aforementioned chains and sprockets , discs and levers . Plus we will be checking with the head Park Ranger as to what else may be required . The rangers will be interested in learning how to do some basic tasks on their bikes , and those who come on the trip will have an interesting and memorable interaction with Mongolians who still live the traditional nomadic lifestyle . Even if you ’ re not handy on the tools , there will be plenty for you to do while the bikes are being worked on . You can help where possible if you like , go hiking or just hang out with locals and observe the local way of life .
TRIP OF A LIFETIME The trip will take us to Lake Hovsgol situated in the north of the country and then out to the remote north-west Darkan Valley and Ulan Uul . Despite an oft held belief that Mongolia is mainly wide-open grassy steppes , this is untrue . The terrain in the north west region is considerably varied . You may encounter braided rivers one morning and a mountain pass later the same day . During the trip there will be both sandy and swampy areas . And , yes , some “ galloping ” of motorcycles on the vast Mongolian steppes may also be on the cards ! Our wonderful crew are all indigenous to Mongolia . The team leader ( and our friend and colleague ), Orgil , spent 12 years as a professional sumo wrestler in Japan . As a consequence of
the strict Sumo training he underwent , his discipline and that of his team is impeccable and contributes hugely to the smooth running of our trips in Mongolia . We are quite a sight - a travelling roadshow with our own cook and assistant , mechanics , drivers , ‘ roadies ’... the whole fandango . Accommodation is in a comfortable and central hotel when in Ulaanbaatar . Once we head out into the countryside , we will either stay in ger ( yurt ) camps or be camping ( proper mattresses , promise – we are too old for anything less !) Sticking with the Yamaha theme , the bikes available for the adventure are WR450s and 250s ( the newer reverse flow engine models ) or the XT250 . Off-road riding experience is a must . If you want to bring a non-riding friend or family member , we also have available ATVs and four-wheel drive – although they would need to have some experience taking these vehicles through reasonably challenging terrain . Another alternative is to travel as a passenger in a tour 4x4 with one of our experienced local drivers . Mongolia is one of the last frontiers and we have had 16 years of experience travelling there . The adventure will combine a multi-day trail-ride with an opportunity to give back to a developing country . Why not join us ? By The Backroads assisted by our fantastic Mongolian crew will ensure you have a trip full of once-in-alifetime encounters .
Want to ride through Mongolia with full support ? Click here to visit bythebackroads . com for more info or email Mike and Angela on adventure @ bythebackroads . com to find out more about his amazing tour .
32 KIWI RIDER