THE RACE

The Silk Road Mountain Race is a serious undertaking that should not be underestimated. It takes place in an environment that can be as tough as it is beautiful. It requires not only the ability to ride big days back to back, but also knowledge and experience of self-reliance in a high-altitude, mountainous environment. Although it is definitely a race, your primary concern should always be your own safety. Riders will experience the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, and the warmth and generosity of its people. It is an experience that will likely stay with you a lifetime.

The race was primarily born out of my experiences racing the Transcontinental Race: an incredible adventure and now Mike Hall’s legacy. This is a project that he was personally involved in prior to tragically passing away during the Indian Pacific Wheel Race in 2017. He should have been a part of it. I hope that making it happen is a worthwhile contribution to the unsupported racing scene that he was instrumental in helping to create.

Nelson Trees - Founder & Race Director

 THE RULES

  1. Ride from the designated start line to the designated finish via the route provided and the 3 staffed checkpoints listed in this manual and specified on the Brevet Card

  2. No 3rd party support, private lodgings or resupply. All food, drink and equipment must be carried with you or acquired at commercially available services

  3. Riders must not sollicite any form of private resupply from locals on the race route, any such interaction must be freely offered and unplanned

  4. No drafting (other than pairs with their partners)

  5. All forward travel overland must be human powered

  6. All riders must maintain evidence of their ride

  7. Travel insurance, cycle helmets, lights and equipment in the required equipment list are mandatory, we may be checking

  8. Riders must know and observe all local traffic laws

  9. ‘Leave no trace’ : all riders are expected to follow the 7 leave no trace principles.

  10. Ride in the spirit of self-reliance and equal opportunity