August 25,2015 Nizhneudinsk to Listvyanka

After a very strange sanitarium-supplied breakfast of plain macaroni, oversized hot dogs, and some sort of egg custard, we left the dormitory and headed out on the road.  Today, we had a group of four who wanted to limit the number and time of rest stops, so we went ahead of the rest of the group... Tom & Mona and Jeff had head colds and felt poorly, so came with Boz and us to get the day's ride over quickly.

we were slowed only by construction.  This particular site also had oil down on the gravel.  It made motorcycling especially treacherous.  

It really felt like we were in Siberia today.  Cold, wet, dismal, and lots of emptiness all around.  Thanks goodness for heated riding gear (we have coat liners and gloves that plug into the bike).

Throughout the day, we passed small villages that felt like outposts.  

The homes are small, single story, weatherbeaten, wood structures.  Some are sinking into the ground. No labor is wasterd on maintianing the grounds around the homes, but most have small gardens in the backyards.  And judging by the curtains in the windows, I can imagine a neat, homey interior.  

We passed over the Trans Siberian Railroad several times during the day.  A unique feature of rail crossings in Russia are the steel plates that rise up at the crossing, preventing motorists from any attempt to cross when a train is approaching.

The bleakness and expansiveness of eastern Russia stuck with us.  We have ridden in the U.S. West many times, and Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, and the Dakotas have nothing on Siberia when it comes to a "whole lot of nothing" as Dave often says.

In the more populated areas, like Irskutsk, we found some more orthodox churches.

City riding, again required 

lane splitting techniques.  At times it is a little unnerving, but most Russian drivers are more than willing to let us squeeze by.

We left the city environs, and were soon enthralled by the dips and rises of the roads around Lake Baikal.  A great ride.

Of course we had to stop for the obligatory cows in the road, but

quickly passed them.

All too soon we were parking our bikes by our hotel, Legend of Baikal Hotel, on Lake Baikal.  Tomorrow is a rest day and we have a boat ride and picnic planned.  The hotel is "basic" but has great views, and we look forward to a day off the bad Siberian roads.