This tourist from Japan rented a bike for 24hrs so she could explore the town, catch the sunset, visit the beach, and cover more ground. She learned about the program via the cbt website while staying at a nearby guesthouse.
After months of discussion, ideas, submissions, emails, and waiting, CBT Toktogul received a grant to obtain a small fleet and mechanic tools to help implement new bicycle tourism packages in Toktogul.
The Trinx X5 Elite has a Shimano drivetrain, Shimano hydraulic brakes, a lockout swtich for the front suspension, and should be the perfect tool for the terrain here in Toktogul. Maybe the next mechanic will decide to upgrade to tubeless wheels? or add some racks/bikepack bags? Azamat from Kagan ensured that our new fleet would be delivered to Toktogul and made all of the arrangements with this driver! Most pumps in the Kyrgyzstan countryside use Schrader valves and have no gauge. Our pump will securely screw onto either style (presta or schrader) Simply flip the adaptor before trying to pump your tires to the correct pressure!
As an area manager for LifeCycle Adventures in Oregon, USA, I became a more capable mechanic/guide and hope the CBT will implement a similar “self-guided tour” model for tourists who want to explore the Toktogul region in depth but want some support to help optimize the experience! Special thanks to Alex at Velo Mesto in Bishkek for giving us a fair price on these great bikes, providing a detailed receipt, and dropping them off in person for transport to Toktogul!From building a wheel with proper spoke tension, lubiing a chain, tightening a bolt on your carbon fiber frame, we have the tools to help. Use our torque wrench or truing stand to give your bike a service before your next departure.
Our fleet has 4 bikes total this year. After trying a couple pilot programs the CBT will be able to determine if a larger investment is necessary and what changes they may want to implement moving forward.Lezyne pumps combine function, quality and elegance into the most elementary of all bike maintenance tasks! I hope this one lasts as long as mine has back home in the US.I’ve been asking around to learn who might be passionate about learning basic bike maintenance and repair. It’s still not clear who will take on this important responsibility but I am available to teach/discuss/demonstrate! Our fleet has 4 bikes total this year. After trying a couple pilot programs the CBT will be able to determine if a larger investment is necessary and what changes they may want to implement moving forward.
Azamat greasing the bolts as he installs the handlebars.It’s no secret that most bicycles are manufactured in either China or Taiwan. These bikes are sold only in a few regions throughout the World. With Shimano components, they pack a lot of punch for the price!Thanks T-Express for helping us get my tools from the US to Kyrgyzstan with your convenient service out of Bishkek!
The Peace Corps Partnership Program provides immediate support when combined with a minimum 25% contribution from the community it aims to serve. With this arrangement we were able to utilize $3000 usd to obtain a fleet of bicycles (sufficient for the terrain and with quality made shimano components (drivetrain and hydraulic brakes), tools for both general maintenance and wheel building, and a framework for bike tourism packages that utilize local area homestays, restaurants, yurt camps, and guides. The proposed packages have a much higher profit margin than traditional tour packages, require far less fossil fuels, extend the range of tourism travel into smaller communities, and provide a less invasive/resource draining experience for both the hosts and the tourists.
Starting in 2025, local tourism providers will be able to sell/manage tourist packages for those who want to see Toktogul on bicycle. CBT Tokotugul will provide the bikes at a daily rate and will ensure that a local mechanic is able to keep them properly serviced for an optimal experience.
The long term goal is to provide a mechanism for all Kyrgyzstan to have this service, to encourage less fossil fuel dependent tours, and to utilize local bike companies, mechanics, and guides when available.
Easy to understand sign for guests at the Kagan Guesthouse in Toktogul.
Can Kyrgyzstan support a market for locally made bike frames, wheels, and bikepacking accessories? Time will tell but we will start to answer that question here in Toktogul. Plans for 2025 (and subsequent years) may change as demand/custome needs are better understood after the initial pilot program. Just renting bicycles alone will probably not have much return on investment but adding value with GPS routes, helpful accessories, bikepacks/bags, dedicated drivers who can quickly provide support or pickups, a concierge who can navigate with homestays/yurt camps, and a mechanic who will properly maintain the fleet will allow for higher-end tour packages to set the standard for eco-tourism by bicycle in Kyrgyzstan!!
