May 16, 2025
16May2025
Another 43 degree day predicted, so I escaped from my hotel at 6 am, making my way along the empty streets of Navoi. I was soon able to see distant hills beyond green pastures where domestic horses and cows grazed. The early morning sunlight is always magical at this time of the day, with it's golden glow washing over everything in the cool morning air. All this makes getting up early worth while! A favourite snack in Uzbekistan is the Samsa, which is a meat or potato filled pasty, baked in a large tandoor. Early morning is when the tandoors get fired up, and the smoke fills the air as I ride through. A few hours into the ride I had my first dog chase of the trip... Two feisty beasts came running out barking and snapping at my rear panniers. I did my usual thing of stopping and calming them with gentle words, which worked a treat until I would get on my bike and start to ride off. After 2 attempts of gentle pacification, I got off my bike and picked up a stone and asked them if they "wanted some" ! To my relief they skulked off looking a little overwhelmed at my sudden show of aggression. An hour later, I stopped at a mini-market for some food and was approached by a motorist who said he drove past me earlier and that I had waved at his friendly hoot (as I do to all friendly hoots I receive, and there are plenty!). He handed me a cold bottle of water and a snickers bar that he had bought in preparation for my ride past the shop! The only other stop today was to refill my Coleman cooking stove with petrol at a roadside station. A most enjoyable ride ended as I arrived at the "Central Hotel" in Kattakurgan. After laundry and a nap, I found lovely food and supermarket goodies (Oreo cookie treat tonight!). Tomorrow, all being well, I should ride into Samarkand.
Today's ride: 88 km (55 miles)
Total: 1,314 km (816 miles)
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