Bikepacking can be difficult. It requires packing prowess, camping skills and solid bike handling.
Bikepacking the Silk Road Mountain Race is another thing entirely.
Covering 1,800 kilometres and over 30,000 meters of climbing the race route weaves its way through the towering Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Carrying everything they need on their bikes, riders traverse forgotten soviet roads, dirt paths and single track as they brave the elements, explore the rugged landscape and experience the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.
But how to do it? Follow along as a select group take their shot at one of the world’s most difficult bike races.