Looking for a bikepacking crew? Join us on a guided adventure!
This isn't a tour. It's an expedition.
For the seasoned adventurer who has explored their own backcountry and is searching for the next great challenge, this is an invitation to do something truly unique…
Create a new bikepacking route in Central Asia!
Trailblazing Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan
Join me, John Paul Lopez Taberdo, on the first-ever Global Bikepacker Guided Adventure. We will venture into the remote, rarely-travelled landscapes of Southern Kyrgyzstan and Eastern Uzbekistan to trace a new path through the heart of Central Asia. This route, developed and partially pre-scouted by me, will be strung together for the very first time by the participants.
This is a journey for those who are drawn to the blank spaces on the map. It's an opportunity to discover uncharted territory, ride sections of trail used in the iconic Silk Road Mountain Race and immerse yourself in the deep cultural fabric of highland villages a world away from the tourist trail.
When this is over, you won't just have a story to tell. You will have been part of its creation. We will publish the route on this website, make it available to download on Ride with GPS and Bikepacking.com!
What to expect
This is a genuine, self-supported bikepacking expedition bookended by expert logistics to ensure a seamless adventure. We provide the framework, you bring the spirit of adventure.
Dates: Monday 10th to Sunday 23rd August 2026
Duration: 14 days total / 10 days of riding
Start/End Point: The journey begins and ends in Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
The Route: Our journey will be a grand loop from Osh through the mountains of Southern Kyrgyzstan and the eastern fringes of Uzbekistan. This region's remoteness from major international airports is precisely what has preserved its raw beauty and kept it off the bikepacking map. A first draft of the route will be published by Febraury 2026, but the spirit of the expedition means embracing flexibility and the thrill of the unknown.
Daily Rhythm: Expect challenging but rewarding days in the saddle, covering 50-100km with 800-2,000m of climbing on rough, off-road terrain.
Accommodation: We will experience the full spectrum of Central Asian hospitality and wilderness, staying in a mix of traditional yurt camps, local guesthouses in small villages and wild camping under immense night skies.
Support Style: This is a self-supported ride. You will carry your own luggage, food, and equipment, bikepacking-style. When we stay in organised accommodation (guesthouses/yurts), your breakfast, dinner and lodging are all included. When wild camping, you will be responsible for your own meals. Non-essential luggage can be securely stored in Osh.
The Grand Finale: At the conclusion of our ride in Osh we will clean and pack our bikes before a final celebration dinner. The next day, a private vehicle will transfer the group, bikes and luggage to Bishkek. This is included to provide easy access to the main international airports (BSZ and ALA) and to position you perfectly for the World Nomad Games, which you can attend after the expedition. Your final night's accommodation in Bishkek is also included.
Building the right team is critical to the success of a trailblazing expedition. We are looking for a small group of resilient, adaptable and collaborative individuals. This journey is for you if:
You Are an Experienced Bikepacker: This is not a trip for beginners. You must have previously completed at least two self-supported, multi-day trips of four nights or more and be comfortable riding up to 100km per day, for consecutive days, with a loaded bike.
You Have a Good Level of Fitness: This is a strenuous trip. You should be physically prepared and comfortable riding for up to 12 hours a day on rough, challenging off-road terrain at altitude.
You Have the Right Gear (and Know How to Use It): A sturdy adventure bike, mountain bike or a capable drop-bar gravel bike with a minimum tyre clearance of 2.1 inches is mandatory. Your bike must be in perfect mechanical condition. Suspension is recommended. You must be fully self-sufficient with your own camping, cooking, water filtration and repair equipment.
You Have an Expedition Mindset: The most important gear is what you bring mentally. Successful team members will have a high degree of adaptability to deal with unexpected re-routes or long days. You will need a collaborative spirit, resilience in the face of discomfort and a deep sense of cultural curiosity and respect for the people, animals and environments we encounter.
Is this expedition for you?
Not quite ready? Join the Rider Development Program
We believe in transparent pricing. The expedition is structured to provide exceptional value by handling the major logistical hurdles, leaving you free to focus on the adventure.
Price:
International Participants: USD $2,999
Australian Participants: AUD $4,399 (or the USD equivalent if lower)
What's Included:
Expert guidance, route planning, and mechanical support from John Paul.
A local Kyrgyz bikepacking guide.
Pre-trip video call and dedicated email support.
All accommodation as per the itinerary (hotels, guesthouses, yurt stays).
All breakfasts and dinners when staying in towns, guesthouses, or yurt camps.
Secure luggage storage in Osh.
Private vehicle transfer for you, your bike and your luggage from Osh to Bishkek.
Final night's accommodation in Bishkek.
What's Not Included:
International flights and any associated visa fees.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (mandatory).
Lunches, snacks and trail food (you will resupply in local villages).
All food required for wild camping nights.
Your bike and personal equipment.
Alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
Emergency transport or evacuation costs.
Refunds for trip cancellation or early departure from the itinerary.
Investment & Logistics
Join the Waitlist
The adventure begins here. This expedition is for a small, dedicated team of 8-12 people. Spaces are extremely limited. By joining the waitlist, you will be the first to receive detailed information in early 2026.