Chad Rothacher

Outstanding ride from Batumi to Benara, Georgia. I had no idea what I was in for and on the map, the route looks like a nice easy ride. This ended up being the most challenging riding I’ve done yet on the trip; with busted up pavement, no pavement, mud, rocks, water crossings, as well as snow – this was certainly a highlight ride. The route took me far up in the South Georgia Mountains and over an unimproved pass, where I spent the majority of the standing on the pegs navigating on an old two track.

I’ve heard good things about Georgia and so far it’s all been true; beautiful countryside and great people. Primarily being a Christian state, it’s nice to see pork back on the menu. The Turkish food was really disappointing and I’ve noticed an immediate change crossing into Georgia.

What a great ride through the countryside and up to Televi, the Georgian wine country. I’m stayed at the Chateau Mere and tested some of the top Georgian wine. Good food and a good nights rest in a bed felt great.

I need to head back into Tbilisi to try and find more camp stove fuel and then onto Baku, Azerbaijan. I believe I’ll be running cruise control on the 4 lane all day today – bummer.

This isn’t a bad photo, but very realistic on the weather at the top of the pass.  Tough to see.

I’m staying the tower