Chris Blakey - Celebrate the Seven Trans Siberian journey

[Ruairidh Dunford]

   

   

   

[Chris KC]

What I can say is there should be a fibre washer between the gear and the distributor body, from memory this is about (edit - now checked) 1.1mm thick.
The gear should be held fairly firmly against the distributor base (with the shaft pressed down in the opposite direction) when drilling the hole for the shear pin, so there is minimal play up and down when assembled, without undue tightness.
I can't vouch for differences in height between different suppliers' gears - though by observation they are indeed slightly different.
There are loads of different distributor shafts in circulation, some drilled for entirely different cars, gears and dogs; so unless they line up perfectly it's better to rotate the shaft 90 degrees and drill a fresh hole in the right place. The gear needs to be tight on the shaft.
   

I've no doubt something could be sent out to Chris, I have a few bits and pieces if he's stuck, but to do so we'd need to arrange a pick-up address a week or two ahead allowing for customs clearance etc.

[Ruairidh Dunford]

   

   

   

   


Follow the Blakey adventure on an interactive Google Earth Map

https://tourbuilder.withgoogle.com/build...Cgx4GppwkM

[Chris KC]

I for one can vouch for the awe-inspiring Russian breakfast; there's some proverb to the broad effect of 'if you want to live a long life tank up at daybreak'. Lost something in the translation perhaps.

[Jeff Blight]

Any news on Chris?seems a while since the last post
hope he is still running but I wonder
Jeff

[Nick Salmon]

They are doing fine. I heard from Chris by email this morning.  You can follow the journey and get email alerts of new posts on their blog here: https://celebratethe7.blog

[Ruairidh Dunford]

From 22nd July...    

[Ruairidh Dunford]

27th July


CSKA rugby club
by celebratethe7

Outstanding welcome from CSKA rugby club in Moscow! We were met by the club president, coaches, players, the children's rugby squad and 30 members of the press. The director of the breakdown assistance service PAMC was also there - he has very generously offered support for the rest of the journey through Russia.
CSKA rugby arranged the most secure parking you can imagine - underneath the stadium guarded by an army of security guards with big sticks!

We were interviewed by the journalists and then the director of CSKA rugby welcomed us to Moscow in a speech that also highlighted his vision for the club, and a development program for rugby with youngsters in Moscow.
The children then presented Chris with a signed set of photos, two club pennants and a scarf. We gave the children challenge badges, and a donation for rugby equipment.

Thank you!
There followed a short game of tag rugby, mixed age teams (!) in the stadium - a real honour for us and the children.

We then met the director of PAMC (the breakdown assistance company) and the drivers of one of their trucks - they decided to have a test run to get the Austin on to the truck! It went very smoothly, although Chris took some persuading to take the car off again when it was pointed out that the trip would only take 10 days if he stayed on there!


The stadium tour guide took us around the stadium. He showed us a T52 tank that was given to them by the military when the stadium was rebuilt. The stadium was originally a sports centre for the Red Army. They have repainted the tank using club colours!

The stadium has a new tower as part of the complex, built in the shape of a trophy, and is the tallest of all the stadiums in Europe. It is not finished inside yet, but we were given special access all the way up to the roof! What a view!

We were also shown inside the changing room for the CSKA Moscow football team - they each have a special place to change! Even the members of the press were impressed with being allowed in!

Time for tea...

And a chat! Over the most delicious tea, sitting in one of the rooms overlooking the pitch, a discussion about the development of rugby took place. Players, coaches and the director talked to us about their initiatives and aspirations - including the introduction of a rugby coaching program in schools in Moscow. They are a small club at the moment with great backing from PAMC and an advertising company called Vostok Media - Chris hopes to help create links with UK coaches and clubs.
We said goodbye to the press, and much to our surprise were then taken to the very very nice restaurant Balzi Rossi which is located on the ground floor of an iconic apartment block. The apartments were given to favoured pilots by the state (they are privately owned now). We were treated to the most incredible meal!


Thank you so much to everyone at CSKA rugby club and PAMC for an unforgettable day!


A note about Tver..
by celebratethe7

Mikhail and Maria, who are our kind friends in Tver (introduced by Mr Sputnik, Ilya) were tour guides in the historic city of Tver. Thank you so much for giving up your precious time.

The eternal flame in memory of the brave fallen of both wars is accompanied by the sound of a heartbeat and classical Russian music. Really very emotional.

