2010-06-29 Thessalon ON - Sault St Marie ON

I just say one thing: I hate strong opposite wind, really hate! In stead of make my arrival easy it made me waste hours even on descendent road! The route was short but really really hard to make it!
So now I'm very close to the United States, but still won't cross the border for now, not yet!

About photo.... nothing relevant this day

Route: 2010-06-29 Thessalon ON - Sault St Marie ON


Time: 6h34m, Distance 104,12km/64,7mi Moving time: 6h03m, Max Speed: 37km/h, Average: 17,2km/h Total: 2060,86km/1280,56mi

2010-06-28 Sudbury ON - Iron Bridge ON

This day was the longest so far, on which had quite a bad start as the only ATM you could find was in the center of the town on which made me waste 10km and had a late start.
Then the wind was mostly opposite but luckly it wasn't that strong, however as I was arriving quite late, my host Andrij picked me up when I was 15km nearby their place.
On the arrival had a great supper and a wonderful sunset on the lake. Thank Yuu very much Cathy and Andrij! Also for sharing me your photos form Iceland* on which gave me more interest to visit them!

So, hope this photo make You bring peace and tranquility.

Route: 2010-06-28 Sudbury ON - Iron Bridge ON

Time: 10h11m, Distance 194,01km/120,55mi Moving time: 9h09m, Max Speed: 40km/h, Average: 21,2km/h Total: 1956,74km/1215,86mi
*update: Iceland explored in April/May 2018

2010-06-27 Parry Sound ON - Sudbury ON

Back to long distance biking, this day had many rocks, swamps, lakes and forest all over the way, the road was mostly flat on which I was having an average of 27km/h, however, everything was going fine until I had the first flat on the back tire, and was little metal wire who punched the wheel! Right on the last 35 kilometers! After that the average decreased a lot, no places around, no food point, only in Sudbury could find something.
However 2 notes while I was having a snack on police officer stopped and asked my ID, checking criminal records (again), so nothing ans have a nice trip, and after a while 2 deers just crossed the road but they were so fast that didnt gave me time to take off the camera from my pocket, when wanted to take a photo was already too late. They run very elegant!

Photos are being uploaded, as tomorrow I'll have around 200km... wit will be for later. Sorry once again.

Route: 2010-06-27 Parry Sound ON - Sudbury ON



And these were the sats of the day:
Time: 8h41m, Distance 189,49km/117,34mi Moving time: 7h38m, Max Speed: 48km/h, Average: 24,9km/h Total: 1762,73km/1095,31mi


And the song for listen: Metronomy - Do the Right Thing

2010-06-26 Barrie ON - Parry Sound ON (with forced cheating)

And so this day started vey wet and rainy almost all the time, who was made quite hard to make a decent photo from the small camera, however usually I ride faster on rainy days, the wind was good, the big urban area had gone and according to some hosts it was told me that could cycle on the highway 400, well not exactly.
I was doing such a great average, had cycled around 70km and my average was over than 25km/h, but then a police car made me stop, told me that on any road 4XX (like the 400) bicycles are not allowed, despite on the end the shoulders were quite getting wider, the shoulders were non existent on most of this highway (the 1st higway I saw without asphalt shoulders actually), so first he was taking me to the first available exlit who allowed me to continue to Parry Sound, but then he drove me to to the Parry Sound exit, however I had cycled back around 20km which was my host's place, so meaning tomorrow I'll have extra 20km (doable).
A not on this road was that my host in Barrie, Erin, made me a very nutricious breakfast that I didnt ate or drink anything, so the cereals and the extra You gave me were really powerful! Thank You!


This was taken moments ago before the forced stop.

Route (note the red part is done by police car): 2010-06-26 Barrie ON - Parry Sound ON



Time: 4h02m, Distance 88,54km/55,01mi Moving time: 3h43m, Max Speed: 47km/h, Average: 23,8km/h Total: 1573,24km/977,56mi



And the song: Radio Dpt - Heaven´s on Fire

2010-06-25 Toronto ON - Barrie ON

After rest 2 days in Toronto on which had happened such a earthquake 5.5 magnitude, police everywhere due to the G20 conference, or simply my arrival!
Well... I had rested the most as the following days are expected to be the real challenge. As had left from the urban wild, let's see how is the wild in the middle of nowhere.
About the pedal today... despite the heavy traffic when leaving Toronto and without shoulders and again opposite wind, it was a calm route to make, the trip was short, including some unecessary extra kilometers.

So.. here is one photo of Toronto, and thank You Andrei for hosting me,despite You were having very busy days this week.

Route: 2010-06-25 Toronto ON - Barrie ON



Time: 5h44m, Distance 104,72km/65,07mi Moving time: 5h23m, Max Speed: 55km/h, Average: 19,4km/h Total: 1484,7km/922,55mi



And for listen: LCD Soundsystem - Home

2010-06-22 Burlington ON - Toronto ON

So, started waking up at my host's place having breakfast and still have some chat about my host's father who is in the ScreenGuard business (it's a protective sheet who helps keep the keyboard and the screen of Your laptop clean) and would show the product in universities, I went back to Hamilton for a lunch gathering on a proposed Portuguese restaurant, I had so many positive emergency replies (Once again thanks Adrian), that I should set a meeting before heading to Toronto. Thanks for joining!
During the lunch it was raining non stop and heavy rain, but as Mr Peter likes me, just gave me a bit on the begining and the rest was just a cloudy day until Toronto.
When arriving to Toronto by the shore, entered to the city centre and saw many tall fences (Thought were for construction) and Police, sirens and all the protection on the streets. If could be for my arrival, but no, it was about the G20 summit that will happen this weekend here in Toronto.

