Poland

I am getting confused with the days and kilometres. During the last few days I was a little bit too slow. I did 144,6km on Tuesday, about 143km on Wednesday and 169,6km on Thursday. So I am still a little bit behind schedule, I think. To be honest, these numbers are not precise at all, my diary is somewhere with my luggage. Which is at the other end of the huge old power station where I am sitting at the moment. The old power station in Bytom, Poland.

Czech Republic has great roads and the landscape is beautiful. Endless hills, up and down and up and down all day. Quite tiring, but nice cycling. People don't speak too much English, but occasionally a few words of German. So far people have been friendly towards me, but not overly interested.

Poland is flatter than Czech Republic. The roads are worse, but people are more open. I enjoy being here. Can't spend more time in the internet now, but hopefully I'll find time to write more later tonight!

And: the problems with my gears are fixed! Everything working well!

Czech Republic

Just a short note now, i should be cycling. Instead i am having a perfect coffee in a petrol station. I was too tired in the last two nights to type more then necessary. So now just the main info. Did something like 162 km on Sunday and only 110 km yesterday due to simply horrible weather. Heavy rain. For hours. But still this got me right into the Czech republic. Last night i enjoyed the luxury of a bed, and NO mosquitoes. And a shower! But in general Czech republic is great for camping in the wild. The roads have so far been perfect and i seem to have already passed the first of the two ranges of hills or mountains that i have to pass on my way to Russia. Hope there is not too much rain today. But after yesterday i am well prepared... At least mentally. My rain covers for my shoes.. Well... They don't work as they should. I'll try to get different ones. People are generally very friendly. Trying to help. The only thing i am really worrying about is the condition of roads in Ukraine and Russia. I'll definitely try to get spare tires before i get there. I need a bike shop anyway. Since yesterday I've got problems with my gears. It suddenly shifts without reason. I think this rear gear shifting thing is bent. But should get me to the next city without too much trouble. Gotta go!