Charyn Canyon

After a great night out with our new DHL friend Almira - who went beyond the job role to get our tyres through customs, we awoke bright and early for a trip to Charyn Canyon;

Unfortunately (or fortunately) we spotted a cracked weld on one of the Motech pannier frames - so we took all the pannier frames off and left them with the hotel reception, with a note for Ian and John to try and get them welded for us - cheers!

So, a little later than anticipated we headed off for the canyon, on approach the view was a scaled down Grand Canyon;

The big difference being that we could ride the bikes into the canyon - the descent into the canyon was rather hairy - especially on tall trail bikes - Tim was on hand to help Caroline down (as he wisely decided not to attempt the descent on the bike 1200 BMW);

Once in the canyon, we forgot about the ascent we would have to attempt, and enjoyed the scenery;

With the heat in the canyon increasing, we returned for the big climb out;

Wern went first, and with the help of long legs, made it out with minimal effort, old stumpy legs here managed about 80% to the top, and then lost traction, but with a helping hand got to the top. Scott and Caroline made a sterling attempt, and with some pushing and pulling we got everyone to the top;

On arrival back at the hotel, we were welcomed with 3 sets of newly welded pannier frames - top effort !

So, now we start the 3 day wildnerness ride North through Kazakstan, and into Russia.