard bunch to please. I've been told though that this weather is pretty uncommon for this time of the year and that the warm weather should return. I sincerely hope so as I'm not quite ready to wave goodbye to the summer just yet.

Yes that is a rocket

I was well stocked for my ride with a whole assortment of goodies which meant I didn't have to bother stopping during the day and despite the fact that I left around eleven I was still able to make good ground and reach Zhytomyr by the end of the day.

I met a very helpful local truck driver at the gas station who noticing me consulting my GPS directed me the right way to Rivne.

According to this Paris is just 1949km away although I've planned for a little more

Ukraine has plenty forest lining the roads which makes wild camping very easy. I found a lovely little spot not far off the road and deep in amongst the trees. It's been a while since I had fuel for my stove so I made the most of it by firing it up for a nice evening brew.

I was also looking forward to sleeping on my new inflatable mattress so kindly given to me by Yuri.

Well short entry today folks as not much happening, hoping to make near to Rivne tomorrow about 200km away.