Yaroslavl Region to Moscow - August 6

After breakfast this morning, we geared up and rode the bikes back to the resort's reception area.  No one was allowed out of the gated area until everyone had settled up on their bills.  The  security at this place is tighter than Fort Knox.

  The first part of our trip had some rough patched spots and some cobblestones, so riders stood on the footpegs.

 

Dave noticed that a lot of the small, otherwise plain dachas (weekend second homes) have intricate ornamentation around their windows.  

We passed several churches  along the way.  Blue, green or gold seem to be the popular choice of color for the domes.  

Blue and gold cupolas, offset by snow white walls is the Russian’s perception of divinity.

About two-thirds the way to Moscow, today’s destination, we stopped in the town of Sergiev Posad.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the Trinity of Larvra of St. Sergius, a monastery, and the holiest site for the revered St. Sergius of Radonezh. 

A group of Chinese tourists wanted their picture taken with the motorcycles in the background.

Whenever we pull into town, we attract quite a bit of attention.  Yesterday we were featured on TV news.  You can watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7-WZswlzfc&feature=player_embedded&app=desktop

A statue of St. Sergius, who founded this monastery in 1340.

Fortress walls surrounding the monastery have never been penetrated despite many attempts. 

We saw lots of  nuns - is that what they are called in the Russian Orthodoxy? -  and a few priests walking around this complex.

Some of them were even talking on cell phones.

Inside the gates we all were stunned by the vision of so many holy buildings, and their beautiful facades.

These pictures cannot begin to convey the beauty in this complex.

There were more churches around every corner, all inside the fortified walls.

Churches on top of churches.

The interiors are equally magnificent.  The paintings around the church tell the stories of the bible, beginning with the Old Testament at the top, the New Testament underneath and then the local saints on the bottom tier.

Inside they are filled with icons and holy relics.

Pilgrims have journeyed to this place since the 14^th century to pray and pay homage to St. Sergius and continue to do so today.  We saw many people kissing the icons and bones of the saints.

The devoted come from all over Russia to pray for their loved ones both living and dead.

The archway as we exit the monastery.

After our short exploration of Trinity of Larvra of St. Sergius, we headed over to a nearby restaurant for a quick lunch.  The food was very good, although preparation takes a while!  Andre and Steve nearly didn’t get their grilled shrimp or hamburger before we had to leave.

The exterior walls of the monastery as we rode away from Sergiev Posad.

Then, back to the bikes that were being watched over by our guides, John and Mike, and onto Moscow.

What can I say about Moscow traffic and drivers?  Well for the most part, they tend to let motorcycles in front of other vehicles, and graciously move as far right as they can to let us by.  But then there are the crazy ones - driving at high speed and weaving in and out like maniacs down the freeway and on city streets.  This picture doesn't show the worst of it, because I decided to put the camera away and concentrate on the task at hand.  At one point, while in a construction area, John decided that the nice new unopened section of pavement was just what we needed for the motorcycles.  So 11 bikes zipped past the barriers.  We were making great time until we heard police sirens behind us.  Oops.  We quickly jumped back into traffic and hid behind some big trucks.  Fortunately, the police were not after us.  Or maybe they just couldn't find us.

Once again, we were lucky enough to see some monuments on the way to city center.

Worker and Kolkhoz Woman Statue

Space Conqueror Monument

Although the weather looked threatening, we just missed the rain.  But we weren't without our problems.  Just a few kilometers from our hotel, Petr I, Alex and Ida had tire trouble again. Mike to the rescue.  He quickly switched bikes with them in Moscow rush hour and rode on the flat tire. Mike is a 6'7" paramedic for our trip, and has ridden Baja races, makes any motorcycle look like a kid's toy.

Note the front tire on big Mike's bike.  Here he is helping to steady our Indonesian friend's bike so Ida can safely mount with traffic chaos all around us.

Our guide, Svetlana rode pillion with John today.  Moscow is her home.  She will be sleeping in her own bed tonight, so even the traffic can't keep the smile from her face. 

Strolling flower vendors are part of city scenes all over the world

Are there no OSHA laws in Russia?  These workers are 4 stories up with no safety lines.

How do you spell Starbucks in Russia?  Now we know.

We arrived at our hotel together, and elated to be in Moscow.  After a quick shower, and sending the laundry out, we had dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Again, a delicious meal as we mulled over the day's events.

Tomorrow is a "free" day in Moscow.  While the guides take some of the motorbikes into a local BMW dealer for  service, we will tour the city and the Kremlin.