Ascend Armenia
A bikepacking race and touring route that invites you to discover and explore a place that few cyclists venture
New Dates! August 30th through Sept 8th, 2024
Our 2023 race captured some peak spring beauty, and also challenged racers with all of the variety that Spring in Armenia could muster! Adrien Liechti was our first ever winner with a time of 5 days, 11 hours, and 45 minutes. Our second finisher was Kai-Uwe Lehung, and our final podium finisher was Jacob Hora.
Ascend Armenia is organized and run as an effort to build awareness and support of the sport of cycling in Armenia. Our goal is to feature this beautiful country, her warm and hospitable people, her culture, and the beautiful, challenging terrain. We want to encourage discovering Armenia by bicycle, because traveling by bike allows us to move at a slower speed, one that invites human encounters, cross cultural exchanges, and appreciation for the natural environment.
Ascend Armenia, in addition to the ultra distance race, also organizes local cycling events and competitions that build local cycling community and help us to represent Armenia more authentically.
Race registrations alone do not fully cover the expenses involved with putting on our events, and if you similarly passionate about Armenia, cycling, and discovery by bike, we invite your participation in this event through financial support.
Ride Report: Armenia from the eyes a first time Bikepacker
In 2022 Sarkis Benliyan took a journey to bikepack Armenia, a country with which he shares heritage. This was his first bikepacking trip, a voyage of discovery, and a leap into the unknown.
In 2023 Rodeo Labs sat down with our race organizing team to have an introduction conversation and podcast about the history of this race and what we’re working to accomplish with it. Check it out!
The race map, presented by Ride With GPS
The 2024 event is a simplified affair, requiring that riders be completely self sufficient along the entire route. We have added a second, more inclusive Touring route to our offerings for riders who want to experience Armenia by bike, but at a shorter, more manageable distance, and without the racing dynamic.
Race Route – Entirely self supported
Touring Route – Entirely self supported
After our visit in 2021 we created this short film, The Places We Went, as a way to share our experience and inspire others to ride through this beautiful place.
Ascend Armenia Instagram
Ascend Armenia
Copyright 2022