Day 65

My first puncture! it happened about 3 km after crossing into Asia. There is a big bridge over the River Ural that separates the two continental groups, I cross over and the pfffft! I stop next to a group of fruit sellers and begin to repair my tyre. As I work I become something of interest to the kids whose parents own the stalls. They run up, laughing, wanting to say hello and then bring me drinks! I fix the tyre and then realise that the kids want to have a go on the bike. I let them and watch as laughing kids race backwards and forwards on the Sherpa! Finally I have to leave and ride on.

I ride to Zhympity passing road side graveyards. My hotel is a little basic, but there is a cafe across the road so I eat and sleep.

At about 3.30 AM I wake to the noise of a fluttering sound followed by a crashing sound above my head. At first I think it must be bats in the attic, but after lying there for a bit I realise that the noise is too close. I prise my eyes apart and look up, only to see a large bat crashing about above my head! My first thoughts are to hope that he/she/it does not poop on me. I then think how I can remove him/her/it. I can not open the window as it is sealed tight. That just leaves the door into the corridor. I duck and rush to my door, swing it open and then move back. The bat seems to like this and flies straight for the gap. I am relieved. I switch the light on, examine my bed which is thankfully poop free and then get back to sleep.


Puncture repair team!

Final resting spot.