Whilst you all thought this was an unsupported Austin adventure, we now introduce the red bull sponsored 1,150 hp support vehicle. Wishful thinking!!

Tver has a great history as the capital of a medieval state. Founded in 1135, where the river Tmaka joins the Volga, it was the capital of Rus. It was sacked in 1238 by the Mongol Tartar regime and then again in in 1612 by the Polish Lithuanian interventionists. Tver became the location of one of the royal palaces on the road from Moscow to St Petersburg and is now an iconic building and church.

Prime parking space at the Hotel Tver! A highly recommended stop over, only about £40 breakfast included. Fabulous!


30th July


Leg 1 complete!
by celebratethe7

Sheremetyevo airport at 5.00am
The first leg of the challenge was completed when Helen and Arthur flew out of Moscow. Chris drives for the next two weeks with Ilya as his co-pilot. They have some long days ahead of them because of the change of schedule that we made so that we could join the GUM rally in Moscow - it meant we lost two days on the road.
The photos of the GUM rally are coming soon. We even made it on to the top Russian television station 1TV!



The GUM rally!
by celebratethe7
The GUM rally is named after the most exclusive department store. It basically lines one side of Red Square, opposite the Kremlin.

GUM department store

GUM in Cyrillic
This has to have been the most outstanding day in the history of Austin Sevens in Russia! We arrived at Red Square in order to check in for the rally, and the police man at the security point took one look at the car and said, "Hello Mr Bond"! We had been assigned race number 007. What else. We were given pride of place, the car closest to Lenin's tomb.

View of GUM rally 2019

Queue for Lenin's tomb

Collection of the GUM rally bag, including stickers for the car, and wrist bands giving access to a GUM breakfast and ice cream!
There then followed something of a media free for all, members of the public...




And then the interviews!

Moscow 24 TV station
This is the link to the coverage by 1TV station:
//www.1tv.ru/shows/dobroe-utro/mezhdu-tem/gum-avtoralli-dobroe-utro-fragment-vypuska-ot-29-07-2019
This is all thanks to the PAMC (Russian roadside assistance) and their connection with CSKA rugby in Moscow - PAMC support both the rugby and the GUM rally. They also now support the challenge team for the Russian leg of the journey!
Just after we were called to the start line, the map and driving instructions were handed over. Each car has a slightly different route (to prevent cheating) and a series of check points to get to.


Approaching the start...
Then, with a great introduction from the compere, and with much applause, the checkered flag lifted and we were off!

"Start" in Russian

Great introduction!
We set off with the intention of winning something.

Portent - overtaken just metres after the start line!
Unfortunately, the race instructions were in km and m. The car has a milometer. So it was with a great deal of luck that we managed to find two of the control points, even more so that we were in time for a very stately lunch!

Lunch
We did actually finally reach the finishing arch! We were treated to a competitor's and sponsor's lavish dinner on the banks of the river Moscva.

The future of eccentric British Adventurer Chris Blakey's ambition attempt to cross Siberia in a vintage Austin Seven Car was thrown into doubt tonight when he was committed to a private Russian hospital in the city of Nizhniy Novgorod. In this exclusive interview with Russian Ilya Zlotnikov, Chris reveals the circumstances the led to police intervention to send him to this hospital. This disturbing development followed only 2 days after he competed in the GUM vintage car rally from Moscow's Red Square. It is hoped that there will be no need to seek the involvement of the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
https://youtu.be/vFc6BtbXBjM
British Adventurer in Private Russian Hospital Scare
by celebratethe7


31st July

Chris was desperate to change the oil now that the rebuilt engine has done 1000 miles. He had been trying to find a suitable place to do it, and to dispose of the old oil, but with the whirlwind of hospitality it proved impossible! So he and Ilya stopped at a garage on the outskirts of Moscow to enlist their help.

As we are coming to realise, Russians have a great interest in the car and the challenge - the mechanics changed the engine and gearbox oil, and when the head office of the franchise heard about us refused to take any payment and also offered support in the future.



The power of the media!
by celebratethe7
So, the former doctor for the Russian rugby team, and the sevens, heard about us on Russian media. He's travelling from Kazan (he's now with the ice hockey team) and decided to look out for the car. By chance he saw it when Chris and Ilya had pulled over for a break!

You can imagine that they were a little apprehensive when pulled over by this police officer. It turns out that he wanted to look at the car and practise his English!

