ODO: 782, km today: 97
I wake up in the morning to a soft pitter patter of rain on the tent. Oh good I think, it's raining and I don't have to leave. I had been feeling quite anxious about heading off into the unknown alone and the AT House in Bishkek felt like an oasis, a lovely home away from home full of wonderfull people, communal dinners and speedy wifi. What more could I want? Five minutes later the rain stopped and I gave myself a little pep talk and decided I would aim to be off by 9am.
After spreading all my gear out and then only just managing to pack it onto my bike (just how many groceries do I think I will need?), two cups of tea and a few email swaps later I couldn't delay it anymore.
Filled with anxiety I said a very hasty goodbye to the wonderful people I had met. I didn't want to prolong the goodbyes in case I burst into tears (yes, I was quite nervous/ anxious). With the paparazzi snapping away I rode off down the street into the unknown. Thankfully in the right direction.
After battling traffic and the stop start of traffic lights I made my way east along some ok paved road. I stopped for a snack of dried fruit (I do have about 1.5kg of the stuff to get through - I got a bit excited at the market) and continued on. And on. And on along a straight, flat road with a fairly significant amount of traffic and boring scenery. The highlight of which was the occasional sunflower field backed by some hills that I think are in Kazahkstan.
A lunch of fresh bread and jam in a bag (every cyclists favourite) kept me going for another little while. By 3pm I found myself stopping more and more frequently. Unfortunately I was still in a pretty built up area and couldn't see any potential camping areas. 5pm rolled around and I seriously started looking. I was pooped, legs tired, back sore and I am still breaking into brooks saddle.
I turn down a side street and 5km later turn down a little track that is supposed to lead me down a river (according to my GPS). The river is in fact a dry creek bed but I find a spot to camp that will do. Just as well because I didn't want to go any further. I have enough water for dinner and brekky so no worries there. It's not the most scenic campsite and there is a little rubbish strewn around so hopefully I don't get visited by anyone tonight.
Pasta is on the boil, I have some tunes playing on the phone (Neko Case if your curious) and as soon as dinner is eaten and I am cleaned up it's off to bed for this weary body.
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