2017/08/15

Day 17: Numrug - Tosontsengel

How crazy is it that, for example, here in Numrug there's no central water supply, not to talk about the waste water, but on the other hand communication in 4G speed is available.

We make our own breakfast in the hotel, nothing special (some cereals and coffee out from portioned bags) but we have something in the stomache.

We do not have a plan/goal for today and at the beginning riding is fine. The solid sand soil then changes to a loose, deeper sand and it starts to rain. My first fall of the day happens in the deep sand. The second fall too, but it's more spectacular (again nobody there to watch it), but I'm fine. The protectors doing their job. Orvar, however, has a bad falling down today and I'm frightened, because it takes a minute or so until he moves again. On his bike the shift lever twisted, but everything is reparable. His helmet, however, also has two scratches. Sara will check him in the night.

After the Orvar's crash, again on the motorcycles and barely 50 m further on I'm having my third fall today. No drama, nothing happens to me, but my left pannier is now broken and also the left crashbar. I secure the pannier with a belt. In the evening I fix the pannier with the help of the others and some hose clamps. Oh, and I lost finally the rear wheel cover. This plastic part now lies anywhere in Mongolia accompanied by many other vehicle-plastic parts. This is one of the questions: what do you do with such garbage - if you take it to the next town, they will most probably burned, not really a better choice either.

Sara and Dan are already in Tosontsengel and have ordered lunch. We decide not to ride further in the rain and to find a hotel. In the evening we eat in the hotel. The food is ok, though not special and after some time it gets boring. Always goat ... For dessert: chocolates from Germany from the local supermarket!

The hotel here really has a very moderate standard. I'm happy, I have my sleeping bag inlay with me. But: there is a shower with hot water and a western flush toilet. And there is a big TV and a episode of Game of Thrones.

The towns look very nice from the far, colorful and mostly one floor buildings and some Ger tents. But actually they are not really worth seeing. At least there is here a kind of construction market, where I get repair accessories.

And even if I repeat myself: the people are just very, very friendly, are very curious about us and look always directly into your eyes.