Last day in Moscow

A guy from Rome once said that the Colosseum was a real problem because there was never anywhere to park near it.

And it a way that is similar to Moscow - not just because there is nowhere to leave a car - but that behind the everyday drudgery of unsmiling metro faces there is a beautiful city.

Sometimes it just takes not living there to see that.

Admittedly the last training session was through VDNKh and Sokolniki - two of the nicest areas of the capital - but even cycling through the suburbs of towering apartment blocks towards the ends of the metro is surprisingly pleasant.

The sense of nostalgia is also not the most swiftianly-subtle sign that nerves are beginning to kick in. The train to St. Pete leaves at 1 in the morning (Monday) and after a day in the Venice of the north the first etap to Gostilitsy starts on Tuesday.

A mere 56 kilometres ride should be easy enough since most days are 80-90 kilometres according to the route planner, but what lies in this tiny town is unknown.

The last update from the runet (the rather outdated Russian version of the internet that still lists shops that closed down six years ago) was in about 2007. Supposedly there is somewhere to stay according to the maps - but they didn't survive their treacherous journey with Pochta Rossii.

The next post should spring from there if the town is still connected to the web. Thanks to everyone that has donated, and please keep giving. It is a really important cause. www.justgiving.com/edwardbentley