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Singlespeeders of the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race
Out of the 250 racers at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race, there are just a handful of singlespeeders—at least five that we know of. Ahead of yesterday’s grand depart, Eric House shot over some questions to them to learn more about their motivations and expectations for the ride. Find their profiles alongside a gallery of photos from Lloyd Wright here…
PUBLISHED Aug 16, 2025
Photos by Lloyd J. Wright
What a year for singlespeeders in the coveted Mountain Races, made up of the Atlas Mountain Race, Hellenic Mountain Race, and the Silk Road Mountain Race. The latter is the longest and arguably the most difficult of the three. The route is nearly 2,000 kilometers with 28,000 meters of elevation gain across the varied mountainous terrain of Kyrgyzstan. For the first time in the history of this race, at least five participants are running a singlespeed setup. Why in the world? Who are these nuts? And, what are their reasons for abandoning the cassette, shifter, and derailleur? Let’s get to know them a bit more to find out.
Annie Dunlap
Age 26 / Passport Country: USA
Gearing: 30x20T
Why ride SRMR on a singlespeed?: I thought about what goal scared me at the start of 2025, and riding Silk Road on a singlespeed made the top of my list.
When did you start?: December 31st, 2024.
Why did you start singlespeeding?: Alexandra Houchin, duh! I loved her attitude and approach to racing from deep diving her podcast library on Spotify, and she inspired me to give it a try.
Expectations?: Have some fun, do some spinning, do some walking, cross the finish line (in order of priority).
Why do you love singlespeed life?: No one really cares what bike you ride, and riding with one gear makes me happy. As long as I’m having a good time for the majority of my rides, I see no reason ever to go back.
Daniel Richards
Age 28 / Passport Country: USA/Germany
Gearing: 26x14T
Why ride SRMR on a singlespeed?: Best bike to push up a cliff? Lightweight. Most bombproof derailleur for a remote ride in a country that doesn’t have reliable parts? No derailleur at all. But also I knew I wasn’t going to be winning the men’s field so instead I thought I’d do something whacky.
When did you start?: I fell in love with singlespeed in university, 2018 or so. But this will be my first long distance event on one gear. I borrowed a loaner bike from the UCSC bike co-op that was an old clapped out SS rigid 29er, and on the first ride I had so much fun and went so hard that my lungs were scorched for days.
Expectations?: I’d like to complete it by the deadline. If I’m feeling good after a few days, maybe I’ll try to pick a few off.
Why did you start singlespeeding?: It’s just the right kind of stupid.
Sandor Boros
Age Forty-Fun / Passport Country: Hungary/Canada
Gearing: 36x19T
Why ride SRMR on a singlespeed?: Because gears are for chickens.
When did you start?: Umm. About 10 years?
Why did you start singlespeeding?: Shifting is mentally exhausting.
Expectations?: Out pedal at least one rogue local kid up the hill per day.
Why do you love singlespeed life?: My girlfriend says I deserve to suffer.
Eric House
Age 37 / Passport Country: USA
Gearing: 32x18T (my life gear)
Why ride SRMR on a singlespeed?: Singlespeed is what I know and love. I want to bring this American cult concept to the European race scene and spread the love we singlespeeders share.
When did you start?: I picked up my singlespeed Surly Karate Monkey in the summer of 2023 and have not looked back.
Why did you start singlespeeding?: Honestly, my local bike shop was like, “Eric, you should try XC racin’ without gears…” After that, I fell in love with the freedom from the derailleurs.
Expectations?: I don’t have any expectations really. The pre-race vibe has been enough to fill my heart and satisfy my soul. Start. Meet people. Enjoy some food. Swim a lot! Drink beer. Keepin’ the expectations low.
Why do you love singlespeed life?: It is a vibe. Singlespeeders truly are a different breed. I love the simplicity and childlike feelin’ of one gear that makes the bike feel like magic.
Ethan (or 3than) Washam
Age 32 / Passport Country: USA
Gearing: 32x20T
Why ride SRMR on a singlespeed?: I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When did you start?: Casually for eight years, racing for five.
Why did you start singlespeeding?: A branch claimed the life of my derailleur and I haven’t trusted those dangly things since.
Expectations?: I think I just want an experience. Something that sticks with me.
Why do you love singlespeed life?: Well, singlespeeders are better in bed.
It is hard to say if this singlespeed field is a one-off for the Mountain Race Series or if the movement has pushed and pedaled its way across the pond. I think it is challenging and just goofy enough to catch on. Perhaps this beloved American race category will be added to this series and other race series outside of North America. Time will tell as we follow the epic journey of these courageous singlespeeders around Kyrgyzstan in the 2025 addition of The Silk Road Mountain Race.
Check out the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race Tracker page for updates and to follow along on the live tracking map, and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.Further Reading
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