About biking, completely flat, very easy to make, despite some traffic in urban areas, but Canadians are bike friendly, so You'll not have any complaints!

Route: 2010-06-22 Burlington ON - Toronto ON



Time: 6h21m, Distance 91,06km/56,58mi Moving time: 5h39m, Max Speed: 36km/h, Average: 16,1km/h Total: 1379,98km/857,48mi



And the song: Gui Boratto - Beautiful Life

2010-06-21 Buffalo NY (USA) - Burlington ON (Canada)

And once again, another late night post, but these last days were been such a mess and hurry, but this time it ended up very well :)
Departed from Buffalo at around 12, after breakfast, 10 minute Jacuzzi and prepairing, and in stead of ending in Niagara Falls (40km) and due to not having any host, then decided to continue to Hamilton area!
It was soo amazing how many people were willing to host me, such a great welcome right on the moment I entered Canada! The Rainbow bridge has pedestrians crossing as well, and the funny was when some people asked me that if I was going to Canada, just replied, yeah, sure, why not? You don't? They didn't seemed American or European, so maybe they didn't knew that the countries of the European Union don't need any visas to enter Canada (or any other American country).
A note for bikers os that You to enter on the normal road side, pay 50cent toll for cross the bridge, and get a stamp on Your passport if You are accepted.
After Niagara Falls the route is very flat and the shoulders are not that wide (on route 20), another note there are plenty of cars with many international flags (due to world cup) and saw lot's of portuguese flags! Some big size! As i was cycling with Portugal football t-shirt, it was easy to recognize me (Portugal had won 7-0 to North Korea). So many greetings and there was still time to help an old man to carry his big washing machine to his place, right near Hamilton!
Another big note is that after post a message on the Hamilton group on Couchsurfing, I had lot's of accepted requests, but unfortunately I can be at only one place, so, today, I'll spend the morning in Hamilton, make a gathering somewhere in the city and then heading to Toronto.

Thank You very very much for the great welcome in Canada! Love you all!

Route: 2010-06-21 Buffalo, NY USA - Burlington, ON, Canada



Time: 08h33m, Distance 139,93km/86,95mi Moving time: 6h55m, Max Speed: 59km/h, Average: 20,3km/h



And the song: Hot Hot Heat - Middle of Nowhere

2010-06-20 Geneva NY - Buffalo NY: The first night in a hotel (and hard to find one)

So... I don't know how I should start, but is better to start on the positive side of the things!
My last minute host in Geneva, James, offered me a great breakfast in Geneva city, quite near the "Geneva" lake. And for the note, the next meal I had was only at 6PM, only drinked water on the way!
Talking about water, in the middle of the way, my bottles were empty and had not seen any food point, so I asked (again) for some water to a family who was outside home. They immediately offered me 2 bootles of fresh water and refilled mine, and they were soo great that gave me 5 dollars! I just wanted some water! Thanks a lot Dave and family! All I wanted was just a water refill!
And for the negative side... despite the opposite wind I had on the journey, I was quite delaying the ride, waiting for some positive answer from any couchsurfer in Buffalo, got some that could not host me and even delaying my arrival to 22:30 I had no other choice to find a hotel or hostel! Even that was hard to find! However this hotel has private jacuzzi and allows me to earn miles on my airline card! So... it's still a positive side!



Departing from Geneva: Gracias Ramón Y Jesus!

Route: 2010-06-20 Geneva NY - Buffalo NY



Time: 11h34m, Distance 174,41km/108,37mi Moving time: 9h36m, Max Speed: 50km/h, Average: 18,2km/h Total: 1148,99km/713,95mi



And the song: The Drums - Forever And Ever Amen

2010-06-19 Binghamton NY - Geneva NY: Sometimes the wrong road might be the right one

