Silk Road Mountain Race 2019

The Silk Road Mountain Race follows a bikepacking route based on our own Tian Shan Traverse through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. It uses gravel, single, double track, and old soviet roads that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There’s very little tarmac and there may be some walking and at times and there will be great distances between resupply points. The clock will not stop and there will be no prizes.

The race starts on the 17th of August, 2019 with a ‘grand départ’ from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Riders will follow a ~1500 kilometer fixed route that passes through three staffed control points. They will need to get a stamp in their brevet card at each, before finally heading to the finish line in Cholpon Ata, a beach resort on the north shore of lake Issyk-Kul, for a well deserved post-race beer or two. To earn a successful finish they will need to complete the course before the end of the after party on the 31st of August.

How tough it will be cannot be understated, but as Mike Hall once said, “Nothing that’s worth anything is ever easy.” This race will be a true demonstration of this sentiment. Follow the race here: