Thursday, 28 July 2011

And finally the bike is free.

Big news off the day is the bike was finally released from customs about 3pm this afternoon. Everything seems to be undamaged and nothing missing and praise to all the dieties that look after motorcyclists it started first push of the button.  Unfortunately the same could not be said of the two Croations, Robert and Patricts bikes which both had dead flat batteries; however customs warehouse staff seemed to be well used to that and soon rolled out the jump start equipment.

[caption id="attachment_115" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Re-united at last"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_116" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Starting kilo-metres - 130,300 (guesses on the finishing figure anyone?)"][/caption]

We were then off to find a petrol station as all bikes had  to be shipped with minimal petrol in them.  After some confusion I've now found out Russian petrol stations work  differently to what we are used to.  After stopping at the pump and before filling up you go to the cashier and pay for the amount you estimate you want - then the pump is switched on and delivers the set amount.  Apparently lots don't have auto-cutoff either so you don't dare over-estimate how much fuel you want or the surplus is likely to be dumped on the ground.There then followed an entertaining 10 km trip through peak Vladivostok traffic.  Its not like anything I've experienced before - they drive on the right side of the road (difficulty one), traffic is horrendous (difficulty two), the driving varies between assertive and aggressive (difficulty three) and finally most of the cars are Japanese imports and have steering wheels on the right ie the wrong side for their road system (difficulty four) and top it off it started to rain.  Fortunately we were following someone back to the Iron Tigers club house because navigating on top of all of this might just have been too much.  I'm staying here again tonight so that Patrick and Roberts batteries get a chance to be re-charged and then hopefully will head off tomorrow mid-morning.

[caption id="attachment_117" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="All three bikes safely at "Iron Tigers""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_118" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Is he telling me to head that way?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_119" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Vladivostok - random street scene"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_120" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Vladivostok - street market"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Vladivostok skyline."][/caption]
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3 comments:

  1. Anthony1 August 2011 at 09:15

    We're loving following the adventure, especially with all the photos.
    I'm heading off in a few days for a dangerous week of touring the pubs of mid Wales in the Jag! (though Di can do the driving post pub!)
    I too am living life on the edge.

    Cheers
    Ant

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  2. Hugh Williams(Dad)2 August 2011 at 03:22

    For my comment I'll just say ditto to Ant's observations apart from the bit about a boozy week in the Brecon beacons ! I shall be looking after his dog so I still have my uses.At present I'm guarding Lucas's hamster which has already made one bid for freedom under the Frig/freezer.I'll close by wishing you a happy birthday on the 5th.Sorry there's no card ,but no doubt Ant & I will raise a couple of bottles of Grolsch to mark the event. All the best Dad.

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  3. awayonmybike2 August 2011 at 17:03

    Enjoy mid-Wales and the ales - I'm sure you'll have your adventures there too. Say hi to all the family for me. Congratulations to Emily and Matt on their engagement.

    All the best

    Martin

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