Later that day they were stopped again. This time there was a proper check of the car's papers, all in order thankfully!



Here Comes the Sun
by celebratethe7
The Babushka Effect
Everywhere Chris goes with his beloved Austin Seven, he is overwhelmed with goodwill and interest. This shows some of his recent encounters as he journeys on from Moscow.

Young drivers in Red Square
Moscow Red Square and GUM Car Rally Party
This video captures the bells and the atmosphere in Moscow’s Red Square and features the Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb, St Basil’s Cathedral and the GUM building which now houses many modern shops with international brands. The video concludes with some extracts from the party held after the GUM vintage car rally.

The bells in Red Square
Moscow to Vladimir Clips
Some short clips taken of Chris and Ilya on the journey from Moscow to Vladimir. This video features and previously unreleased video of Chris singing “Here comes the Sun”. It may come as a surprise to some viewers that Chris was once the head choir boy at St Botolphs Church in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Riding with Illya to Vladimir
Another Chance Meeting
One of the surprise visitors to Chris’s journey was the former Doctor to the Russian Rugby Team. This selection of video clips contains some clips without audio.

Fancy seeing you here!!
Vizhniy Novgorod Clips
A couple of video clips of Vizhniy Novgorod and its river setting.

Vizhniy
From Dmitri with Love
Chris has had many serendipitous meetings connected with the Trans-Siberian Challenge. One of these was to be introduced to Dmitri, owner of a private hospital in Vizhniy Novgorod. In this video Chris chats to Dmitri about their shared interest in vintage cars before have a meal together. The video concludes with Chris relaxing in a massage chair in Dmitri’s hospital where he stayed for one night of his journey.

Classic Cars side by side with Dmitri and his Chevrolet

[Ruairidh Dunford]

Sorry for the lack of photos but I have many things to do - normal services will resume shortly! Ruairidh


He’s only a little bit mad…
by celebratethe7
An explanation is required. The fake news story posted this morning about Chris being held in a psychiatric hospital came about because he and Ilya did actually spend the night in a hospital! Yesterday they met a colleague of Ilya's, called Dima, who runs a private dental hospital. As they didn't have any patients last night they had spare beds - never look a gift horse in the mouth as they say.

They were also shown around the amazing facilities.
They obviously have too much time on their hands, planning spoof videos.
So apologies to anyone who hoped that he had finally been locked up! They were back on the road bright and early and headed straight into more adventures...

Getting to Know You
by celebratethe7

Chris meeting the Locals
Getting to Know You – Meeting Local People
Chris is passionate about people. One of his objectives in setting out on the epic adventure was to build bridges between ordinary people in Russia and the UK. The theme that he has used to achieve this is the sport of Rugby Union. This connection has helped him plan the journey and connect with local people. In the video, Chris and his co-pilot Ilya Zlotnikov stop at roadside produce vendors and are invited to visit the garden and wooden house of the people.

Cheboksary Marina
Cheboksary
This short video was shot when they arrived at Cheboksary and features the marina beside the mighty Volga and some local church bells.


Another day, another dentist!
by celebratethe7
Thanks again to Ilya's social network! Chris and Ilya arrived in Vladimir yesterday and were welcomed by Yuri, a dentist. He took them for a meal, and then to meet the local Russian orthodox priest who is French and lives in the monastery. He had heard that Chris speaks French and used to be a choirboy.

After looking at the car, tea was served by one of the nuns - brandy and biscuits! Chris was presented with a copy of the Russian icon of St Christopher, and he and Ilya were blessed by the priest. They are happy to accept help for the journey from any source.

Apologies if you thought you'd heard the last of Chris singing! He sang in the private chapel, quite an honour really.

This is not Chris.
Yuri showed the team around his surgery, it's very impressive but couldn't persuade Chris to have a check-up. He hates going to the dentist...

1st August

Life in a Russian Monastery
by celebratethe7

The Journey is Blessed
Chris and Ilya are blessed by the Priest at the Monastery of the Lord's Transfiguration in Cheboksary.

2nd August


Heading for Kazan
by celebratethe7
The team set off from Cheboksay early, with the intention of getting to Kazan today. Unfortunately sections of the road were appalling, and even the lorries were slowing down to avoid potholes! Several Russians have asked us what we think of the roads - now we know why!

