Rhino Cam #12 – Kyrgyzstan (lots of mountains)
First of all, apologies for the late arrival of this post. It’s been nearly 3 weeks since we left Kyrgyzstan, but internet has not been very forthcoming as we’ve been back in the desert again, powering our way across north-west China. Bit windy but progress has been solid and we’ve just knocked off 1400 km in nine days, taking us passed the half-way point of our cycle around the world!
Anyway, Kyrgyzstan was a delight. Anything would be a delight compared to our trials in Uzbekistan, but Kyrgyzstan is a place we both agreed we’d like to go back to and would thoroughly recommend to other travellers. The landscapes were draw dropping and the roads heavenly. Even the food wasn’t too bad (we found steak and chips in Bishkek). Horse meat was definitely on the menu, but we stuck to horse milk and cheese instead. The landscape did mean we had to put our heads down and grind up some serious hills – one hill went on for 7 hours at 9-12% gradient! But there was little that could upset us as there was always an incredible view to be had.
The only low point was Issyk Kul – an enormous alpine lake – which we had high hopes for, but ended up being two days of drudgery. It was basically a Kazakh & Russian tourist resort and held little appeal. We didn’t take a picture or any footage for two days, just because we were so underwhelmed by it. For all you armchair adventurers out there, it looks much nicer on Google Earth than when you’re actually there!
The other point of note is that I fell off my bike (again). As the camera was rolling at the time this latest video does contain footage of the crash. It looks quite bad, so apologies for those who are squeamish about these things. Miraculously i came out of it basically unscathed, just a bit shaken up and with an even bigger fear of fast/steep descents than I already had. The bike however didn’t fare so well and now has two fairly mangled front forks and dented tubing. But we got it going again and am hoping it will still carry me all the way to Miami.
Looks amazing guys. Did we really need the crash slow-mo though?! Ouch! Very relieved it was just bumps and bruises sustained. Hope China treats you well and looking forward to the next rhinocam instalment already. Take care xxx
Still watching. Enormous admiration for your great trek. Well done on the 10,000 kms. Fantastic achievement. Paul
Glad you liked the fermented mare’s milk – I tried it in Mongolia and thought it was ok.
I was a bit concerned (in view of your accident) to see you cycling quite a lot without helmets on: presumably they were too hot?
Hi Martin. Yes it’s basically a trade off between heat stroke and the dangers of the road. When it hits 40C it seems safer to have the shade of a sun hat.
This is simply amazing! I was proud the other day when I finished painting the shed, fences and decking at home – your updates put my daily achievements into perspective! Pleased the crash wasn’t too serious – fingers crossed the bike makes it. Will – you are a host of BBC documentaries in the making. I look forward to showing videos of you in class in the future – I may even show some of these as the geography is amazing!
Good luck through the rest of China and onwards!
GB
Congrats on 10,000kms. Massive achievement in itself