‘New Rubber Shoes’

was the translation using Google Translate at the western style tyre store today.

We were unable to get BFG All-terrain’s in the correct size – niet. The only ones available in our size were some no-name Highway Terrain or Bridgestone Dueller Mud Terrain tyres. I tried to convince them to let me get 285’s but niet, even these 265’s stick out a little, so the 285’s would have stuck out an inch.
For once our car was dirtier that it’s environment. This was the cleanest tyre shop we’ve ever seen – thanks Jon. After much ‘back and forth’ surrounding tubes, no tubes, which tyres go where etc. we got it done. I find even in Australia, there is usually confusion about what you’re trying to achieve. I find it better to trickle-feed information in scenarios like this. Once each stage is done, we make a new request. A bit annoyingly they insisted on fitting tubes to maybe two or three of the tyres which prevents us using the plug kit, but I suppose we’ll get a tube repair kit now. It’s not a deal breaker, and we may not even have another puncture, but it’s the difference between a 10 minute repair and a two hour, back breaking repair. Tubeless tyres by design, don’t want to come of the rim!

We fitted them tonight and went for a quick spin but they are out of balance – dammit! We’ll have to drop in tomorrow morning to have them balanced. I thought that was just part of buying tyres is having them balanced – maybe you have to ask here? I noticed only one of the front wheels has a wheel weight on it. I may end up just pulling off the lone wheel weight – they may be pretty much OK unbalanced?

We found a car wash – local knowledge only it seems!

The young girl pictured outside with Cassie was very pleasant and took a shine to us straight away. After probably an hour of chit chat, and once the transaction was complete, she gave us a 50r note signed with ‘Russia, Magadan, from Helen’ which was very thoughtful. We spent much of today working for the car today. Picking up parts, changing globes, changing tyres, filters, oil etc. We’re exhausted. We do plan to leave Magadan tomorrow morning. We’ve clarified the kinds of distances we need to achieve to be on track. Our daily requirement is actually less than 200KM assuming we’re driving every day. So I think loosely we’re going to aim for 300KM, especially on these roads. We did find on our last day driving at 60kph it easier on the car and easier on us. It sounds horrendously slow, but it does allow you to see a little more scenery as opposed to dodging pot holes at speed.

The kitchen unit has pretty much rattled itself free from the side of the car. It’s difficult to re-attach without removing it, fixing the mounts, then reattaching the unit. I’ve tightened up what remains and we’ll see how it holds.

Our machina all clean with new tyres. Oddly enough, the tyres are still quiet. I was expecting that horrible howling sound. Oh well, Magadan is lovely, more time could be spent here, but we must make headway. We did plan this trip this way around to allow the time we save to be spent in Europe. Well, we look forward to having you along for the ride.