Kyrgyzstan riding?
 

Greetings everyone, new poster here. I have the opportunity for a job in Kyrgyzstan for a year and I'm wondering what riding opportunities I might have. I'd be based out of Bishkek. I assume I could find a Ural or (preferrably 2 wheel) Russian bike there for just a little scratch? How are the roads (enjoyment wise) and people/police in the area? Tourist/rider friendly at all? Thanks for the help.

Riding in Kyrgyzstan is great (in summer- probably a bit cold in winter). Very friendly and, apart from some problems in Fergana valley, safe. You can get a Ural very cheap and anyone can work on it there. Find Valentine at Yak Tours in Karakol. He was an army instuctor teaching off road sidecar riding. Also had a career in sidecar racing.

It's varying qualities of unpaved road everywhere. Very scenic- sleeping in yurts at night etc.

Agree with Pete, however there are plenty of paved roads too in good condition at least on the main highways. The highway from Osh to Bishkek should be nearly complete and has smooth, new pavement. With the exception of Osh, the further you get from Bishkek, the worse the roads get. The area around Lake Issy-Kul is spectacular too and its not far from Bishkek. A beautiful country for riding.

Thanks for the info so far! Now I am already drooling.

Really.

Ok, could anyone suggest a set of maps (preferrably online) so I can find these places you're talking about, and also see good roads to ride there? Obviously I'm getting ahead of myself...haven't even received an offer letter yet. LMAO

Try the maps of Reise Know How, Central Asia. Next year we maybe can meet. I will be ik Kirgistan in june.

Grtz,
Sjeng.

Ok, I will stay in touch. No idea about the job yet. Thanks.

Kyrgyzstan riding? This is the best place I have seen in my life. We had wonderfull journey through Central Asia. Some pics you can find here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Sambor1965
use slideshow option.
Kyrgyzstan is very safe place, and people are the most friendly on the planet.
It is not a country for honda cbr, dirty bikes are the perfect choice.
Russian bikes? Probably everyone can fix it in this area, but these bikes are not dependable.

Sambor
@t XRV AD'90