August 01, 2016:
Got an early start on the day, watched the sunrise while departing Khovd, very nice!
The first 180k is good paved and then it's gravel, sand, trail and construction. Some of it was little tricky, sand, but it was a very good day!

Nothing special to see along this route. Lots of open space:
From August 2, 2016

From August 2, 2016

There were lots of small birds on the road and they would wait until the last few moments before taking flight, this one was a bit to late:
From August 2, 2016

A few small showers however I missed them and the roads stayed dry.
From August 2, 2016

Just finished a long section of sand and I was getting to a point I just needed to take a break, some water and get my head around it. Then I met this couple from Czech Republic going in the opposite direction. It always lifts the spirits to meet someone going through the same challenges and then laughing about it. Six weeks into a 12 week trip.
From August 2, 2016

Didn't really need it anyway, everyone uses side trails:
From August 2, 2016

From August 2, 2016

I was expecting it would take over ten hours to ride the 276 miles but I managed it in 7 1/2, that's taking it easy and stopping often. They're building a new road and with a moto it's easy to jump onto some of the newly graded sections that are blocked off.

Got settled in and then met a couple other riders from the Netherlands, Floor & Barend. Went for a beer and swapped riding tails. I decided to stay a extra day, update the bog, the hotel has reliable wifi.

August 02, 2016:
Seeing Floor and Barend off, ride safe my friends!
From August 2, 2016

From August 2, 2016

I also got some very good news, the China trip is a go!!! Nancy from China Overland had sent me an email confirming it's all set, my support team in the USA, Eric Bray, took care of the finances and all is good. I need a VISA which I'll get in Ulaanbaatar. Eastern Russia will have to wait, but I'll be back. The schedule is to cross into China on August 25 and ride for 30 days, entering Laos. To be honest, I haven't even looked at the itinerary, Im just happy to be going. I'm on my way to SE Asia!

Eric in Red Bay, Labrador, July 2010, just finished the Trans-Lab, waiting on a ferry to Newfoundland.
From August 2, 2016