Prehistory

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We all dream about something all the time: in childhood our dreams are naive, in youth they are bold, in more mature age – as a rule, pragmatic and calculating. However, there are people among us who managed to carry through the years the beautiful naivety of childhood and reckless courage of youth, which could not be crushed by the experience accumulated over the years. Probably I am one of those who finally decided to realize my childhood dream and went on a round-the-world trip on my two-wheeled horse….

We were brought up on Jack London, so it is not surprising that I, like many of my peers, had a dream as a child to travel around the globe, to conquer the world. But sometimes life corrects your plans in its own way. And then, growing up, we reevaluate a lot of things. For example, I bought my first motorcycle – an old, used Minsk when I was 17. The army did not cool down my ardor for bikes. True, I never had a Java, which was the limit of dreams of all Soviet guys who preferred to move on two wheels. And then… then I had to build a house, plant a tree, raise a son, and I somehow got away from all that. I wanted a color TV, a wall, a bigger apartment. The time was so, but I still tried to find an opportunity to "communicate" with my iron friend. Of course, I am no longer that fearless and reckless 18-year-old guy, but my dream did not change me. Or I haven't changed it. In short, the desire to conquer the world still burned in my chest. But I lacked determination.

The impetus, although it would be more accurate to say, a kick to action for me was the arrival in Kazakhstan of the famous Hollywood actor Evan McGregor, known to us in particular by the movie "Star Wars", where he played the role of a Jedi named Van Kenobi. It turned out that in real life McGregor has long been quite passionate about motorcycles, in short, he is also a biker. And so one day, it was in 2004, he and his entourage: bodyguards, biker friends and, naturally, with video cameras went on a trip from London to Asia. By the way, the movie, which he filmed during his trip, was shown on the Discovery Channel. And what is most interesting is that during his journey, which took him through many countries of the former Soviet Union, including Russia and Kazakhstan, his press service asked the authorities of one or another state to have him met by local bikers.

And you know, everyone ignored this request. The greater was his surprise when, on the Kurdai Pass, he saw a group of people on motorcycles. I think he probably had no idea that there were bikers in Kazakhstan. It was then that I realized: I will definitely go on my round-the-world trip. Whether it will succeed or not is another question, but I will definitely go. However, before going to unknown distances, I decided to make a small test, to check myself so to speak on endurance, and went on my favorite motorcycle BMW K1200LT to Issyk-Kul. In Kyrgyzstan. Alone.

I went and came back – I had covered 1200 km – everything was fine. My friends and family were very worried about me at the time: how could it be so far away and alone. Although, if I admit it, it was, of course, a little uncomfortable psychologically, but otherwise it was nothing terrible. Then I also made a few races on Chimbulak – the track there is quite difficult, so I chose the weather to match: rain, cold, wind …. In short, I got myself in the mood and decided – it's time!

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