{"id":17916,"date":"2016-07-06T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-06T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2016\/07\/06\/interview-ivan-zimmermann-riding-the-silk-route-r5114\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T07:57:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T07:57:52","slug":"interview-ivan-zimmermann-riding-the-silk-route-r5114","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/interview-ivan-zimmermann-riding-the-silk-route-r5114\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview: Ivan Zimmermann riding the Silk Route"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ivan Zimmerman is riding the 2016 Silk Route cycle tour from Beijing to Istanbul to raise money for university education in South Africa. His marathon journey started on 15 May and will continue until 5 October \u2013 covering 12,280km of gruelling terrain.<\/p>\n

Since Zimmerman will be covering around 125km per day, he is asking his supporters each to pledge<\/a> R125 to the #Pledge125 project.<\/p>\n

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Why the silk route?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\nMy idea is to cross every continent with a bike. The Silk Route is not one single path, but more a web of routes from Istanbul through Iran, Central Asia, Southern Siberia and Mongolia, all the way into China. I am riding from Beijing to Istanbul.\n<\/div>\n

How did you prepare for this adventure?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\nI ride my bike regularly. I also cross train with some swimming, running and light weights. Experience from previous expeditions I know what level I need to be at.\n<\/div>\n

How many days and kilometres have you already completed on this adventure? What is still to be conquered ahead?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nI am now in Gorno-Altaysk, Southern Siberia in the Altai Mountain district. I am on day 30 and I have completed 3,330 km of the 13,000 kilometres from Beijing to Istanbul.\n<\/div>\n

What is the most challenging part of doing something like this solo?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nI am doing it unsupported through an expedition that offers you a breakfast and a dinner each day. I still need to fix my own bike, pitch my own tent, and look after everything else myself.\n<\/div>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-37138700-1467803239.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Which situation has been your most challenging so far and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nThe 3 weeks in Mongolia has been the most challenging time in my life. The weather is extreme and very unpredictable. From -10 degrees (in the Spring) to extreme headwinds in the Gobi desert with storms so strong that it broke my tent’s poles. I also got lost in the Northern part of Mongolia, the day before I entered Russia. An extra 80 km on any given day is not ideal.<\/p>\n

The biggest challenge so far was breaking my pedal from my crank. The crank snapped where the pedal screws in. I was forced to pedal 100 km with one leg to get to camp at the end of the day. The next day I struggled along another 100 km to get to a town where I got it fixed temporarily. I am currently working on a long term, permanent solution.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-04397900-1467803239.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Which country have you enjoyed riding through the most this far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nMongolia without a doubt. Absolutely AWESOME and dangerously beautiful.\n<\/div>\n

Have you done any similar adventures before?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nCairo to Cape Town. 4 months. 10 Countries.<\/p>\n

Windhoek to Cape Town via Seeheim and Solitaire is an absolute must for every biker.<\/p>\n

Expedition riding is not racing. It is a 24 hour-a-day challenge over 120-150 days and it is not just about cycling. It is about the adventure and experiencing it with all your senses.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Has doing Cape to Cairo helped with your preparation for this?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\nWithout a doubt. I was able to streamline everything. Gear, clothes etc. And mentally it is a huge advantage.\n<\/div>\n

What bike are you riding and have you had to modify it for this journey?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-67838900-1467803238.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\nA standard Rocky Mountain Element 950 RSL. It worked for Africa and it is working now. Comfortable riding position and I have the option for the much needed front and rear shocks for the off road sections which are pretty rough.\n<\/div>\n

Completing 13,300 km on a bike – what do you do to keep your bike and gear in good working condition?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nKeeping the bike clean, lubing the chain regularly will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. You will have to replace the chain and cassette twice on these kinds of distances but cleaning and lubing will help prevent unnecessary breakage.\n<\/div>\n

What does one need to pack for an adventure like this?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\nDo not buy any cheap gear. Pay slightly more for quality.<\/p>\n