testmeat photoblog

when i first went to georgia in september last year i flew into kutaisi and then travelled north to the mountains of svaneti. my plan was to do some hiking, but when i arrived i saw there were a few places renting out e-bikes, and thought that would be a good way to start. i'd never ridden an e-bike before, but assumed it would be similar to a scooter, and pictured myself cruising up the mountain. it didn't take long for me to realise that this was far from the case, you get an extra boost as you pedal, but you very much still have to pedal. i was assured that i'd have enough power for my intended journey to koruldi lakes, but i must have been too dependant on the electronic assistance, and the battery drained before i made it to the top. the last stretch was really tough, it turns out an e-bike with an empty battery is just a really heavy bike. other tourists i met along the way were impressed by my effort, although in fairness i don't think they realised that it wasn't just a regular bike. between sweating and struggling for breath i managed to respond with i regret everything as they walked passed me. when i eventually made it to the summit most of the tourists had now gone and a battle raged above me between rain clouds and the sun. i stayed completely dry but i could see the rain hitting the mountains all around me, and then this awesome rainbow appeared. i sat in the grass and watched the majestic display as buzzards circled above. it was my first taste of the wonder of georgia, and despite the strenuous journey, i regretted absolutely nothing.

here's the original