If you're interested in a bike tour that epitomizes "off the beaten path" take a look at Tour d'Afrique Ltd.'s upcoming Silk Route Race/Expedition.

Tour d'Afrique Ltd. made a name for itself with its transcontinental bicycle tours across Africa and Europe. The latest expedition will not only follow the ancient route of the silk trade across Asia - from Istanbul, Turkey to Beijing, China - it will make history as the first modern self-powered caravan to make the journey.

Following in the footsteps of Marco Polo, General Zhang Qian and Genghis Khan, participants of the inaugural event will traverse a distance of almost 10,000 km as they cycle eastward through Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and China.

The Silk Route features approximately 88 cycling days, averaging 69 miles each day, broken up by 19 rest days and a day of travel across the Caspian Sea - a total of 108 days. Support trucks will carry equipment, travel ahead to set up camp and prepare four meals a day.

Participants must be over the age 18 with a recent medical examination proving they are physically capable of undertaking the tour. Learn how to register at www.istanbultobeijing.com.