Kyrgyzstan: Racing the Silk Road Mountain Race (Video)

Words and photos by Josh Ibbett

The Silk Road Mountain race has been on my radar for a number of years, and I think it’s fair to say that over the past few editions, it’s gained a reputation as being one of the tougher events to complete and one of the most prestigious to win.

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Having completed the Atlas Mountain Race last year and really enjoying taking part in one of Nelson Trees’ events for the first time, I knew I had to turn my focus to Kyrgyzstan and the Silk Road Mountain Race. However, there were many unknown elements playing on my mind pre-race—or should I say, an unknown combinations of elements that I had experienced at separate times during the various events over the years.

“Life in a bikepacking race is simple: ride, eat, sleep, repeat.”

The mix of sustained high altitude, remoteness, unpredictable weather, a new culture, and the lingering knowledge that many people get sick while taking part left me on edge before the race. This wasn’t helped by a mixture of jet lag and being incredibly sick on my second night in Kyrgyzstan.

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It took a few days for me to adjust and ride myself into the race. Being sick upon arrival was a valuable reminder to take no risks with water, so I made sure I was very liberal with my water purification tablets. Pre-race, I also told myself that I would avoid meat at all costs as this seemed to be a common cause of stomach problems. This lasted until CP1 on the first night when I ate a meat a potato stew in a local family home. I was hungry, and there was no other option, so I took the risk. Two days later, my only food option was a kebab shop. I rolled the dice again and got away with it, but from then on, I stuck to stale cheese sandwiches and chocolate bars!

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As the race progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly at ease. The route was tough at times, and the altitude really began to bite once over 3,000 metres, but Kyrgyzstan is a country that pays back the effort you put in. Climbing for a couple of hours is rewarded with incredible views of the landscape unravelling before you. The route was challenging and the wind always seemed to fight against me. Still, I found myself thriving.

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Life in a bikepacking race is simple, ride, eat, sleep, repeat. I found this rhythm of racing was in sync with the nomadic culture of many people Kyrgyzstan. Some of the locals along the route spend most of their lives on the move from lower valleys in the winter to higher pastures in the summer, and they accepted us and understood the way we were moving with our possessions strapped to our bikes. It made it easy to connect to the people and the landscape, and I think it’s this reason that riders keep returning to Kyrgyzstan and the Silk Road Mountain Race. I’m certain that I will be back again, and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.

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