How to enjoy Mongolia by bike, and help its poorest children

Mongolia and its vast grasslands, glacial lakes, natural hot springs, thick forests and valleys is one of the last travel destinations to be tainted by tourism. Nomadic herders roam the countryside, following their grazing yaks. Gers – round tents the herders live in – dot the land.

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One of the best ways to explore its unspoilt landscapes is by bike, and in 2018, riders of all levels will be able to do just that while throwing a lifeline to some of the country’s most poverty-stricken children.

Many communities, remain crippled by poverty, and alcoholism plagues the yurt settlements where the majority are unemployed – 62 per cent, according to the World Bank.

“Life is tough in Mongolia,” says Marc-Henry Lebrun, the treasurer of Tsolmon Ireedui Foundation (TIF). “Many children have very hard lives and come from families with many problems; alcoholism is the major one. A lot of kids don’t go to school and stay at home alone, sometimes without heating. Temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Celsius; so there’s a sense of urgency to help these children be safe and fed.”

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This sense of urgency was the reason TIF launched seven years ago, operating a free kindergarten to provide daytime shelter to youngsters from the poorest families living in the sprawling suburbs of the capital, Ulan Bator.

Youngsters are given three hot meals a day, receive regular visits from paediatricians and the children are encouraged to play and socialise. The organisation also works with local schools to help the young get back into the education system.

Registration has now opened for TIF’s main annual fundraiser, the Mongolia Bike Ride. Taking place from June 30 to July 1 2018, the charity challenge takes riders through the breathtaking scenery of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. “This offers full immersion in Mongolia for three days and a great opportunity to discover the country by bike,” Lebrun says.

Now in its third outing, the ride offers two trails, catering for different levels. The easy trail – the most popular – is a relaxed ride, with children aged 12 joining in last year’s jaunt with their parents. “The idea is you enjoy a gentle ride with friends,” adds Lebrun. “Any children comfortable on a bike can come, it’s ideal for families.”