Silk Road Mountain Race 2023

Silk Road Mountain Race - Day 2  August 13, 2023 outside of Enilchek to Lipenka - 120 Miles Start 6:14 AM Finish 7:56 PM Total Duration 13:42 Moving Time 11:09 Stopped Time 2:33 Ascent 6,500’  Descent 10,197’ Slept at 5,402' elevation (yurt - bed) Race Total 241 Miles Details at: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/131230872 https://srmr2023.maprogress.com/ I slept for only ninety minutes last night in the abandoned roadside shack outside of Enilchek. I woke with the bright sun streaming in through the open windows, doorway, and holes in the ceiling. In addition to the disruptive Czech racer, it had rained last night and had been windy. The rear of the structure had protected me from the elements. First thing upon waking, I relieved myself behind the shack. I then began packing. For breakfast I ate two badly bruised bananas. I was wearing my jersey, long-sleeve merino undershirt, winter under-layer, gilet, jacket, bib, leg-warmers, short-finger gloves, socks, and buff. I lubed my ch...

Silk Road Mountain Race - Day 3  August 14, 2023 Lipenka to Arabel Plateau - 60 Miles Start 5:49 AM Finish 7:48 PM Total Duration 13:59 Moving Time 8:21 Stopped Time 5:38 Ascent 7,940’  Descent 1,282’ Slept at 12,160' elevation (tent) Race Total 301 Miles Details at: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/131493846 https://srmr2023.maprogress.com/ I slept well last night in a warm comfy bed inside a guesthouse yurt in the hamlet of Lipenka. It had been windy and, aside from the rustling trees, was quiet. I woke before the 5:20 AM alarm, and Christian was already up packing. My forehead was sunburned from yesterday and my hands and feet were chapped. I applied Lucas Papaw Ointment to the affected areas. My bike was wheeled outside where I lubed the chain. I collected my devices which had been fully charged. I was wearing my leg-warmers, gilet, and jacket. I wouldn't be wearing my cap today, as it exposed my sunburned forehead. Christian rolled out before I did. I enjoyed an Azovskaya Ko...

Silk Road Mountain Race - Day 4  August 15, 2023 Arabel Plateau to Big Malyy Naryn River Bend - 92 Miles Start 6:35 AM Finish 10:23 PM Total Duration 15:46 Moving Time 12:41 Stopped Time 3:06 Ascent 4,666’  Descent 8,580’ Slept at 9,266' elevation (tent) Race Total 393 Miles Details at: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/131493897 https://srmr2023.maprogress.com/ I ended up sleeping well on Arabel Plateau at 12,160' elevation. It had been cold last night, and my thighs were shivering as I was trying to fall asleep. Enveloped inside my sleeping bag and silk liner I was wearing wool socks, down socks, merino wool leggings, a heavy merino wool top, and a hooded goose down jacket. I finally couldn't take the shivering and donned my rain pants overtop the leggings. It barely tide me over, and I managed to stay warm enough for the rest of the night. I slept with my devices inside my sleeping bag to prevent battery loss in the cold.  I woke with the morning light and my water bottles...