December 12th, 2006 | categorizilation: all categories,Azerbaijan
First I must extend my thanks to Patty and Preston from the Baku Bicycle Club for the few days I have shamelessly indulged in their wonderful generosity and hospitality. Thank you so much for putting up with me oops, I mean putting me up. It is people like you that make a weary traveller’s day. Or days, as it has turned out.
Also a really big thank you to Andy for orchestrating my contact with the club. Thank you for your kind support! I am very grateful for the stainless steel thermos that the club donated to my trip – engraved with ‘Baku Bicycle Club’. It is a great practical souvineer from Baku that will be put to use (photos coming soon).
A great big thank you to all the Baku Bicycle Club folks that showered me with support. Your supportive attitude and generosity has been refreshing and very appreciated. A special thank you to Dave and Constance, Neil and Chris, for supplying some well needed bike bits and supplies.
The great master plan was to leave Baku today and head towards Georgia. Only problem was that yesterday I discovered that I needed a visa in order to enter Georgia. Many other developed nations do not need a visa however, so getting this visa seemed more like a formality than anything else. The visa was issued the same day, and although some running across town to pay fees (fees paid at a bank rather than the embassy) was required, it was all very straight forward.
So my wonderful stay here in Baku will come to an end tomorrow morning as I head out in the general direction of Georgia. West that is. I just hope the continental prevailing wind will decide to blow in the opposite direction as to give me a tail wind all the way…
Woohoo! Rob's been recharged!
Very glad to hear it.
It'll be food for thought for days – weeks, even – as you pedal away.
Glad to hear you got some encouragement after you hard trek thru Central Asia. Keep up the good work.
You seem to be slowing down a bit! How much longer are you planning to take to get to London?
It must have been so nice having people to interact with for more than a few hours. Makes it a lot harder to move on though. It must be very difficult travelling by yourself most of the time, and only your thoughts and the barren scenery to distract or entertain you. So what kind of food did they feed you, and was there anything that particularly stood out for you?
Hey Rob
Today I received Meks suspension fork delivered to my office, Yipppeeeee!!! It took only ten days to this side of Australia (WA) which is pretty impressive. Now starting to look for 406 (20in) rim or wheelset. I think I will use Schwalbe Marathon which I used them in the past (16in version) on my Brompton which were awesome.
Any tips or opinions on front wheel configuration?
Satoshi
Glad you've had some extra support and encouragement. Looking forward to your trip thru Europe
What? You don't have Candy Land in New Zealand!? Wow. So, what did you do for fun when you were a kid? They don't make all children learn to fire dance do they?
Cool to hear that you are recharged and ready for Europe though. I am imagining something along the lines of what happens to Mario when he gets the "power up" mushroom. (Place appropriate sound effect here):)
Hey thats a HUGE beard!!!
Sounds like your having a good adventure!!!
You wouldnt be geting to see much rugby!!!
Take care
Hey man, it was great having you stay at our place in Baku, you're welcome back any time – though hopefully on a different trip rather than as a result of a setback on the current trip. Keep 'on pedaling. You could see a bit of healthy jealousy as Patty and I saw the slides of your trip, especially as we make the daily grind at work! Best wishes for your continued travels.
cheers,
Preston
Hi Rob.
Interesting journey! But I'm glad YOU are the one who is doing all the hard work and not me!
Where you are now they used to have Christmas after New Year. So with a bit of luck it might come twice for you. What are you gonna do with all those presis? Your bike seems already overloaded.
Anyway here is the first verse of "Silent Night…" in russian.
Тихая ночь, дивная ночь!
Дремлет все, лишь не спит
В благоговенье святая чета;
Чудным Младенцем полны их сердца,
Радость в душе их горит.
Радость в душе их горит
Better start practicing now, I'm shure you know the tune.
Take care! Markus
This jsut in! The Prez for Life of Turkmenistan is dead MORE HERE
The king is dead! And I also heard that he had (at some point, though probably not while you were there!) banned all beards for a period! Woah, you are a lucky boy haha.
Hey Rob! You're amazing to have gotten this far in one piece! I'm back in Australia at Tumbarumba NSW, enjoying the summer. Just showed Dad your website and he said óh to be 30 years younger and I`d have a go myself!'. Look after yourself mate and hopefully see you back in Japan sometime! Sally
Aunty Les, I am indeed slowing down. But it's all good. Just taking my time. No need to get as tired out as I did in central Asia! I won't arrive in England till March or April though…
Andy Kenning! Good to hear from you! How the hang did you hear about my adventures? Hope all is well with you, and enjoy the holiday season.
Markus, so happy you've had a chance to check on my site. As for the Russian Silent Night, I should have taken some lessons from you while I was at the hostel – making up the words probably wouldn't go down well…have a great festive season. I hope you have a chance to get some time off.
Where is this Baku Bicycle Club? I want to visit that place.
