I am attending the world cup in Russia this summer. And I am cycling around Russia at the same time.
If you come from Denmark like me, then you have not been able to travel around Russia without restrictions since 1917. But the FIFA world cup has changed that. With a couple of football tickets and a “Fan ID” I can travel around Russia without restrictions. So this is what I am doing right now. Cycling Russia as a westerner is finally possible.
I started in Moscow two weeks ago. I bought a mountainbike and then started cycling. I spend 7 days cycling to the city of Saransk, where I attended the game between Denmark and Peru yesterday. Fantastic game with thousands of incredibly nice Peruvian fans.
It was a very interesting ride through some parts of Russia, where I was mostly the first western tourist they had ever seen in the small local motels I was staying at.

Taking photos with a receptionist at one of the many Russian hotels I have stayed at, while cycling Russia.
Enjoy your time, Claus. Looks like a beautiful adventure.
Looks like a beautiful adventure. Enjoy your time, Claus.