SILK ROAD In the map of my dream, there was the idea of pedalling along the caravan routes which crossed the remote and isolated valleys that stretched along the feet of the impressive mountain chains of Hindukush, Karakorum and Pamir.  Routes which connect the East with the West: coral, porcelain, spice, incense and...silk routes. Old routes which have formed for centuries crossings utilised by warriors, merchants, ambassadors, travellers, missionaries and pilgrims, who along with their caravans would adventure towards unknown lands, distant and fascinating countries populated by bellicose people, demons and fairies. Through these channels of commercial exchange not only did they trade goods like silk, spices, gun powder and precious stones but it was also the place where new technology, religious and political ideas spread. The journey which takes us from Pakistan to China is a succession of long and demanding days faced with several drops and rises. 1500 km in total, of which more than half the distance through rough mountain tracks. © ALESSANDRA MENICONZI