How is traveling with a bike?
It's definitely not for the lazy. We drive every day, there are ascents and descents, dirt roads and rolling asphalt, the load depends on the route. There is a recommended amount of kilometers covered for each bike tour, so that you don't suffer from muscle pain and chafing in the first few days.
Be prepared for different weather conditions. 90% of the routes take place in the mountains, where the sun is replaced by clouds. And there is also snow and wind.
The problem is easily solved with good equipment — a windproof jacket, trousers, gloves. I'm sending a list of things for everyone.
And if a frightening question arises in my head: «What if it rains in the afternoon, what are we going to do?» think carefully about choosing a route, maybe instead of wild Mongolia or Kyrgyzstan should choose sunny Turkey.
Be able to handle your bike. There is no need to pump the hydraulic brakes in the field or sort out the spokes on the wheel. In a difficult situation, I and our bike master help with a group bike adapter at the ready. But it's useful to effectively use the brakes, lubricate the chain and change the camera (at least for the boys).
Enjoy the process: if you wake up on the riverbank in a yurt, stop by the locals' house for coffee, or drive to the pass to get high, then cycling is your theme. You can start with a simple weekend itinerary with a hotel stay or an 8-day multi-trip to the Multin Lakes, where a simple bike ride is replaced by radial hiking trails.
And if the van love bike is the best means of transportation in any weather and at any height, then we will be happy to ride along the most interesting mtb trails.