Into the Middle Kingdom

The riders of the 2007 Silk Route Bike Race/Expedition have reached China! For the past few days they have been pedaling away through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The jagged, snow-covered peaks of the Pamirs surround rushing rivers and dwarf small villages. The mornings have been cold! The temperature slid as low as -6C one morning and when the riders woke up there was a light dusting of snow on the ground. The cyclists have been keeping warm through the high altitude (up to 3600m) by sleeping in Yurts and abandoned houses. Yaks have been sighted along the way and the people remain incredibly friendly and helpful. Having crossed the border, they are quickly losing altitude and the temperatures are rising. Green fields are starting to appear. China beckons..