Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and it’s a pretty cool place!⁣

We enjoyed Bishkek – it seemed there were two parts of the town – a more westernised wealthy part which had a little more going on in terms of restaurants, bike shops and recognisable brands. We were so relieved to see Shimano bike parts and the like!⁣

We actually stayed in another part of town where it was a little more Asian, if that makes sense! ⁣

We enjoyed walking around the bazaar – I was such a cool and practical place! In hindsight we should’ve picked up more bits and pieces. The bazaar had everything really, stalls and stalls selling tools, bike parts, plumbing stalls to sewing and sewing parts. We both got lost wandering around. There were also tonnes of second hand shops and I really wish we’d picked up more discount clothing in preparation for winter!⁣

***⁣

In Bishkek we met Edward and his wife. Before I started posting on social media we stayed with a warmshowers host in Dorking. Peter was our first host on warmshowers and he set the bar super high in terms of comfort, food and bicycle stories! Peter is an epic cyclist who rides 200+ miles in a day with epic inclines! Last time I complimented him on his cycling he said it was nothing like what we’re doing , but I could never imagine riding at the speed he does over such a long time!⁣

Anyway, back in April, Peter connected us with Edward who lived in Bishkek. When we arrived we messaged Edward and he invited us into his home. We met his family and ate a meal with them. They decided we might want a taste of home so Edward’s wife cooked a delicious tuna pasta bake followed by cake. It was so perfect and actually reminded us of a dish that Stew’s mum used to cook.⁣

Edward took us to some bicycle shops and we will stay in touch. Edward and his wife visit the UK annually so we expect to see them again!

#worldbybike #rideloaded #adventurecycling #pedalpower #bicycletrip #webiketheworld #rtw #roundtheworld #aroundtheworld #worldbycycling #worldcyclingtour #bikepacking #adventurebybike #cycletouring #cycleadventure #rideloaded #bikeinspiration #travelinspiration @ Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan