Challenging its riders to a 1954-kilometer journey, the Silk Road Mountain Race traces an annually changing path through the wild mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Infamous for its unpredictable weather, long hike-a-bikes, and river crossings, it rewards the rider with rare solitude, jaw-dropping scenery, and a chance to journey inward.
Alongside 260 other riders, adventure cyclist extraordinaire Sami Sauri took off on her debut Mountain Race on August 15th. Completely unsupported, this fixed route demands reliable gear, dependable navigation, proper nutrition, and a constant state of pedaling to cross the finish line before the fourteen-day cutoff.
“10 days, 17 hours, and 22 minutes. I was greeted with a champagne shower, hugs from fellow riders, cameras around, and me on the floor trying to take my shoes off while my ankles were on fire. At that moment, I still didn’t realize what I had achieved. I had completed the hardest race in the ultra-cycling scene, and I did it as the 2nd woman, 21st overall."
Karoo carried her across the 27,938 meters of climbing, providing a constant companion as Sami rode through beautiful sunrises and endless nights under starry skies filled with shooting stars. Regardless of the physical, emotional, and logistical hardships of her journey, she persevered and completed the most intense experience she's ever faced on the bike.
"For the first time in a long time, I felt proud of myself. I finished this race the way I wanted: taking photos, rolling three films, suffering, smiling, singing, and above all – with pure joy.”
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