An Expedition from Newchurch to Kyrgyzstan
Congratulations to Colin Woollard from Newchurch for completing an extraordinary two-week ultra distance, endurance cycling race in Kyrgyzstan - The Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR1)This was a world away from a ride on the Marsh! Participants had 15 days to navigate their way around the 1,721km route, through the stunning, yet unforgiving wilderness of this incredible country.
There were no support vehicles, occasional villages and no taps for water. Colin experienced sunburn, hail storms, snowstorms, hunger, thirst, isolation and physical discomfort. He had to cycle, push and sometimes carry his bike up and down mountains (4,000m), through icy rivers, and over rocky terrain.
Many cyclists were forced to withdraw from the race for many reasons, some of which were hypothermia, food poisoning, broken ribs, not reaching control points in time, exhaustion, mental fatigue and equipment failure. 98 riders started the race and less than 30 completed it!
Well done for such an amazing achievement Colin!
The Silk Road Mountain Race is a fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The clock does not stop and prizes are not awarded. It will follow gravel, single and double track and old soviet roads that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There will be very little tarmac. There may be some walking and at times there will be great distances between resupply points.
WHEN: August 18th to September 1st, 2018
WHERE: Start and finish near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
WHO: Racers can ride solo or as a pair
DISTANCE: ~1700 kilometers / 26,000m of climbing. Fixed route with 3 manned checkpoints.
