Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, so you can take some reserve into account. Western clothing is also fine, you don't see headscarves much.

Many Azeris are curious about world cyclists. It is a phenomenon that they do not yet know. They don't understand much about it, but they do find it interesting. Sometimes they also drive next to you to have a chat or they give thumbs up. Due to the feud in Nagorno-Karabakh, the population around Nagorno-Karabakh is somewhat shy. But after a quiet introduction they are very hospitable and want to know everything about you. Guests always sleep in the show room and are really pampered.

The visa policy of Azerbaijan differs quite a lot per nationality.

Visa policy of Azerbaijan for ordinary passport holders

Republic of Azerbaijan

Visa free

Visa issued upon arrival by air. Also eligible for ASAN electronic visa.

Eligible for ASAN electronic visa. Visa on arrival under special conditions.

Eligible for ASAN electronic visa.

Visa obtained in person required prior to arrival.

Admission refused

Source: Wikipedia.

Veerle: "Attention: Azerbaijani cuisine is the worst of the Silk Road! Main ingredients are sheep's leg fat and chickpeas. Very cheap. If you stay at people's homes, they will undoubtedly serve toasts with (a lot of) vodka ...". Vegetarians have a bad life here. The main ingredient in any meal is meat. On the road it is sometimes difficult to find food in the winter.

Tap water is not reliable. Water bottles are for sale in every village. In the large villages everything is available (seasonal vegetables, cans), but in the small villages the people are often self-sufficient.

Spare parts

The locals drive on 26 inch tires. However, there are not many cyclists.

We have not looked for workshops, count outside Baku but not on bicycle specialists. The people are very inventive, they always find a work around.

If you really cannot continue cycling, you can always get a lift from an Azeri or take one of the rattling (mini) buses.

Hi-tech spare parts may be found in Baku which has a very rich part. Otherwise send to post restante in Baku.

Never forget to bring your spoke tensioner and extra spokes!