http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/ RTW 2009 en-us Bukara old town is full of old Islamic architecture, in particular tiled mosques and similar buildings mainly with blue colouring. They're really vivid in real life, I'm not sure if the photographs really do it justice. This is the tallest... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003926.php Getting into Tajikistan was pretty easy and friendly although it did cost us $15 each for something, I'm not sure what! Getting out of Uzbekistan wasn't too bad, we didn't get the full customs search we had been warned about... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003927.php Heading into the Pamir mountains we came across our first dodgy looking bridge. There were big holes in it and the support beams were all bent. Still, if the trucks can come this way.... You see that across the river?... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003928.php The road after the border is pretty steep mud and gravel, it is another version of the Stelvio pass, recreated in more dangerous form! We're now suddenly in the land of the Yurt, everyone looks different too on this side... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003929.php First night in Kazakstan was another unofficial camp spot, this time in the Sharyn Canyon. I'd climbed up a cliff which turned out to be a lot steeper than it looked to get this photo and a mobile phone signal!... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003930.php http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003966.php http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003967.php http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/003968.php So with the bike no more, I made it to Beijing, a big change from Ulan Bataar! It turns out that contrary to popular belief leaving a motorbike in Mongolia is actually very easy. If your reading this and need... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004045.php After arriving in the USA the break from the road continued (although there was still a fair few miles covered), I met up with Helen and we had a couple of weeks enjoying Southern California and Nevada. First stop was... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004118.php So back on the road... From LA I set off up the pacific coast highway towards San Francisco. The road and the coastline are well known for their spectacular views, you can only really cruise along and enjoy them though... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004125.php Time to head east. Leaving Wyoming I took a detour to go and see the Devils Tower national monument. Native american legend goes something along the lines of 2 girls being cornered by a wolf. They prayed for god(s) to... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004126.php Time to head south. The east coast is way too busy to visit unless you have to in my opinion! First stop was Indianapolis. Famous for the Indy 500. The Hall of Fame is OK, but the best bit is... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004127.php My route west from New Orleans took me through Dallas and on to Amarillo in just a few days. Near Amarillo the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest in the USA, and would be my canyon of choice for... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004130.php This is a rough overall route of the USA leg. It is only point to point of overnight locations so detours to sights etc are not included! View Larger Map... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/newman/004131.php