July 7th - Georgian Military Road

We woke up wet. Wet from the raining last night. The weather is not with us today. It is our 1st raining day since at least 2 months (we cannot complain, so we prepare raining gears and get ready to gazzzz).

Since yesterday, we are riding on the Georgian Military road which runs between Valdikavkaz and Tbilisi. This road follow the traditional route used by invaders and traders long time ago.

Tbilisi was only at 80km from last night camp spot, so we decided to do a detour by the Georgian Wine valley and have some fun on the country side road.

To reach the valley, no choice we will have to pass some mountains top without concert roads but just tracks...its 30km on the map, so we get in. It was not easy, slippery and muddy but we made it without falling or breaking anything. On the way, we stopped by an old church. No idea the name and where it was, but the view was quite amazing. Country side people are nice but still a little bit reserved, anyway it is the same in France.

Kids are happy to see riders and give us some big hello signs every time.

We finally reached the wine valley and the roads were a lot better. We heard about Alaverdi monastery. At a height of over 55 meters, Alaverdi Cathedral is the second tallest religious building in Georgia. Situated in the world oldest wine region, the monks make their own wine called Alaverdi monastery cellar. We did not have time to book a visit, so we stopped by a neighborhood winery where we pay a visit to the owner.

The visit was quick as we do not understand each other but we had the opportunity to try his garage wine. Grapes used are different than common world`s grapes, so difficult to judge the quality as it was my 1st Georgian wine. The  way back to Tbilisi was quick, very quick...We powaaaa fast after being slow in the rocky mountain and reached Tbilisi by 7pm tonight.

We checked in Luci guest house in the old town, at few minutes walk from the mains attractions with a nice view on the town.

We will spend at least 2 nights here to visit the city and around before going west of the country.