Now we know why everyone keeps asking what we think about Russian roads!
On the way to Kazan, Chris and Ilya stopped at another branch of the garage franchise that was so supportive in Moscow. They were given some stickers to put on the car, and very kindly put the car up on ramps so that Chris could do some checks. He tightened the brakes, checked all the nuts and bolts that he could see, changed the oil filter and the points. During another stop, they went into what looked like a car bric-a-brac shop only to find the very oil filter that fits on the car! As usual people gathered around the car to find out about it. Then out came food from an Uzbekistani restaurant, filled pancakes and cola - superbly generous and very timely!
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Chris continues to be amazed by the tidiness and cleanliness of the places that he has seen - including the public toilets.


Kazan, blend of cultures
by celebratethe7
On arrival in Kazan Chris and Ilya were met by another colleague of Ilya's. Marat took them on a road tour of Kazan - wide clean streets, beautiful buildings, and a kremlin. A kremlin is a walled city, not just the seat of power in Moscow - in Kazan many parts of the city were rebuilt after being destroyed by Ivan the Terrible.

Road tour of Kazan
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Chris was intrigued by the mix of architecture, including a mosque and a church inside the kremlin. It seems that Catherine the Great allowed Muslims and Russian orthodox to rebuild their places of worship side by side. Marat, a local Tartar man, explained that there is no friction between the two cultures, both living happily together - mixed marriages are accepted and there is harmony there.

History lesson from Marat, a local Tartar man

Chris explains what he's learnt

At last Chris experiences the pleasures of a banya, a Russian sauna, thanks to Marat.

Banya beating

Cold shower
Marat then took Chris and Ilya for an evening meal. The dish had an oriental twist - pancakes filled with prawns and soy sauce, and delicious!
Many thanks to Ilya for arranging to meet so many interesting and very generous people, and special thanks to Marat for an amazing experience.
Take that..
by celebratethe7


3rd August


Sunflowers, tea and a balalaika
by celebratethe7
Chris says that this was one of the more bizarre days so far. They were driving along and saw a field of sunflowers and decided to pull over. A couple had also stopped, and of course came over to look at the car. It turned out that they make herbal tea, and were on their way to a market with stocks of their tea to sell. The man, Peurto, then got out his balalaika and played a tune which he then tried to teach Chris. Peurto and Svetlana decided to treat Chris and Ilya to some of their tea, so changed into their market costumes, boiled water and served tea and biscuits on the bonnet of the Austin! After a walk through the sunflowers, accompanied by the music of the balalaika, Peurto and Svetlana gave Chris and Ilya some boxes of their tea. As Chris says, a "sevendipity" moment!

Peurto and Svetlana, serving tea and biscuits
A little further on, they passed an interesting looking place that had several old vehicles outside. It turns out that a Tartar man runs a small museum and amongst the various items had 12 vintage Russian cars and 2 model T Fords. He has set it up to look like the olden days, including a wood fired oven in which they make traditional pancakes! Of course Chris and Ilya had to try them, it would be rude not to. One of the visitors was Italian and played an accordion whilst they ate their meal. The owner was so taken with the car that he offered to buy it for cash, £15,000. Understandably Chris gently refused, although he did accept a generous gift of a pair of traditionally woven slippers. Again, such generosity and friendliness - thank you.
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They are now driving through a more predominantly Muslim area. As ever, a passing motorist films as he overtakes. Less usual is that the motorist then flags them down and pulls what looks like bottles of wine from the boot of their car! It's actually a homemade fruit squash (Muslims don't drink alcohol) which they insist on serving for Chris and Ilya!
So, the day now lost, the intrepid pair decide to camp rather than spend time looking for a hotel. They drive down a few lanes and find a small wooden mosque. Everyone from the surrounding houses came out to look, and said of course they could camp, behind the mosque. Some of the villagers then brought boiled eggs, milk and bread for supper. Chris is, again, totally amazed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the people he meets. He wasn't so positive at 4am in the morning when Ilya woke him up - cold, he didn't have a sleeping bag.

["Slack Alice" Simon]

There is a long post from Will Leith on the Austin Seven Facebook page, relating the latest adventures with the dynamo, Russian mechanics, and Russian hospitality.

Lets hope tomorrow goes well:



"It’s now 0225. The alarm is set for 5:45 ready for a 500km day tomorrow to Krasnoyarsk for the Rugby club presentation with TV and press, and gifts brought in the Austin for the kids there. We can’t miss it! Fingers crossed for a smooth drive tomorrow."