No stranger to adventure, Cédric Tassan is an experienced bikepacker – passionate about exploration. Having completed a number of cycling expeditions across the region, Cédric set his sights on Afghanistan. An expedition unlike any other he’d embarked on.
In Cédric’s words, “It is a country the size of France but covered in mountains, ravaged by decades of war, with numerous ethnic groups, a tribal system, a geopolitical situation that is difficult to understand and, above all, a government led by the Taliban.”
Turning this 30 year long dream of his into reality would require a colossal amount of planning. From researching a route, deciding on equipment, physical preparation, learning about the country’s complex history, assembling a support crew, and making connections with locals.
After a year of intense preparation Cédric embarked on what would be the adventure of a lifetime.
To carry some of his gear on the journey, Cédric used our Spider Rear Rack with 2 cradles each side and a cradle on top, rotated 90 degrees, to utilize his full suspension and dropper post. Much needed for the mountainous terrain! Gear was carried in 8L Heavy Duty Dry Bags.
"I love your products. The Rear Rack is awesome – and you can use your MTB as usual. So so cool!" – Cédric Tassan
Cédric’s journey took him through the valley – marked by a river that follows the road, many villages, and fields of vegetables and fruit trees.
Arriving in the Bamiyan Valley, he met up with two of his Afghan friends, Azim and Mahmout – who would continue on the journey with him. It was here they visited what remains of the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan – a world heritage site.
Before eventually heading up into the mountains – reaching altitudes of over 4200m and villages so remote that Cédric was the first foreigner villagers had ever seen. Climbing magnificent ridges to tackle incredibly beautiful and rideable trails.
Passing through a number of villages along the journey, Cédric was welcomed by many hospitable locals. Sharing meals and stories – the war never far from the latter. Learning more about the cultural nuances of the different ethnic groups. Even bathing in the river and playing volleyball with the Taliban!
But not all encounters were friendly, he found himself in some tense and difficult situations with nomads and the Taliban – suspicious of why he was there.
Ultimately it was after one particularly frightening encounter where Cédric decided to call it a day on his Afghanistan adventure.
“Thanks to my previous solo adventures, I've learnt to read and listen to signs. A good adventurer is one who returns home with a story to tell. It's decided, I'm not going any further.”
Returning to France, grateful for the experience he had, the connections made, and all he had learnt along the way – but equally grateful for the safety and peace of his homeland.
Note: For a detailed account of Cédric Tassan’s exploration through Afghanistan, you can read the article on pinkbike, here. For more behind-the-scenes content from his adventure, check out Cédric's Instagram, here.