Now this day was really a crazy day!
After leave Kelly's (and flatmates) place, I crahsed into a strawberry festival in Owego, the GPS suggested to direct north, however as I intend to go via a big city and national road, as for what had figured, the national roads are more flat and bigger shoulders, so continued on the road 17c.
After a while, my stock of water got empty and there were no food point on the way, so I saw someone taking care of his garden. Asked him for some water and he gave me 2 bottles from the fridge, we had some chat about this trip and the other ones, and so Señor Ramón asked me if I was going to Geneva, checked on my phone, it seemed quite on the direction to Buffalo, so yeah, is not that far, I can reach Geneva tonight! So, Sr Ramón offered me a 15USD discount on his restaurants that he owns on the New York state area.
So, route changed, posted a message on facebook informing that was going to Geneva and as Adrian was online, he kindly made requests on my behalf! After few hours I had already 3 positive replies!
So... arriving to James place, I told him that I had discounts for the mexican restaurant! And by coincidence he had lunch there, but still we went there!
When arriving to the restaurant, asked if Sr Ramón was in the restaurant (as he told me hasta luego, I assumed that he was heading to Geneva), and the employee said that was his brother Jesus.
As I told him that I had met his brother on the way, and he had offered me discount for his restaurant and that he was on his yard, he just offered the entire dinner for me and my host!
We had a long night of chatting, Jesus suggested me a very Yummy "Pollo norteño" which was really awesome! A must try! And also teached me how to eat like a genuine mexican! Meaning how to pick food with a tortilla :) Yup! Something that I'll teach in Europe!
It was a really crazy day!
I tried to find the restaurants website but there are info on google as well:
Restaurant Garcia's Mexican restaurant

And this pic is quite before arriving to Geneva on a wine area.

Route: 2010-06-19 Binghamton NY - Geneva NY



Time: 10h51m, Distance 184,30km/114,52mi Moving time: 8h57m, Max Speed: 49km/h, Average: 20,8km/h



And the song: The Juan MacLean - Feel So Good

2010-06-18 East Stroudsburg PA - Binghamton NY

This route was very easy to make specially after Scranton, by following the road 11 mostly beside the river. I was convinced that there would be lot's of ups and downs but there were also water points on the way and the water is real good!
Ah, also cycled in Moscow, but there were no sign (like welcome to Moscow), so I could not make a photo of this.
About food management, seems that I should eat more as my arrival to Binghamton was quite suffering, however I'm ready for another biking day! Possibly the 1st night without couchsurfing.
I must thank Genesi and her brother for the acomodation in East Stroudsburg, and also for the cans of red bull on the way! They were a great help :)

This bridge is really big! I like!

And the route: 2010-06-18 East Stroudsburg PA - Binghamton NY

Time: 10h01m, Distance 185,47km/115,56mi Moving time: 8h47m, Max Speed: 61km/h, Average: 21,2km/h

Song of the day: The foals - This orient

2010-06-17 Brooklyn NY - East Stroudsburg PA

So, left the confusion of the big urban area and started to go to calmer, higher and colder places.
Had some lost ways on the road, but lucky the GPS had corrected me on time (I just watch it when in case). Leaving the big urban areas in New Jersey were really complicated and waste more time and kilometers. Adding this to the opposite wind... but everything is doable!

And the route: 2010-06-17 NYC - East Stroudsburg

Time: 11h07m, Distance 178,47km/110,9mi Moving time: 9h33m, Max Speed: 67km/h, Average: 18,7km/h

And the song of the day: New young Pony Club - Oh Cherie

New York New York

Well.. So many things to see, to do, to explore and 3 days are never enough! So which means that I have to return again on the near future and save at least a week!

On the first day after my arrival, decided to explore a bit by foot and only had the chance to see just a bit of Manhattam and Central Park, by bike there was some more, despite You can see quite more in 3 hours in pedal. And any street is bike friendly, including the ones who are not listed in the cycle maps. So, if You are used to heavy traffic, You will not complaint at all.

Today is my last day here, with some rain, and is time to plan the next part until Buffalo as there will be only mountains on my way. But for sure they are doable. Tomorrow I'll let you know.


Here are some pics of New York:

Chinatown:

Ground Zero:

Heaven for many people (is located underground):

Times Square:

Route 2010-06-15 New York city


Time: 3h33m, Distance 30,71km/19,08mi Moving time: 2h29m, Max Speed: 25km/h, Average: 12,4km/h Total: 425,84km/264,60mi

2010-06-13 Philadelphia PA - Brooklyn NY

This day started with very hot and humid morning leaving Philadelphia, and then from the km 100 until Newark was non stop light rain but at least with a very lovely temperature.
Talking about roads, well... On Pensylvania side there were bike routes and signs directing North to Trenton, however on the New Jersy side, the route was entirely made on the National road nr 1 (again) and this route despite having heavy traffic while approaching New York, is a route not recommended to make if You are a slow rider.
Also between Newark airport and Jersey City on the National 1-9 despite it doesn't say prohibited to bikes, it should sign that, specially on the Pulasky skyway. However I believed in what Viamichelin suggested to me.
About entering New York well... while was searching for a ferry to cross the river, it was not possible to do it on weekends as they were not on service, so when asking for alternatives it was told me that there was a "path" who allowed to reach New York.
But following the directions to "path" it's nothing more nothing less a metro that connects New Jersey to New York, and the price is 1,75 USD, so it's a good price considering the cargo that was with me.

The photo of the day comes from a view from the Pulasky Skyway which decided to call "The United Containers of Benetton".

