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Over the Urals and into Asia

Writer's picture: Ed HughesEd Hughes

Updated: Sep 10, 2020

From Ufa it was a climb over the Ural mountains (more like just hills) to Chelyabinsk. The climbing curves of the road over the mountains were a refreshing change from the long straight roads of the previous few days, and gave me a chance to round off the tyres and stop them developing flat spots in the middle.


The day was exhausting, in part because I have been suffering a cold which started in Kazan. When I arrived in Chelyabinsk I was shaking and trembling and the rest day was much needed. I had planned to visit a tractor factory museum called "Museum of Labour and Fighting Glory" but the following day I was too tired to do anything.


The ride to Ishim had a similar physical feel. While the countryside has now changed to flat marshland the roads were shocking. Huge potholes and corrugations with the maximum advised speed of 30mph in places (its 360 miles to Ishim). The bike was jumping and bucking all over the place and I was glad I had the good sense to check all frame bolts the day before and install upgraded suspension before I started the trip. I was very pleased to arrive in Ishim in the dark.


Previously I had been concerned about whether the bike would make it, but I think the reality of the physical challenge of riding (and keeping alert) is every bit a part of the difficulty of riding the trans-Siberian.


I had been following a blog (and a similar route) to a video blogger (Teapotone) and this road had cracked the subframe on his Suzuki. I can see why now.


Still 4600 miles done so far and the only equipment breakage is the clip on my helmet visor.


Oh roadside monument count:

- 1 T55 tank

- 1 T34-85 tank

- 1 BMP armoured personnel carrier

- 1 Mig 21

- 2 engineering tanks I didn't recognise (and couldn't be bothered to stop for)

- 2 heroic busts of Lenin


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