If I had to pick a favorite...Kyrgyzstan
Days 113-114 - Taraz, Kazakhstan to Almaty via Kyrgyzstan - 18 hours, 700 miles.
Two days of the best riding in my life...why?
- Beautiful people. The Kyrgyzstani locals are incredibly friendly, constantly waiving and inviting me into their huts. They don't constantly honk at motorcyclists, as experienced in Kazakhstan. This has really started getting to me lately, as constant honking and gawking made me uneasy. Piece and quiet were nice. Furthermore, the children are curious, but not intrusive. I'd try to give them candy and just interact, but it took a lot of time to coax them into this. Amazing how cultures can change across borders
- Fantastic roads. If it's paved, it's pristine. If it's gravel, it's groomed. Honestly, I can't figure out how the local economy supports such a great roadway system, but I'm glad it does.
- Unbelievable scenery. Will let the pictures speak to this...but I've never seen a place so lush and untouched. If I were to die and come back as a farm animal, I definitely want to be Kyrgyzstani livestock.
- Great camping. Lots of options, as I camped alone for the first time this trip. Just pick as spot...anywhere. Loved it! Also, before crossing back into Kaz, I could see a storm front in my path, so I just stopped for a nap beside a lazy creek and allowed it some time to move east. What a great, relaxing day!
- I'm solo again. Green's started making a funky sound in the transmission when I let it rip in higher gears. Not good, so I decided to high-tail it to Almaty, where a BMW tech can look at it. Randy and Kenny have lighter bikes and will enjoy some additional time off the beaten path. Furthermore, Randy's Russian visa isn't effective for a few weeks, which means we'd have to slow-roll Kaz before entering Russia. This would put me waaaaay behind schedule in getting to Alaska and back to work. It's been fun traveling with these two, but the "Lone Wolf" is off again!
I have this terrible tendency to blast through countries because I just love making progress. The second I left this beautiful nation, I was sad with regret. WE WILL BE BACK.
