Starting point: JERMUK
Ending point: STEPANAGERD
Bike—105km./66mi.; Bike or Drive—40km./25mi.Drive—90km./56mi.; Total—235km./147mi.

Beginning the much-anticipated ride to Karabagh, the cyclists left Jermuk and rode past Sissian, Goris, and the border villages of Khundzoresk and Tegh, where ATG farmers are currently tending experimental plots of wheat, barley, lentils, garbonzos, peas, and sunflower seeds, while producing high quality seed for multiplication. Passing Tegh, the riders viewed the cave dwellings used by some area residents until the 1950s. Continuing up the steep climb into Mountainous Karabagh, we reached Lachin, renamed Berdzor, the town’s old Armenian name. After visiting the newly-constructed Berdzor church, the riders pedaled until the ancient fortress city of Shushi appeared, towering over Stepanakert and nearby villages. From a large flat area near the church of Ghazanchetsots (St. Mary), we saw where Armenian freedom fighters scaled the steep mountain of rock during the darkness of night to liberate Shushi. Below, down the mountain of rock and facing large heavily-forested mountains, a river roared past the village of Karintak, located at the base of the mountain below Shushi. We then drove into Stepanakert to Shahumyan Square, where we were to meet with Prime Minister Anoushavan Danielyan. In his second-story office, we were cordially greeted by Danielyan, who thanked the riders for their participation in the Bike-a-Thon, and ATG for their important work in Karabagh, especially in Khramort, site of the ATG-sponsored grape nursery. “Your work is invaluable,” he said, continuing, “you are helping rebuild the grape industry in all of Karabagh. The results are everywhere. We hope our cooperation continues, even grows, for the good of all of Karabagh.”

Itinerary:

• ATG-related Sites:
  • ATG/SPSA wheat seed farmers from around the Sissian and Goris/Khuntzoresg areas
• Tourist Sites:
  • St. Mary’s Surp Asdvadzadzin (Ghoghanchelots) in Shushi, the cultural center of Karabagh
• Meeting(s):
  • NK Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian in Stepanagerd
• Hotel:
  • Lotus hotel in Stepanagerd

If you wish to participate in any part of the upcoming Bike-a-Thon IV, please e-mail us at info@atgusa.org.

For more information about how you can help rural Armenia, contact the ATG office at (559) 224-1000 or by e-mail (info@atgusa.org). Tax-deductible donations can be sent to ATG; 1300 E. Shaw, Suite 149; P.O.Box 5969; Fresno, CA 93755-5969.
You may also donate to ATG online.