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85k today to ride to Uglich. Fun day. B-fast was 2 crepes - not much for hungry riders, but good tasting! Followed Vladimir 1, all together. We did splinter after crossing some railroad tracks and Ginia's Roger took off, never to be seen on this days ride (he repeated this performance each day - the man is an animal!). We stopped at a small town with a Monastery at a fork in the road to wait for Vladimir. We all gathered and the truck stopped, so we set up for a rest stop. There was an old guy who came and talked to us - missing one arm I think. I am surprised he was able to stand. Totally wasted. This is a problem we saw here and there in Russia. Good, cheap vodka. After the 2nd rest stop, I rode with Ginia along some rolling hills. Wonderful company! See the picture of Ginia, riding. See the lovely road. This is what we rode on a lot. Rough? You bet! Caught up to Benita and Herbert just before arriving at Uglich and met the riders in a park. I had gotten some berries at the outdoor market - delicious - which we all ate. We went to a museum and heard some men sing the most glorious Russian folk music. Quite literally, it brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful and emotive. I bought their CD, if anyone wants to listen. They we rode to the vodka museum! They lost their license to give out vodka, so they gave us small glasses of beer and honey (not considered to be liquor). The young woman who gave us this blessed drink had the most stunning smile! Off to the hotel and voila, NO water! The entire town was without water. I guess this is not such an amazing event in Russia. So, no showers, no toilets. Hmmm. Bottled water though. some people bathed in the Volga, the ever present Volga. It is one of the most poluted rivers in the world. As Giles said, the water is lovely, except for the open sewage. I went down with my suit on. I did not get in. Off to dinner at this great restaurant with a beautiful garden - so many beautiful gardens in Russia! Some wine, some vodka, some chicken and rice. Perfect after a long days ride and exploring. Sponge bath with water pails from who knows where (I'm betting the Volga). Blissful sleep! Water returns at 4am, so showers when we woke!
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