Cycling the Silk Road of Kyrgyzstan

The Great Silk road as a trading route appeared in the third century B.C. and existed until the 16th century. The ancient trading cities located along the Silk Road saw many devastating wars, invasions, fires, famines and diseases. Nowadays this road host one of the most challenging cycling race the Silk Road Mountain Race. Chris as a finisher of this amazing race shares with us the uniqueness of this adventure.

Why did you decide to do this race?

For some reason, I’ve always been attracted to adventurous, physical outdoor challenges whether that be mountaineering, ultra running, adventure racing or long-distance bike races.  I can’t really explain why it’s just part of my DNA.  After doing TCR in 2014 and TransAfrika Bike Race in 2016 SRMR was the next logical step.

What’s so special about it?

It’s a brutal race that is a complete test of your self sufficiency and determination.  There are many factors that make this race so hard; the altitude, the endless miles of washboard, extreme temperature variations (-12C to +40C), the remoteness and lack supply and the fact that at some point you are likely to suffer some kind of sickness.  It’s much more than just a bike race, the ability to look after yourself in high mountains is critical.  Of course the other factor that makes it special are the people, both the incredibly friendly locals and the other competitors that you inevitably form a bond with as you all in your common struggle to make it to the finish.

Did the landscape, country, made you feel that the time had stopped?

Yes, life in the mountains is very simple, like stepping back in time a couple of centuries.

What special memories do you have of the race, a special climb or else?

There are many but a couple that stand out are the view from the top of MELS pass, after Baetov.  I arrived there just at the right time, about one hour before sunset and the light was fantastic.

Is it a real mountain bike trail, or does it fit a road bike too?

It’s been done on a road bike, my Mikko Makipaa, he finished TCR in 2018 and went straight to the start of SRMR on the same bike.  It’s not recommended though!  It’s doable on a gravel bike but I think the majority would now go for a rigid or front suspension hardtail MTB with at least 2.1” tyres.

Did you have any doubt during the race? Encounter any challenge?

Yes.  I’ve had two attempts.  The first year I scratched at 1100km, at the Arabel plateau.  I’d run out of food, the weather was bad, as picture above, I was ill and it was at least another day to the next CP which involved one of the hardest sections of the course.  I decided the only real option was to scratch.  I immediately regretted it though which made me even more determined to finish in 2019.

In 2019 there were also lots of issues.  On the Tong Pass there was a sloping ribbon of hard ice to cross with a very long drop if you slipped.  I’m not really scared of heights but would have to admit it was a terrifying traverse.  Then after a long descent, there was a crossing of a fast-flowing river.  It didn’t look too hard but I made a total mess of it and very nearly got swept away.  My bike ended up totally submerged which wrecked a lot of my electrics leaving me with limited power for the last 4 or 5 days.  The last couple of days I ended up switching off my GPS to save power and followed the wheel tracks of everyone else.

What gave you the strength to finish?

All of these events are about mental rather than physical strength.  If you want to finish badly enough you can always find a way.  It’s just a question of keeping the pedals turning.

How do you feel when you cross the finish line?

For me it’s always anti-climactic, much more a sense of relief than elation.  It’s great that you no longer have to get up at 4am and pedal all day and that you can drink beer and eat real food, lots of it!

Learn more about the SRMR on their website.

Photos credits: Chris Philips, Rugile Kaladyte, SRMR, Travel encyclopedia.