Public Diplomacy Officer J.R. deLara will bike across Turkmenistan March 31 April 12.
The US Embassy reports that this sports campaign is committed to demonstrating support for regional connectivity, promoting U.S. educational and exchange programs, and learning more about life in Turkmenistan outside the capital.
J.R. will depart from Farap on March 31 and expects to reach the Caspian resort of Avaza on April 12, covering approximately 1,200 kilometers total and approximately 100 kilometers a day. Along the way, he will give public presentations at the American Center in Ashgabat and the American Corner in Turkmenabat.
“The United States supports efforts to promote connectivity along the historical Silk Road within Turkmenistan and across Central Asia, and the bike trip will symbolically highlight the importance of free movement across internal borders for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange”, the report says.
J.R. will be accompanied by a few personal friends who are also cycling enthusiasts. In 2013 he biked across the United States, from Washington, DC, to San Francisco, and looks forward to comparing and contrasting the two trips during future presentations at the American Center.
Let us recall that on 7 April a large-scale bicycle ride and a path to health trekking wil be held in Turkmenistan.