My new passport arrived. Still need to wait until 45 days minus to get an invitation for a visa. I’ll be cycling in US during March and Western Europe during April, so likely try to have the visa valid in advance of the Russia trip.

My commuting bike was stolen on 10/30. Stopped in at Albertsons to get some candy for halloween and when I went out it was stolen. Taken with it my helmet and rear panniers. I filed a police report, but don’t have high hopes. This underscores one concern I’ll have in the trip of keeping a careful eye on my bike so it doesn’t disappear.