BIKEPACKING

Whether it be a race, solo adventure, or ride with friends, bikepacking offers one of the best ways to explore the world. Jenny is the two-time winner of the Silk Road Mountain Race, winner of the Atlas Mountain Race, and a finisher of ultra races around the world. Outside of racing, she has explored over 40 countries by bicycle, and shares the stories in her writing and films.

OMAN

The Al Hajar Mountains

On my recent gravel bikepacking journey in the Al Hajar mountains, I was faced constantly with objections like: "you can't go there - it's too hard!". The boundaries of your comfort zone are unique to you, and only you can decide where you'll go.

THE CAUCASUS

Georgia & Armenia

From the High Caucasus in Georgia to the drier trails of the Lower Caucasus in Armenia. This adventure didn’t at all go to plan, but it was so incredible in many many ways. I’ve left a lot of trails to go back for!

COLUMBIA

The Columbian Andes

I took my gravel bike, the Canyon Grizl, and packed light to stay in hospedajes along the way. The terrain was a healthy mix of tarmac, gravel, and trail. The climbing was absolutely savage, and every view was worth the effort.
I rode south from Bogota to the terminus, Pasto, and then took transport back up to the northern end of the route, Bucaramanga, to ride back to Bogota.
For anyone wanting to ride in this region, I would definitely recommend the gravel bike (although many Colombia is so popular for road cycling, so it would still be lots of fun that way, too!) and be wary of the altitude.The times when I was at lower altitude the heat was brutal, so either way you decide to ride Colombia, make sure you are acclimated.
Cycling is so popular that it's often easy to find a quality bike shop, and even meet up with friendly local riders in almost every town. The Colombian Andes are definitely best explored on two wheels :).

THE SILK ROAD MOUNTAIN RACE 2021

I returned to the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan, three years after winning the inaugural edition, to compete against myself and see if I could improve on my previous effort.

Over a much longer and harder course, I managed to shave two days off my time, finishing in 11 days and 14 hours.

Official event description from race organiser Nelson Trees:
'The Silk Road Mountain Race is a fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The clock does not stop and there are no prizes. It follows gravel, single and double track and old soviet roads that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There is very little tarmac. There is some walking, and at times there is great distances between resupply points.'

ATLAS MOUNTAIN RACE 2020

The inaugural AMR was an incredible, challenging, varied race and I’m beyond delighted with my result as first female finisher. You can read more about my race here on Sidetracked, my post-race interview with winner Sofiane on Apidura here, and watch Brady Lawrence’s documentary Into the Rift free here.

SILK ROAD MOUNTAIN RACE NO.1

I was utterly delighted to compete in the SRMRno1 in Kyrgyzstan this summer, and beyond proud to come in as the first female finisher. Head here for the long read!

Here are some photos from me as well as the talented race photographers (it’s easy to tell which ones).

Head to Apidura to read my race journal, Alone, Together.