And the route: 2010-06-13 Philadelphia PA - Brooklyn NY


Time: 9h53m, Distance 168,37km/104,6mi Moving time: 7h44m, Max Speed: 42km/h, Average: 21,8km/h Total: 395,13km/245,5mi

And the song of the day: LCD Soundsystem - I can change

M: 2010-06-11 Washington DC - Wilmington DE: The Kilometer 125/ Mile 77:

So...the day was clear, route was completely flat (of course there were ups anddowns like waves) lot's of traffic and an incredible number of red lights. Between DC and Baltimore it was kinda like every mile! With all those red lights they made me stop for around 2 hours (or even more) as many of them You have to wait quite like 2 minutes, so if Youjust count30 red lights at the begining... one hour is already lost! And i was quite making a good average!
So... Again between DC and Baltimore I must say that this part is not so bike friendly and the shoulders are not that wide. From Baltimore till Wilmington via National 40 and 13, there is all the space You want, and a bit less number of red lights.
But the best part of the day was reserved near a bridge on which cycling is not allowed (as there are works in it, and also is a paid one. So, there was a police officer quite near the entry, so I asked which options I could get: Or hitchike or get a train (as none of us knew where was the train staton, the only option was hitchiking!
So, while chatting with Officer Hicks (while was talking about this trip, the others I made in the past, the countries she visited, fo kinda half hour) she stopped a truck to see if I could carry on some truck! So, one truck (was forced to) stop, and kindly was asked if the driver could get me a lift just for cross the bridge and he said ok! And now the most funny part and this! When Ms Hicks asked him where did he came from, he Just said that was from PORTUGAL! And that's were we all started to have great laughs, and what bigger coincidence that Eduardo (the truck driver) lived just 30km nearby my hometown (Óbidos-Alcobaça)! What are the chances of this to happen? Seriously! Seems like I had won the Euromillion (actually I have to check if I won something). And so carried the bike on the truck had a llttle chat, Eduardo even would take me to his place if he was living up North, anyway, just met him really made my day! What a huge brotherhood we have! Ah, when he was stopped, he thought that would get a fine (luckly it wasn't), after the bridge he had some works nearby the road, met his colleagues and the brotherhood was really big that offered me a beer and 20 dollars! Thank You very much! But I was not planning to earn money this way!
So a HUGE thank You to Officer Hicks for finding me a ride and Mr Eduardo for the ride just for cross the forbidden brigde (for bikes).
Continuing the trip and arriving to Wilmington on the sunset already (as I choosed the longer version for reach Philadelphia. And considering that cycling with a bag on my back made already some weight and don't allow the blood to circulate propperly, and also the heavy traffic that the road 13 was too heavy, I decided to stay just in Willmington and get a train to my host was it being already late. I hate cheating but safety comes first (it would be more 40km to make IF there were not paid bridges or allowing bike crossing)!

Ah, and I must thank Jon for the great week in Washington and speacially for introduce me very alternative Asian food (at least to europeans!)

So the photo of the day must be our trio: Eduardo, Officer Hicks and me:

And the route: 2010-06-11 Washington DC - Wilmington DE


Time: 11h58m, Distance 188,94km/117mi Moving time: 8h36m, Max Speed: 52km/h, Average: 22km/h Total: 226,76km/140,9mi (As You can see, lot's of stopped time due to red lights mostly)

And the song of the day: Hurts - Better than love.

Last day in DC, time to prepare the stuff for the trip

Well.. today was spent mostly re-packing, cleaning, adjusting ir order to make sure that the trip of tomorrow will be done soft and smoothly (despite the more than 200km/125mi)
So.. time to rest the most, earn some food, relax and have sweet dreams!

Talking about Washington DC, well... it's such a great city to visit! Everyone running (I guess 24 hour), nice bike trails, If You get tired You can put the bike on the metro or bus (free of charge), Water points, public museums free of charge any time of the day, easy to find any street Just by simple combination of numbers (East-West) and letters (South-North), just say where to meet and I don't even need a GPS to find the meeting point!

See you in Philadelphia tomorrow! I'll be listening football (soccer) matches if there is live broadcast on radio.

Yesterday a walking day, today a little biking and GPS testing.

As today the weather was clear, it was a perfect day to try a bit of the city on bike.
The capital is very clean, very nice path/trails and the drivers respect most of the bikers by giving priority on the sidewalks for example.
There was a confusing part as entering the Pentagon city, that once I entered in their area, it was kinda hard to get out from there, as most of the exits goes directly to higways and by consequense no bikes. You can have a look on the GPS route.
Ah, taking photos to the Pentagon is not authorized, so there is no photo of the building.
So.. let's be happy with the photo of the white house instead:

So here is the route of Washington DC (city) with the GPS statistics.

Exploring a bit of Wahington DC by foot.

As Yesterday was still kind of tired from the flight and bus trip, also after the Vietnamese dinner, I went to bed earlier, on which made me wake up at around 5AM (still a little with European time feeling), on which the sun was prepairing to rise.
So, started to walk at around 7AM, on which many people were making the traditional jogging and bike riding. Temperature was perfect today!
The walk were aound Washington monument, Capitolium, and the surrounding area. As the weater was still hot I came back to rest a bit and wait for my friend to arrive after work.
Just few moments ago had the Chinese meal most spicy ever! The lips just shake and everthing burns around! I dont know the name but it really has nothing on what You use to like to eat in a Chinese restaurant in Europe! Forget the chop-suey! Seriously! I'll ask my friend the name of those dishes!

Welcome to the United States of America

And so... The odyssey continues, left home from Lisbon, cycled to the airport, packed the bike there, check in in the airport, 8 hours of flight to Philadelphia on which i met some other Portuguese travelers over here, then catch a bus from a Chinese company, on which the buses are very bike friendly, and good price! 15USD just for the bus trip and no extra charges. Then highway to Washington DC to meet up a great friend of mine who came from Lisbon at same day, but different flights and still had time to go to the American version of the Metropolis (club in Lisbon) and had 2 cups of beer (each cup has one liter!).

Now today was sleeping and having a huge breakfast in Saints paradise on which I was the only white one, but still was very welcome by them! Great people! Now at this moment I'm having some time to chill, as the weather is very hot and humid on which makes everything heavy and lazy and just makes You want to sleep all time!

And talking about sleep, I'll take another nap!
See Ya!

Btw, this is how You can pack Your bike with just 1 euro garbage bags, and one tape, empty the tires, dismount the front wheel and seat and that's it! very simple!

And the song of the day.... Rammstein-Amerika :)

Remember last year?

Well... this year will have new updates...

Thank You everyone!

Greetings!
Well as some of You may know, due to the visa situation and the expenses with them, I had to suspend this adventure due to waiting times for these visas (Kazakhstan and Kirghistan at least), which made me arrive late for Alaska (if I could earn founds or had any gift from some airline), making it impossible to visit.
I had my founds counted well for at least reach Australia, and when the money ends, then activate my insurance to return to Portugal.
So I could say that i am proud to survive Russia (was always a myth), but come on! Don't paint it black as many people claim! It was purely normal to cycle in Russia, or Poland or even Germany (of course not having bike routes), so if You behave well and be modest, nothing will happen to You and You will share only the positive things of any adventure You make!
So, i had some lessons, specially for visa bureaucracy, which for me is more for business than real security or border control, and made me think the world we are living, however I don't care about politics, I only care about people and hope to make everyone comfortable when sharing experiences with them!
So, if I don't get married or have a super job or get bored (but this time with extra budget) I may continue this adventure and better planned of course, and this time not depending on anyone (financially speaking of course).
So I can say that I can survive to extreme weather but not to bureaucracy.
Thank You for all the motivation You gave me, to everyone I met on the way, to the couchsurfers who hosted me and made me feel like I never felt before, making me feel soo welcome even if were for few hours! I wished I could stay much longer, It makes me want to repeat the same route with much more days for my hosts, really really thank You! It was really something (right Andrei?)
So for this finale here are some pics of my last day of cycling in Moscow:

Russians can speak English! But only with Russian letters :)

One fake photo for some people:

And the train back to the European Union:

I had recorded the KLM file of my cycling day in Moscow, so You can see for yourself.
Recommended to use Google Earth.
https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/893829/Moscow%202009-04-25.kml

Also the doubts about trains, I has written here my train parts, but to clear any doubts I say that I had traveled by train between Saint Petersburg (due to visa registration and its caused delay and safety told by some people), Vladimir-Nizhniy Novgorod (due to possible bad weather and recommendation of my host), Samara-Moscow (getting new Visa and leave Russia), Moscow-Riga (leaving Russia before new visa expires).

And that's it! Thank You for everything! Really thank You! I am really sorry for not be able to continue, but hope that will be done in a very new future.

And still with Bureaucracy

Ok... As You can see these paperwork stuff is really demoralizing me!
The thing about Kazakhstan was that Portugal has no embassy there and vice versa, so I assumed that I could get the visa at the border.
But this waiting time in Moscow (had to go to the travel agency who made the invitation letter and request new visa for at least leave Russia legally), is really making me change my mind, because asking for new Visa is making increase the expenses and also losing very precious time if I intend to continue.
So... for now i just intend to have the new Russian visa and have enough time to go back to Schengen area.
And now seems that some people doubt about this travel and even with experiences ones say that I have very few baggage. So... to them I suggest: Remove the tent and the sleeping bag and see what You have there. but if the doubts still remains seems I have to remove everything and show them what I have!
About traveling on trains, I said the parts who were done by train! Does people read everything what is written? Even also had You seen ALL the photos?
However.. You can make any questions and investigate if you want! Take Your time!

About leaving Russia, hope to know dates tomorrow, as I go to government office tomorrow with the travel agency (they speak Russian).

And bureaucratic problems just started!

Good evening!
Now that I had arrived to the border (and I surprised of an international border have no one who is able to speak English), and after some hours of waiting, while Russia and Kazakhstan borders were exchanging calls, I think I was still the hero of the day by bringing one Russian officer to the Kazakhstan side, and even so, no one speaking English, they informed that I should get the Visas all in Moscow!
As my Russian Visa will expire tomorrow (and i mentioned that) they said there were no problems in get the Russian part (however they have my Russian visa form, so I was leaving on legal date for Russia).
So and this is quite in a hurry and my first thing to do is get visa extended for Russia, it made me have of the following thoughts (due to finance and had no financial sponsorship or donation):
A: Check the price for train and visa to China, start cycling from Beijing till Singapore and continuing the planned route.
B: Just get the extra days for Russian visa and just come back to European union and just end this attempt of cycling the world.
Well.. that's it for now. Excluding extending the Russian visa, i don't know what to do or where to go, as i believe buying the visas for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and other permits will empty my wallet (and this excluding the train trip to the border as well).

