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Half way home – after 9 mths and 14,609 kms

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 | China, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia

WARSAW to BEIJING

It is 6,404 kms from London to St. Petersberg. To some, this may seem like a lot – there are shorter and easier ways – but this is the distance we covered, and what an incredible adventure it has been…

We cycled through 14 countries, following a mix of pilgrim trails, trade routes, alpine passes, famous rivers and historic cities. The experience challenged and amazed us. On many occasions, it opened our eyes. We twice had friends come and join us, and made new friends along the way. It showed there is still adventure to be had, even in the most developed and populated parts of the world. This continent, like South America, has been worth every push on the pedals. Europe – west and east – we crossed it.

Leaving Warsaw, we headed north into the lakes area of Eastern Europe. These stunning glacial lakes, too many to count, extend all the way from northern Poland, through the Baltics to Russia. We were back adventuring again – camping free wherever we wanted, and braving icy cold morning swims. In between, we passed through forests, rich farmland, quaint villages and historic old cities. The kindness and generosity of the people here, has continued to amaze us. Eastern Europe has been a pleasant surprise.

It is no wonder rural Russia came as a shock. Run down, tired and miserable feeling – we were glad it would only take a day and half to reach St. Petersberg. Russia is a country of contrast though, and this introduction, versus the major cities, couldn’t highlight this better. In Moscow, we were fortunate to have some friendly faces to stay with. Esther, Chris & Helen went out of their way to show us what is spectacular and unique about Russia – you haven’t lived, until being beaten with birch sticks in a banya!

Getting our bikes on the Trans-Siberian proved a lot easier than feared. From there, the relaxing monotony of train travel took over. For six days, we lurched 7,865 km across Siberia, watching Europe slowly turn into Asia. While “trained out” by the end, it was a great experience and we would highly recommend it.

Now in Beijing, after 9 months, and having clocked up 14,609 kms – almost double the Trans-Sib – we are half way home. Does it get any easier? If we can get out of Beijing with this Chinese character map, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Keep the comments and emails coming. They are much appreciated and a real boost.

Safe travels,

Jules & Jess