J128 – 4/24/2006

Kirghistan  is our 4th and last country in Central Asia.  The capital, Bishkek, is located in the North and this republic, like its neighbors, has been independent since 1991.  5 million inhabitants share the plains in a country which is 95% mountains (40% of them rise above 3000 meters and there are 3 peaks which reach an altitude of more than 7000 meters) and whose border with China totals 3,878 kilometers. Kirghistan offers trekking, skiing, heli-skiing, trips on horseback, mountain climbing, rafting, fishing (there are more than 2000 lakes), hunting with eagles and golf.  It is a real paradise for nature lovers and Serge, as well as the rest of the team, is delighted. 
The ascension started this morning, with a snow capped peak in our line of sight.

“It doesn’t look like it but I’m climbing” exclaimed Serge at kilometer 27

At 16H00 and kilometer 52, Serge said he would not do more than 70 kilometers, because it was already late and his breathing was affected by the altitude.

At kilometer 66 , he went over a pass at an altitude of 2,400 meters, then descended to our camp, which was set up on a small platform with just enough room for us to park the vehicles.  In the end, Serge ran 75 kilometers instead of the 70 he originally forecast.

Khirghistan is a country of:

1.horses and riders: children learn to ride almost before they can walk
1.
1.Talpaks, the famous felt hats which the men wear so proudly

1.Children.  There is little or no TV and no playstations.  The children are outside, go to school on foot, play soccer or volley ball, help with the house work and ride horses to heard cattle and sheep.

1.Hospitality, simplicity, smiles and warm welcomes

1.stopping to listen to an accordionist and drinking a bowl of fermented milk with corn, stopping to speak with the horsemen who are leading their herds, stopping to shake hands with all the children and young people, stopping for ten minutes to talk with the villagers, who can’t believe that Serge is 52 years old, stopping to have photos taken, stopping to admire a school where the children are outside learning a song, stopping to pet the colts.

Serge spent his time stopping: “I’m slow, I’m taking my time but I have to have a little pleasure,” those were the words of the day.

All this is our TV reality show and it’s all happiness.

After almost 11 hours on the road, Serge gave us a show as he undressed: he imitated Maurice Greene, then Mr. Muscle.  Happiness, humor and serenity have returned.