Cycling the Silk Route: 10 lessons learned

In this article:

• Cycling the Silk Route Introduction
• Lesson 1: Prepare for Extreme Weather Conditions
• Lesson 2: Cultural Sensitivity Goes a Long Way
• Lesson 3: Physical Endurance is Only Half the Battle
• Lesson 4: The Right Bike Setup is Critical
• Lesson 5: Expect the Unexpected
• Lesson 6: Food & Hydration: Keep it Simple
• Lesson 7: Embrace Solitude but Connect When You Can
• Lesson 8: Slow Down and Appreciate the Journey
• Lesson 9: Navigating Remote and Rugged Terrain
• Lesson 10: The Power of Gratitude and Growth

Cycling the Silk Route is not something that ever crossed my mind, until an opportunity came my way and I jumped at it. The Silk Route was a network of trading routes from Europe through the middle East and into Asia. It was established in 130 B.C and is full of wonder, heritage, and epic landscapes. A perfect long distance cycle route!

The cycle path took us some 10,000 km from Beijing to Istanbul. The journey tested my limits in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Along the way, I learned more about the world and myself than any guidebook could ever teach. Here are 10 invaluable lessons I learned while biking the Silk Route.

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Lesson 1: Prepare for Extreme Weather Conditions

It was an interesting challenge, packing a limited amount of clothes that suited drastic climate changes over 5 months. There were the head winds of the Gobi desert, and the high altitude mountains of Pamir Highway.. The blistering heat of the Iranian countryside and the freezing cold of distant Mongolia. There was never a dull moment with this assortment of weather!

Tip: make sure to choose the right gear and clothing. Stuff that will keep you both cool and warm depending on the weather. Layering your clothes is a handy way of having options for unpredictable weather. Also investing in a good sleeping bag and tent will be worth the money for a good night sleep.

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Lesson 2: Cultural Sensitivity Goes a Long Way

The culture shock was the biggest adjustment on this trip. It was always such an exciting time passing the border into a new country and discover a new culture.

On our first day in Iran, we ended up camping next to a wedding party at the park. The family were so delighted to have us, that the bride and her sister gave me and a friend a full outfit makeover. They dressed us head to toe in their traditional wedding attire, and they couldn’t be more excited doing it.

It was experiences like these that made me realize the importance of respecting cultural norms. Hospitality is a big importance in Iran. Learning a few phrases for communication goes a long way. Saying yes to experiences and food offered by locals is a way of respecting their culture. Dressing and behaving appropriately is also important as a visitor passing through. Showing signs of respect will give you an even richer experience.

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Lesson 3: Physical Endurance is Only Half the Battle

There can be long days of solitude on the bike when cycling long distance. Also considering the vast remote areas we were sometimes cycling through, the mental challenge can be just as tough. It is an interesting challenge though, and it was one that taught me a lot about myself. I learned to be mindful, enjoy the silence, and lots of introspection.

Tip: learning to be mindful and take in the scenery, the sounds, the small moments of the day. This helps with keeping your head in the game. Listening to music and podcasts also helps when you want to focus on something. But it is good to mix it up and try turn your brain off as well. It can be an almost meditative experience.

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Lesson 4: Cycling Long Distance – the Right Bike Setup is Critical

This is an interesting one, because I say this as someone who had the most basic bike ever. I bought it in Laos, and cycled from there through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand before cycling the Silk Route. Needless to say my bike had seen better days before ever starting the Silk Route cycle, but nevertheless it got me to Istanbul.

That being said, I could see the ease and comfort of the cyclists that had better prepared bikes and it helps a lot. When cycling for long distances, having a comfortable and durable bike helps with the physical but also mental challenges. The silk route is very much off the beaten track, with mountains, deserts and rocky roads. So your bike contributes a lot to the experience!

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You cannot plan for everything, and you will always come across obstacles. It is best to stay flexible, remain calm and embrace the uncertainty of everyday life. If I stressed over every flat tire or unforeseen detour, I would be gray by now.

At the beginning, I would be panicking if I got lost and couldn’t find my way back on track. Then I realized that no matter what happens I will end up back at camp and things will be ok. So, skip the internal panic and trust you will get back on track.

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Lesson 6: Food & Hydration: Keep it Simple

Food was an interesting aspect of the trip, because it would always depend on where we were in the world and what produce was available. Of course, we could eat all day long given the daily activity but sometimes we were not given many options. Other days we ate like kings and queens.

The fresh local produce always varied which made it all the more exciting. Saffron ice cream and espresso in Iran, kefir in Kazakhstan and the yoghurt in Russia were some of my favourites.

Tip: Finding water and hydration stops is really important, and so planning ahead is necessary. Especially in remote areas, where there might not be any shops for miles. Make sure to stay hydrated and have enough fluids on you for a few hours.

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It is interesting how this trip had me valuing both the solitude and also the social connections. I made solid memories with people that started out as strangers and ended as good friends. We traveled 5 months together, 10 countries and countless experiences.

I also appreciated my time alone, on the bike for hours and in my tent at the end of the day. It was all of these little things, the small moments that I appreciated and learned to embrace.

It is important to socialize with people and interact with the communities you cycle through, but also to take time to yourself. Processing everything around you is necessary to stay grounded and to fully absorb the experience. It’s all about balance!

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Lesson 8: Slow Down and Appreciate the Journey

When cycling with a big group or expedition, I noticed that some people wanted to make sure they were first into camp. They would put the head down and pedal to the medal until they got to the final destination of the day. But when everyone would chat about what sites they saw throughout the day on their ride, they would have missed it all.

There is no point in rushing through the miles because you want to get through the day. I think you’re better off having less mileage and just enjoy the ride. Take stops, pace yourself, talk to strangers and take in the beauty around you. That’s the whole point of the trip, not just to cycle from point a to point b.

There is so much beautiful culture landscapes along the Silk Route, and you should be taking it all in.

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Lesson 9: Navigating Remote and Rugged Terrain

I don’t think I know what remote was before cycling the Silk Route. I also never anticipated being this far off the beaten track. At times there just was no track – many times! This was really tricky in Mongolia, where you could barely see a path to follow along the tundra. Navigating endless deserts and mountains ranges is a great skill that you will be fast learning in places like this.

Tip: Using offline maps was useful and making sure to plan the route of the day in advance is advised. But also be prepared to be confused a lot, take wrong paths and expect detours that test your navigation skills. Just don’t panic and you will be able to figure it out.

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Lesson 10: The Power of Gratitude and Growth

The trip itself left me speechless many times. There were blood, sweat and tears shed along the way. The harsh nature, the people and my own resilience left me with a sense of gratitude. A trip like this changes your perspective on life as you know it, and makes you learn more about yourself and those around you.

I encourage you to take on long adventures like this if given the chance, and approach the whole thing with gratitude. There is so much to gain from these kind of experiences, and I was humbled from my own experience cycling the Silk Route. I would do it all over again if I could.

If you are interested in a cycling adventure like the Silk Route, why not download my free gear checklist for long distance cycling. Share your experiences or questions in the comments, and enjoy the lessons you will learn while embarking on your own journey!

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