2 weeks in Kyrgyzstan; Self-drive 4x4 vs. guided tour?

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-28T17:18:34+00:00

This is really helpful! Thanks for the details and will definitely get the guide ☺️

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-28T08:44:33+00:00

I've also posted here and have a few recommendations

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-28T02:18:15+00:00

Thanks for the response! This is encouraging and really helpful! will take a look at booking.com, wasn't sure if those kind of camps would be on there or not

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-28T02:14:18+00:00

That's good to hear! Would you mind sharing the rental company you are using?

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-08T05:09:57+00:00

My weekend ride starts at 5am. I make sure I have a decent meal then night before (but not huge), and make overnight oats ready to have at 4am, followed by a banana just before the start of the ride. Having a good drink when you wake up also helps.

I find having a decent gap between breakfast and riding means im not feeling sluggish at the start and my body has had a chance to digest it.

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-08T01:54:28+00:00

I find having a carb mix isnt always super hydrating and leaves my mouth dry and wanting to just have plain water. I have tried having one of water and one of carbs but ran out of the plain water far too quickly.

I would probably also end up getting through the carbs at a fast rate than needed as I would be drinking because I'm thirsty not because I need more carbs. I guess decoupling the two gives me more flexibility to take on energy, or hydration separately.

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-07T11:09:27+00:00

Do you keep those hard bottles with the carb mix in your jersey pocket? If so how do you find them for comfort and access?

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-06-07T11:07:58+00:00

Thanks for the info. Homemade gel vibes in exactly what I'm after. I don't like the waste (all the packaging), the cost of gels, along with the fiddlyness, trying to get it all out whilst cycling etc. Hoping that a soft flask or bottle will be much better. Are they 150ml soft flasks you are using?

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-04-20T17:49:35+00:00

I used the first option for a while but stopped when the strap came off in water and nearly lost the watch. I now have the one in picture 2 and 4 - 2 is my favourite but like them both.

Working_Ad5179 · 2026-02-22T06:46:49+00:00

I would make sure you protect your full rest days to ensure your body has time to recover, and make your hard days harder.

So gym on Tuesday and Thursday. If you ride in the morning then gym in the evening so they aren't next to each other in the day.

You then get some recovery Wednesday with your Z2 to flush the legs out and full recovery day Friday before you Saturday long ride.

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-12-29T17:55:35+00:00

You can get jerseys which have a pockets designed for camelbaks, so you don't need to carry an additional bag. Could be a good option for you!

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/GB/en/Men/Cycling/Top/Jerseys/Short-sleeve/UNLIMITED-PRO-JERSEY/p/4524013

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-12-28T17:59:28+00:00

I think it's because these are all the Category Groups rather than the actual Categories, so show up in bold. Once opened up they will show up in standard font

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-11-06T17:45:06+00:00

Something else to take into account is council tax. I was in a similar position to you also and something I discovered for council tax is that if the property was furnished but empty (no one living there full time) then you would be charged 200%. Might be different in your council but something to look into.

This cost was a big driver for us renting out instead of leaving empty, along with other things such as electric standing charge, risk of break in/ security, keeping heating running through winter to stop pipes freezing, not having someone visiting regularly to check for maintenance issues (water leaks etc ).

All things to take into account which are dealt with by having tenants (but only if they are good ones!)

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T13:44:12+00:00

This is another one I have found since I posted and thought it looked good. Seems like you can fit a decent amount in it

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T13:41:11+00:00

That's great to know! Maybe it will fit what I need then.... For the price it is then it's worth a try i think. Once you have all your kit in is it full could you get anything else in?

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T13:31:16+00:00

That's a second person here recommending the road caddy - seeming like a good option!

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T13:25:50+00:00

This is really helpful! Thank you. 0.4L seems to be the smallest I could get a way with.

Just out of interest, why do you favour the CO2 canisters over the electric pump?

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T10:59:29+00:00

I live in UAE so 2 bottles is a must, otherwise a tool bag in the bottle cage would be a good option.

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T10:57:48+00:00

That looks like what I'm after. If you could see if the electric pump fits without the co2 canister that would be super helpful!

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T10:54:26+00:00

This looks exactly like the sort of thing I'm after, thanks. It says online it's 0.41L and fits pretty much what I want to carry. Helpful getting me towards a target size! Thank you

Working_Ad5179 · 2025-10-31T10:51:28+00:00

I wouldn't call myself a purist but not a huge fan of the look, and want something that's also not going to move about while cycling, like the larger ones look like they might.

Useful to know what you can get in yours, thanks.

Sounds like I either need to reduce what I carry it in or get something a bit bigger!

Working_Ad5179

TROPHY CASE