The final week of preparation for Bikepacking Mongolia with the Gospel has finally arrived. What began as an idea in a Facebook message and a calling to use cycling for the kingdom of God has become a journey that will take my son and I halfway around the world. Over the next two weeks, we will travel, ride, learn, serve, and witness God’s work in the “Land of Eternal Blue Sky.” In this post, I want to share a glimpse of the road that lies ahead of my son and I and invite you to pray along the way.
Leaving Home
On June 27th, our journey begins as we depart from Broxton for Atlanta. I believe that every significant journey starts with leaving the familiar behind. My wife will take us to our hotel at Atlanta-Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport the day before our flight. As we bid farewell to our home, family, and church for a time, we do so with faith in God’s direction. For God has miraculously provided for this trip.
Crossing the World
From Atlanta, we will board a flight to Seoul, South Korea, covering more than 6,000 miles across the Pacific. This first flight will last 15 hours and 15 minutes! This is by far the longest flight either of us have been on. Thankfully, I was able to get seats with a little bit of leg room.
After a brief layover, we will continue to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. With a flight just under four hours, we are scheduled to land at 2:25 a.m. local time. By the time we arrive, will have traveled over 7,000 miles, crossing continents, oceans, cultures, and time zones. The thought of this long of a journey reminds me of both the vastness of God’s world and the reach of His Gospel. I’m truly awestruck by the fact that I, a guy born in West Green, GA, will be carrying the Good News and serving the people of Mongolia
First Steps in Mongolia
We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar well before dawn on June 30th and begin adjusting to a completely different environment. Our guide and host for the next two weeks will pick us up from Chinggis Khaan International Airport. After settling in, and adjusting the bikes, we will travel almost 300 miles by car to Tsetserleg, where the cycling portion of the trip will begin.
The drive itself will provide our first glimpse of Mongolia’s immense landscapes and open spaces. Once in Tsetserleg, we will purchase groceries and any other items we need before beginning the most epic ride I have ever pedaled.
The Ride Begins
On July 2, I will finally swing a leg over the bike and begin riding across the Mongolian countryside. Over five days, we will cover approximately 236 miles from Tsetserleg to Murun. The first day will consist of a 56-mile (90 km) ride through the Khanghai Mountains. That night, we will set up camp by a river before traveling approximately 50 miles (80 km) to the village of Erdenemandal on the second day.
The third day will travel from Erdenemandal toward Rashant, which is around 47 miles (75 km). From Rashant the group will ride around 43 miles (70km) to Tonsontsengel, and camp. On the fifth and final day of the ride we will pedal 34 miles (55 km) to Murun, where we will welcome a hot shower in a local hotel. After the ride is complete, the two days following (July 7-8), we will backtrack to Ulaanbaatar by vehicle.
Each day will bring new terrain, changing weather, and opportunities to experience the beauty of creation. We will camp beside rivers, ride through remote regions, and spend long hours immersed in the landscape. But as most of you already know, we will be meeting people along the way that need to hear the Gospel message.
More Than a Bikepacking Trip
Although cycling is the vehicle for the journey, the Gospel remains the primary purpose. This trip provides an opportunity to learn about the ministry efforts and God’s work among the people of Mongolia. On the last two to three days, we will be meeting with missionaries, local pastors, and potential church planters to encourage them, build relationships, and gain a greater vision for the nations. It is my prayer that Morningside Baptist Church and Ends of the Earth Cycling can come alongside the church in Mongolia to help. I hope this is the first of many annual trips.
Returning Home
On July 11th, we’ll begin our journey home, spanning over 7,000 miles and 21 hours of air travel. With God’s grace, we’ll return with stories, photographs, and cherished memories from our travels. Most importantly, we pray to return with a greater appreciation for God’s work across the nations. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support as this adventure unfolds. As we prepare to leave, we ask for your prayers for safety, endurance, effective ministry, and for God’s glory to be evident in every mile.
At-A-Glance Details
Route Link: Tsetserleg to Murun | gravel ride | Komoot
| Date | Plan | Notes |
| 6/30 | Arrive, Pack, & Test ride | Arrive 0245am; Pack for trip; adjust bike |
| 7/1 | Drive to Tsetserleg | 6am Final prep for ride; grocery shop |
| 7/2 | Day 1 Begin ride | ~90k (56 miles) camp by the river. (960m/3168′ elevation) |
| 7/3 | Day 2 | Ride ~80k (50 miles) to Erdenemandal camp near town (100m/330′ elev.) |
| 7/4 | Day 3 | Ride ~75k (47 miles) to Rashant camp near town (520m/1716′ elev) |
| 7/5 | Day 4 | Ride~70k (44 miles) to Tosontsengel camp near town (600m/1980′ (elev) |
| 7/6 | Day 5 | Ride~55k (34 miles) to Murun stay in hotel (560m/1848′) elev) |
| 7/7 | Murun to Tsetserleg | |
| 7/8 | Tsetserleg to UB | |
| 7/9 | Cultural Exposure | |
| 7/10 | Ministry exposure |
Leave a Reply