Back in UK thought a new rear tyre would be handy halfway to China, do see other bike passing with tyres tied on, hear stories of people stuck wait on tree. So we filled the new tyre with goodies, brake pads, water sterilise tabs, dried food, and a present for each other. Tyre sent by Hunters bike shop in good time, but stuck customs in Almaty, should have watched this closer, bit help from Palace Victoria Hotel, pay fee to prove for it's for me not my company, still sit 3 days - luckily do have time. Caspien sea, simple drive south to coast have swim, well 5km beyond land on sat-nav, still just reeds with a few river channels, interesting -40m altitude. Locals say another 25km to open water. Might drive west (just another 100km)
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