Another one to have a ponder about

http://www.silkroadmountainrace.cc/

I got very excited by this one initially but upon further investigation it's all a bit organised for me.

Had a facebook chat with the guy organising it and he said he's modeling it on the TCR so you're paying more for it than for most 'bikepacking' events as you've got to pay for manned checkpoints, photographers and a certain level of emergency support etc...

Checkpoints on an event with no fixed route makes a certain amount of sense to me in order to steer the riders in the right direction but on a fully fixed route I don't really get it???

Not for me overall but a regular, no time limit, no checkpoint and more self-supported version of this event/route would have had me furiously earning brownie points between now and then in order to participate!

Sure it'll be a great experience for all those who're up for it!

a regular, no time limit, no checkpoint and more self-supported version of this event/route

Appeals to me too - ie 'going touring in the Pamirs' : )

James, for sure but I do like the idea of a group start, riding solo but in and amongst many others doing the same thing at the same time.

Obviously we can all go ride anywhere at any time but I do enjoy the social aspect of non-competitive 'events'.

And this route appeals more than most!

I know what you mean Gairy. Kyrgyzstan's been on the list for a number of years. Got maps, routes made as GPX etc, but not sure it's one for a solo ride for me. Better to be shared with the right group.

If we can find the route im in

Cool, let's wait until after the event and then get the route to do as a group ride the year after!!!*

*I'm getting enthusiastic about 2019 as we have a newborn and there's no way in hell I'm getting 2+ weeks of freedom anytime in the next year

Rode a little in Kazakhstan / Kyrgyzstan 10 years ago. Fab riding, although my enduring memories are of ropey food and numerous punctures from broken glass on the double track. I genuinely think there was a custom of smashing your bottle of vodka on the track once it was empty... Maybe not so bad in the more remote parts, you know, where the Soviets tested their nuclear bombs!!!

Despite these small matters, I would still like to go back, but not solo for me either.

Looks like me and Giacomo have a pairs entry!!!

Wahooooo.... Oh crap....

We are waiting on a reply............

guy i used to work with i had no idea was into this sub standard popped up with an entry ......

are you on here Sandy ?

Has anybody got in off the latest release of places?

We didn't, though that was sort of expected.

Sorry to hear that you guys didn't make it.

Good luck at Strathpuffer this weekend!

Sorry to hear that you guys didn't make it.

Good luck at Strathpuffer this weekend!

Thanks!

Well me and Giacomo have arrived in Bishkek. Keep Pedalling are due on Friday. Not sure when Adventure Pedlar Pete is arriving. If you'd like to follow us we start on Saturday morning 9am Kyrgyzstan time (4am UK time).

Follow us here (we’re caps 33a and 33b):

Race website:
https://www.silkroadmountainrace.cc/

Tracking website:
https://pedaledsilkroadmountainraceno1.maprogress.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/silkroadmountainrace

Podcast:
https://www.silkroadmountainrace.cc/podcast2018

I listened to and enjoyed the podcasts yesterday and a good explanation of the way and why its been run as it is as well as interviews with Lee Craigie, Mark Beaumont and Ed Shoots.

Good luck to anyone doing it, Sounds ace

Good luck everyone, noticed Rickie Cotter is doing it also. Say hello from me! It's got to be on the list for next year......

Good luck Karl & everyone else.

looking forward to hearing the stories.

Starts today

The tracking website is very impressive, much more user friendly than trackleaders imo.
Looks a lovely part of the world too :)

Lots of drop bars, 40c tyres and even carbon deep section rims in the social media stuff for the SRMR. Thought it was an MTB terrain and jeep track route? Maybe it is

Stupid question - did everyone set off at the same time? Appears to be a massive difference in distances covered so far.

Bearbonesnorm wrote:Stupid question - did everyone set off at the same time? Appears to be a massive difference in distances covered so far.

Yep think so. Jay P will probably run away with it.
Shona said there was a section of over 500 miles that is totally off the grid so they have to take enough grub for that and there was only 3/4 places to stock up on the whole route!

Looking forward to seeing pics of the route.

500 miles with no supplies? That's committed... Wow.