So.. stats of today: B.Chern. - Border RU/KZ - B.Chern. 114.07km in 6h42m33s, Total:3696.9km AVG: 17.0km/h (Opposite side wind in both ways)
Photo of the day: I saw Kazakhstan! But didn't crossed :(

Song of the day: Yeah Yeah Yes - Zero

And Yesterday: Samara - Bol'shaya Chernigovka:153.09km in 7h33m50s, Total: 3582.9km, AVG: 20.2km/h (The warmest day I had in Russia, felt like really spring! But I was sooo used to the cold...)

The pic: Diesel power

And the song: Likky Lee and Royksopp - Miss it so much

And by the way!! i have to thank Anastassia and her mother for hosting me in Samara during the previous days and also tonight when I need to return to Moscow tomorrow!

And also someone who should i thank Manuel Santos (in Germany)from the beginning of my journey for hosting me some weeks before this quest and also gave me a great help on preparing this trip as well!

Between Moscow and Samara... so many things to tell!

Good evening!
Finally arrived to Samara and with some time to keep the posts updated!
On some places I had no internet, some I arrived late to my hosts and of course, I have to spend more time with my hosts in stead of spending the time on internet! I hope You forgive
me for that.
So... here is the update between Moscow and Samara:
________
12 April: Dimitrovgrad - Samara (21th of cycling),
The easiest day for cycle so far! The north wind was a good friend of mine, roads were mostly ok (exception of M5 on the arrival to Samara), clear blue sky and for the 1st time temperatures above 10 degrees! Finally!
The stats was: 162.05km in 7h03m37s, Total:3429.6km, AVG: 23km/h, Not bad I guess!
And the song of the day: REM - Shiny happy people

________
11 April: Ul'yanovsk - Dimitrovgrad (20th of cycling),
A short trip, weather fine, road mostly good but north wind make a trip quite hard, even going down was quite difficult! As well finding acomodation. Alexander found one host for me but was quite late and therefore I stayed in a hotel. 1050RUR was the price. Quite ok for an european citizen.
Stats: 86.58km in 5h04m11s, total 3267.6km, AVG:17.1km/h
Song: Royksopp - Happy up here
And also thank You very much Alexander and her girlfriend for hosting me in Ulyanovsk! Also for the warm socks and head cap! And even tring to find me a host for my future trips! Any help about Europe just ask!

________
10 April: Alatyr' - Ul'yanovsk (19th of cycling),
Well, this time I start thanking for Irina, Husband and the rest of the BIG family and the relatives for everything! I sent my request to Irina, despite she doesn't speak english we still found something to communicate and was really such an experience and that language can be no problem at all to express ourselves!
Had the most original shower or bath or similar, but for them is just Banya, and it is really something! A must try! Then the great cooking with fresh fish and other fresh ingredients, home made spicy vodka, and soooo much to tell about them! I really love them! One of my best experiences so far! And I have to learn Russian as soon as possible for sure! At least i can read some!! Not bad!
About the cycling day! Well.. the morning was quite easy due to a great breakfast, had some ups an down the hills, but on the end of the day... the wind again...
Here is the stats: 171.03km in 9h04m01s Total:3181km AVG:18.9km/h
Song of the day: The Killers - Mr Brightside

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09 April: Sergach - Alatyr' (18th of cycling)
Quite an easy day for the pedal, road mostly ok (specially outside populated areas), almost no traffic, many hills on the way, and very relaxing views on the way.
Had stayed on a pension in Sergach (350RUR only bed and shared shower, no breakfast)
Stats: 143.71km in 7h39m10s Total:3009.9km, AVG: 18.8km/h
Song: Muscles - Ice Cream

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08 April: Nizhniy Novgorod - Sergach (17th of cycling)
From here I start to see the differences between the M and the other type of Russian roads such as P for example.
The M roads usually have much more traffic and by consequence makes the road conditions not that good! Once I left M7 and got the P162 it was really a big difference! Almost no traffic, road in great condition, much more relaxing! Even the air is more pure and without any dust! And had seen some nice little villages on the way, also interesting bus stops!

Stats: 169.25km in 8h26m26s Total: 2866.2km AVG: 20.1km/h
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07 April: Pause day in Nizhniy Novgorod.
Finally a day without rain or snow or other kind of humidity! The city as a great view over the Volga river (the longest of Europe) and I have to thank Anastasia for hosting me there, and as we had spoken on the couchsurfing chat and belonging to our "chat family" I had to make her a visit! It was just too bad that I found her not in her good conditions (as she has to be a week in the hospital, so Anastasia, if You are reading this, the worse has gone! Be patient! Just a few more days! You are strong!

