About bikes in Russia There is interesting situation with bikes in Russia. Many of bike users buy mountain bikes (MTB). From time to time I met people with MTB and ask them, “why you bought MTB?”, “How you plan to use it?”, “do you plan to ride cross country or trails?” Often they say like, “i plan to ride bike in the park on the weekends”, or “I plan to ride to work(college, stores, etc …)”. In my opinion, there is no meaning to use MTB for these reason. MTB is a sport device. They have aggressive geometry, they light, sturdy, have hi-quality transmission and brakes and they expensive. People explain their choice, “There are bad condition of roads in Russia”. But they don’t understand for what conditions of road and a loads MTB was created. In reality, majority so called MTB are - All Terrain bike (ATB) which only looks like MTB. But ATB also are more expensive that city bikes. And, in my opinion, they are more than enough for common bike user too.

Usage of “Off” I am reading “The Hobbit”. In the book I meet some strange construction with word “Off” like: “Excuse me!” said the hobbit, and off he went to the door. “No time for that either! Off you go!” “Off they went, not waiting for trays, balancing columns of plates, ...” “...and off they marched with their broad hands stuck in their gold and silver belts to join the others” etc. I did’t see this construction before. From context I think that mean like leaving some places. I’m not sure. Can you explain what mean “Off” in this case?

Bike trip. I rode a bike last weekend. Weather was good for September – comfortable temperature, clear sky and small breeze. I planned new route, prepared bike, took water and food. I started from Sosnovy Bor (literal - pine forest). It’s the city where I live. First half of the path was a road through forest with minimum traffic I never ride yet. In the middle of trip I stopped near the Koporye fortress to eat and have some rest. If I understand correctly, fortress was founded by Swedes in XIII century. I did’t go in, because I already was there. Also I did’t take bike lock at trip. After rest I continued. Second half was a roadway along the Gulf of Finland. This road had more traffic. In 10 kilometers from home water in the bottles come to end and I felt tired. It was hard to rode last part of route. Maybe there are not enough food and water and I need to plan better. In summary, I rode about 50 kilometers, got tired, but had fun. Summer is over and I need to appreciate and use every sunny and warm day.

Thoughts about St. Petersburg People tend to like St. Petersburg usually. Yes, it’s a city with rich history and beautiful architecture. There are many museums, theaters, concert halls, parks and historical buildings in the city. If you a traveler and you lucky enough to be there in summer and catch a good weather – the city leaves a good impression. But live there all the year around is different thing. For me, the main issue is weather. Cold and short summer, gloomy autumn, warm winter (often without a snow) and windy spring. In my opinion autumn, winter and spring there is not so different from each other. In summary, you have 2 month of summer and 10 month of this dark, rainy and windy off-season. Majority of my friends, who went here from other regions have same thoughts. Sometime I joke in my head – why Peter the Great founded the city here? It’s a capital of your country. You will live here, your children will live here. Why he din’t found it in some sunny, warm and nice place?

Difficulties in English I have a problem with my progress in English. I read books, see movies, listen audio, but I have difficulties with expressing my thoughts. I can understand text or audio information, but can’t talk. To solve this problem, someone tell me to try writing a diary in English. I think it’s reasonable. I understand text because I read books. Same with audio. Hope this instrument help me to improve.