Accordion-toting bicyclist reaches Yakutia's Pole of Cold

Travel blogger from Novosibirsk Klim Kaluzhskikh reached the Pole of Cold in the Verkhoyansk district of Yakutia by bicycle on January 25. His bicycle broke down due to the 50-degree frosts (-58°F). This was reported by the Telegram channel «Vesti Verkhoyanya» and the TASS news agency.

Many Russians have seen the guy on city streets who rides a bicycle no-handed while playing the accordion and singing old Russian songs. This is Klim Kaluzhskikh, whose musical journey across Russia began on January 31 last year. In a year, he has covered 50 regions of the country and finally reached Yakutia.

In mid-January, the traveler managed to visit Yakutsk, then Khandyga, where he took a dip in an ice hole, and in Topoliny, he spent three days waiting for a ride at the cafe «U Petrovicha», chatting with local residents.

«I wash with snow — I scoop it into my palms and hold it on my face until it melts. That way the skin gets used to it, and the face freezes less later,» Klim said.

When the blogger passed through Bagatay, his bicycle«s rear wheel burst due to the 50-degree frost (-58°F) and the heavy load — his accordion added an extra 7.5 kilograms (16.5 lbs), which was critical in the cold temperatures.

«I was already about to make a fire because I understood: cars are very rare here, especially on weekends. I thought I»d be waiting until evening: I had just gathered firewood for the fire when truck driver Vladimir arrived immediately. We loaded the bicycle in the back, and that«s how with the truck driver on shared rides I reached Verkhoyansk,» Kaluzhskikh said.

After repairing his two-wheeled friend, Klim plans to set off further. His route will go through Oymyakon, Magadan, and then to southern Russia. The bicyclist noted that if companions are found, he wouldn«t mind riding to Nizhneyansk or Tiksi, as for him such long routes are commonplace.

«The main thing is not the kilometers, but the meetings. I want to see people»s smiles more often and bring joy. The accordion is the best helper in this,« says Klim.

It is known about Klim Kaluzhskikh that he is from Magadan, and is 21 years old. Since last year, the guy has been living in Novosibirsk. He can play the balalaika, accordion, and bayan. Klim works as a builder — specializing in roofing. He is into sports and leads a healthy lifestyle.

«I don»t drink, don«t smoke, don»t swear with profanity. At all,« Klim told in an interview with our colleagues from NGS.RU, when they met him on November 18 in Barnaul. He was only heading to Yakutia at that time.