8May2025

May 8, 2025

Anokhi's 28th birthday. A special day for her, Alks and me. I was keen to be done riding by midday so that I could take Anokhi's video call as she walked to work. I managed my time challenge with about 10 minutes to spare, and needless to say, it was refreshing to chat to my dear daughter. The ride out of Gurlen was uneventful, and Westerly winds made sure I had to work my way South West to within a few km of the border with Tajikistan. I arrived at Khiva, the first of four Silk Road cities I hope to ride through. The old city walls welcomed me in the midday sunshine, and the distant minarets beckoned. I checked onto a beautiful Madrassa Hotel and did my laundry before resting out the hottest parts of the day. In the evening I explored Khiva, where Silk Road traders would arrive after gruelling days crossing the Uzbeck desert. They would sit in the shade and exchange stories that would come from as far as Constantinople in the West and Xian in the East. Khiva is magical, despite the hoards of tourists and the inevitable stalls selling touristy memorabilia. The islamic architecture is truly magnificent, the minarets stand tall and bold, and the mosques and mausoleums remind all of the faith of those that walked these lands before us.