Hi EO,
I didn't want to chance it with border crossings further east, I am cycling and backtracking would have been a drag on a 30 day Russian tourist visa.
No hassles whasoever in Russia even in the Caucasus. But I stayed on the main road from Vladikavkaz to Pyatigorsk. Just these endless wheat and sunflower fields... And the damn hills !
I went via Rossosh, I followed the Don on minor roads for part of the way, it was quite nice indeed.
I am currently unwinding in Kharkiv which is a nice, leafy town.
Off to Kyiv soon, most likely via Myrhorod. I won't make it to Novhorod-Siverskyi.
I rode through Western Ukraine back in the 90's, including the Carpathians. I am happy to go be going back on my route back to Western Europe  ).
I am longing for some cool mountain air...
Best,
L.
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