A Chaotic Start!

It was a chaotic start to the day; trucks breaking down, an early morning convoy, riders with stomach upsets, flat tyres and the challenge of early morning traffic meant that the Silk Route group had a slowish start to the day but once they were out on the open road there was no stopping them! Not even an annoying head wind. There was also a change of scenery to go along with a new section;hills, nothing too major but some nice rollers to give the legs a kickstart and reminder of our arrival in mountainous Kyrgyzstan. The riders all commented on how nice it was to have some climbs throughout the day! Other great things about the day were the temperature (a lovely, mild sunny day), the lunch (fried egg sandwiches again –  yummy) and the numerous drink stops (to keep our cafe crew happy). Our camp tonight is a magnificent old building that was once a restaurant. You cannot help but be awed by the pillars, old paintwork and building structure as well as be delighted by the gorgeous children of the people that own it. ‘The Golden Road’ section winners were Sandra Simon (of course!) for the women, and Chuck Giles has taken line honours for the boys section! Tomorrow, a little more of the same (and apparently some off road sections to get the mountain bikers smiling) as we go into 3 days of border crossings which should test out our patience. The border guards will not know what has hit them when about 50 dirty, dusty but totally lovable Silk Route riders arrive at their gates!