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06 April: Train between Vladimir and Nizhniy Novgorod: As my previous day between Moscow and Vladimir had some extreme weather conditions on the afternoon, and as this trip would take more than 230km I decided to choose the safe way and go by train (My visa days are on the count, so I cannot stay more than the expected).
Was still some time to enjoy the snow from the train! At least is much warmer than cycling ate negative temperatures!
I have also have to thank Stephanie and her husband, kids and pets for a kind welcoming on my arrival on which I arrived completely wet and dirty and almost spreading water almost around the house! So, it was my pleasure to fix the toilet WC :) My pleasure! Hope You can save some water now!
Ah, and thanks for guiding me and helping me on the purchase of the train ticket as well!
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05 April: Moscow - Vladimir (16th of cycling),
A wonderful morning, sunny, no wind, M7 mostly good, all highway, but afternoon arrived and with them, negative temperatures, snow mixed with rain, mud and lot's of dirt! I think I had a similar day somewhere else! And asking when spring will arrive!
Stats: 198.36km in 9h02m11s Total: 2694.7 AVG:22.0km/h
Song of the day: Rammstein - Moscau

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02, 03 and 04 April: Moscow
As written before, my arrival to Moscow was by train at around 6AM and then made a 17km bike trip in direction of my host Andrei. Cycling at 6-7AM there is so fresh, just cleaned and almost no traffic there, and is also nice to enjoy the morning sun with some clouds around, really refreshing!
About my host, I just feel sorry for making him wake up too early 2 times (on my arrival and my early departure), it is really kind from You to let me stay there despite these inconvenient times! However also had my first Banya session with him and his friends, if You are used to Sauna... forget about it! Then had some vodka tasting and of course hang out with his friends and neighbours as well! Ah, her girlfriend cooks very well! Very tasty meals!
About the city of Moscow, I guess many of You already know the city or the postcards of it, and I have also to add to the recommendations a visit on the line 5 (or brown or circular) of the Moscow Metro and see the art on almost all the stations of this line! The price is just 22RUR, so You will not lose anything! And is really also funny to stay on the rolling stairs and see the amusing faces and the routine in their heads! Seriously a must!

Saint Petersburg and Moscow

Good morning!
At the moment I am in Moscow, after spending some great days in Saint Petersburg (courtesy of my great host Alyona, who had great patiente for hosting me and showing me the city, tell the story of the city and also for the great cooking sessions! Even being vegetarian cooking! And helping me on the purchase of the train ticket to Moscow. Also thanks Katerina as well, also had a goos time with her!)
About the night train it was really a great experience! Staring to ask if I could bring the bike on the train, then telling me to put the bike on the 1st carriage and with all the language barrier, I put the bike over my bed and problem solved! It fit's!

Soon I will tell about my arrival to Moscow!
See You!

Day 16 (14 of cycling) Narva-Saint Petersburg

Good evening, sorry for the late post, had some late arrival and many stuff of mine to clean!
The day started cloudy, then strong snow and rain between the km 30 and 100 and most part of the road were completely full of holes and road in bad shape, however the road is very good on the latest 50km to arrive to Saint Petersburg, and of course the wind from east!
Crossing the border was quite fast for what I thought! But still had to fill out the Visa form which was the only delay (and of course, the many people who wanted to cross on foot or bike).
Had a very nice welcome on the Russian side! Really no inspection, just showed my passport with Visa included, then I insisted in show the consulate receipt (to proof that was more than legal way), and everything's fine! So, they liked my arrival and saluted me!
Now that i am inside Russia, i have to register my visa, which will take me more extra days in Saint Petersbug.
And according to what my host and friends in Saint Petersburg, they recommended me to avoid Bologoye and Tver' due to very unsafe situations and possible life risk, so it made me "cheat" on my cycling, which will make me get the train to Moscow, so more days to explore both cities.
The stat of the day was 165.01km in 8h35m53s total:2478.8km AVG:19.2km/h
And the pic of the day, to confirm the weather I had:

Music of the day was the recorded MQ3 and Bons Rapazes from Antena 3 Portugal.
You can listen on streaming on
http://ww1.rtp.pt/multimedia/index.php?prog=1080 (MQ3)
http://ww1.rtp.pt/multimedia/index.php?prog=1086 (Bons Rapazes! what a great company!)

Day 15 (13 of cycling) Tallin-Narva

Ok... the worst day so far!
Usually the wind blows from west, but unfortunately decided to blow from east right on the moment that I am making complete east side! So.. today and tomorrow!
So.. just have the stats today... Tomorrow have to add 2 hours on the clock (summer time and entering Russia)
Route: 211.30 km in 12h15m43s, total 2313.7km AVG: 17.2km/h
By the way, snow and rain most of the time, only made one photo, I am really angry with this wind! Seriously, but I have my mission, so.. have to face the obstacles.
I apologize for this heavy post.

