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I most of us have heard the old saying from our parents about having to walk miles to school, in the snow, and uphill, BOTH ways, well, that was sort of my story today, but Freddie and I rode from Obninsk to Borovsk, 44 km, uphill, into the wind, both ways! No, just kidding, but we did have a good day trip by bike to Borovsk, a small town north of Obninsk. I went there before with Freddie, Leo, and Andrey, but that time it was by car and a lot easier I must say! I am not as young as I use to be and/or I am not in as good of shape as I use to be and tomorrow I am going to really regret riding my bike 44 km, between my legs and my butt!
Freddie suggested taking this trip a week or so ago and of course I thought it sounded like a good idea so I agreed (and it really was just I need to practice more before I agree to such thing...lol). We had several other say they were going to go, but this morning it was just Freddie and I. It looked like
Borovsk
The town originated in 1358. We rode here from Obninsk ~20km, uphill, into the wind, both ways...lol rain and it was pretty cold. I do not know the exact temperature, but I am guessing around 45oF. We started off and it started to sprinkle on us so we decided to just stay around town until we got to the split so Freddie asked me if I wanted to head back to Obninsk or continue on to Borovsk, I said "Borovsk". We did have a pretty good wind into us on the way there and Freddie is by far a better rider (or at least in better shape) as he lead the way but was too far ahead of me for me to draft off him so we both had wind. We made a few minor stops along the way, but I thought made good time in 1 hour and 9 minutes riding time (not counting breaks) for ~20 km. We got to town and sort of wondered around a bit and found this great cafe/restaurant. It was a bit expensive, but it had a great view and the food, juice and tea tasted oh so good!
Freddie knew of a pizza place so we went through the center of town and found the pizza place which
Freddie and Vince
This was our first break where we decided to head on to Borovsk as oppose to heading back to Obninsk. Actually Freddie was being nice and letting me catch up. was at the bottom of this very steep hill. That was great getting there, but coming back was going to be a killer. We both enjoyed the pizza and warm cafe. We then decided it was time to venture back. I took on the hill and made it to the top, but I was hurting. Freddie let me lead on the way back. We had the wind to our favor so that helped a lot and actually except the one stop I wanted to make for pictures, we made it all the way back non-stop (and my butt was telling me it!!!!) We stopped at a little cafe on the outside of town for a quick rest then went along the "beach" area of Obninsk to the downhill ski "mountain" from the bottom. We stayed around there for a little bit before I decided to take on the ski hill, which I made 1/4 of the way up before I gave up. I think had it been at the beginning of trip, I might have made it, but there was no way my legs could peddle me up after all day of riding.
I told Freddie once we got
View from Cafe
Here was the view from the cafe that we found in Borovsk. back, I was going to take a hot whirlpool and then rest, which is exactly what I did. I know they say warm water after something like that is not good and you should use cold water, but the warm water felt so good as I read the paper and felt the bubbles from the whirlpool maker Jetta and the kids got for me the last time I was in Germany. I then watched a movie while I ate dinner and now I am catching up on the blog.
Other news, last night we went to the Horseshoe Cafe to wish Egor off and yes, we drank a little vodka. Egor heads to the USA sometime this week for three months. I think he is both excited and a little nervious, which I can not blame him. I am excited he will get to see the country first hand.
Since I can not leave Russia until the end of the month for my visa being renewed, which I got it in just in time. Effective May 26, Russia is no longer processing work visa. I did not hear anything about other visas, but no more work visa
Cafe with a View
Overlooking the valley, I assume of Borovsk. until further notice. Not because of higher management, but general labor workers, this is going to hurt the country, but it is what it is. I got mine in about one week before the shut off so I should be okay as I understood. So, because I can not leave Russia until I get it back, Leo and I are heading to Saint Petersburg on June 12 for the weekend. I was not thinking about "White Nights" but it was difficult finding a hotel. We are getting near the longest day of the year and you can tell it even here in Obninsk as it is almost 10 PM as I write this blog and it is still bright out as the sun is setting. They say it really never gets completely dark in St. Petersburg during this time so that should be interesting to see. We are taking the overnight train up and then flying back on Sunday.
Also, other big news...Micheal resigned late last week. He turned in his 30 day notice, per our contract, to come back to the USA. I was shocked because a week before that, he and Dasha announed their wedding date, August
Heading Home
As we left Borovsk on our way back to Obninsk. 9, 2008. They are still going forward with the wedding and I get to be "the wedding planner" making all of the guy decisions for Michael since he will not be here.
I guess that about fills you in on the latest of me here in Russia. I hope everyone had a great weekend!
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Margaret
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Congrats biker man!
I'm so proud of you for using that bike you bought. That's a long way to go on a beach cruiser and with no practice. What were you thinking! It's better to get plenty of saddle time before the long treks. I ride about 15-20 miles on most weekends to get ready for Germany in August. I hope you gave Egor my info!