Day 14 (12 of cycling) Parnu-Tallin

Ok... Finally arrived to Tallin! And hopefully my last day with wind against me!
Today was a very happy and funny day to me!
My host Katrin is a professional massagist and offered me massages on my legs, and really worth it! I was able to face the snow storm quite after my departure from Parnu! Really thank You for that! But is not allowed to say after the session! But I am really thankful!
Then after few kilometers I was stopped by the Estonian police, asked him if he spoke English, he said no, then I explained about my trip and showed him my route plan called me crazy, saluted me, wished me luck and offered me a souvenir! So the Police is a good friend of the citizen and travellers! It deserved the pic of the day:

Song of the day: The Foals - Big big love

Day 13 (11 of cycling) Riga-Parnu

Good evening, as today i arrived quite late, this will be a quick post again.
The north wind was again not my friend, temperature was negative most of the time, but was a beautiful day in general.
Tomorrow will be the last day heading north, so I hope I will have good wind most of my way!
Photo of the day:

Song of the day: Mando Diao - Dance with somebody

Day 11 (10 of cycling) Panevezys-Riga

Good evening once again, now live from beautiful Riga!
Weather was great today, no wind, but I had to be protected against the freezing temperatures.
Road was mostly ok, with expection of some damaged roads on the populated area and on the last 20km arriving to Riga.
Tomorrow will be my resting day for remember a bit more of this sweet city.
Here are the sats of the day: 158.69km in 7h22m06s total:1770.8km AVG:21.5km/h

Photo of the day: (Yes, Martini is in Latvia)

The song of the day: Philip Glass - Runaway Horses (Mishima soundtrack)

Day 10 (9 of cycling) Kaunas-Panevezys

Today as a nice resting day in A1 (highway) and A8. In Lithuania ia quite allowed to cycle in the highways, which is nice! I don't mind at all!
However the north wind was not my friend (as I expected) but the weather was great to enjoy the landscape!
And the daily stats are: 106.22km in 6h28m47 Total:1612.1km AVG:16.4km/h
And the photo of the day: ( a good joke if You understand Portuguese)

And the song of the day: The Killers - Spaceman

By the way I would like to thank Aura and her partner for hosting me in Kaunas and made a delicious vegetarian dinner/breakfast! And still kind enough to wash my dirty clothes! Thank You!

And also thanks for the motivation SMS which I had got during my way as well!
You can send me free sms from www.airbalticcard.com. feel free to use the service! nd tell me your name on the sms! It's free for both of us :)

Days 8 and 9 (7 and 8 of cycling) Olsztyn-Olecko-Kaunas (Lithuania)

Good evening!
As I had no internet in Olecko, the previous post was not updated (as well the photos) so here is a 2 in 1 post.
About Olecko-Kaunas (Lithuania) was very very easy day, also with lot's of snow on most of the trip (snowing right after had entered Lithuania) but was a really fast trip. The wind this time was a good friend and adding that to the many trucks who passed by me and gave me a great help by giving some wind for me!
Was a trip sooo easy that I only ate half sandwich and drinked only one can (200ml) of one energy drink (or that or beer, no other drinks to choose on that Polish service area), just to get rid of some polish coins (drinks and food are extremly cheap compared to Germany).
Arrived to Kaunas quite early than expected, but was around 1 hour to find my host's place (numbering issue!)
About road conditons N8 and A5 are perfect for cycling! Good and wide roads
Here is the stats: 167.19km in 7h34m37s total: 1505.9 AVG: 22.1km/h

The picture (N8 going to Lithuania):

Don't worry about the temperature! Worry about the wind!

Song of the day: Empire of the Sun - Walking on a dream

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About the route Olsztyn-Olecko, was a white day, starting the day very fresh and still thanking Anieta and Woigtek (hope to had written correctly) for the great acomodation and remembering the hosting of 3 years ago and see what had happened during all those times. During the cycling, as there were lots of snow was a perfect day to be fulfilled with mud, and the trip could had been easier if the valve of the front wheel tyre didn't got damaged (malfunction I mean) however here are the stats: 164.9km in 9h09m54s total 1338.7km avg 18km/h.
I had updated the info via twitter/facebook, so on cases I don't have internet access, the stats will be updated daily (as long i have GSM coverage as well).
I had stayed in a kind of hotel, but the room was soo tiny... well... no comments!
Paid 72PLN, for night and breakfast (the recepcionist could not speak any other language beside Polish, advantages? I used my Dutch train discount and used as student card! So there was some discount!)
And the photo of that day:

Song of the day: Franz Ferdinand - Can't stop feeling

Day 7, 6th of Cycling: Bydgoszcz-Olsztyn (March 19)

Good evening!
Today was a day full of anger! Specially because of th wind was against me all the time and never stop changing direction!
It also snowed during the way, but didnt bored with cold! I called all the possible and imaginary names to the reverse wind! Once on a while it's ok, but all the time.. come on!! What have I done? I bring love, not war! Hope the wind understands me!
Well.. now in Olsztyn I am being hosted for a wonderful couple which had hosted me 3 years ago! Great to see them again! And is nice to walk (only for a bit) on the white city! But wait a minute.... Isn't spring already?
Well... here are the stats:
205.27km in 11h32m45s total: 1173.8km AVG:18.5km/h
Some snow and wind on the way.
Had only taken one photo but I will upload them when I have some real rest!
Just came from a big dinner offered by my sweet hosts Anieta and Woigtek!
(hosted me 3 years ago! Great to see them again!)

Now the photo:

Pronounced Piua (not Pila)