Does it puzzle you that a cyclist would want to tour Azerbaijan? It seems like such an exotic, faraway place. I admit, though, that its name is likely to bring a chuckle. A character in one of Agatha Christie’s novels said that somebody was going to a place that sounded like “azure basin”!

As always seems to happen, I find that cyclists have, indeed, made forays into the country. Cycling in Azerbaijan has a relatively short history; less than 100 years. They seem to be making up for it, though; by both citizens and visitors.

Want a list of possible routes? There are plenty of them.

Ride through Baku sounds good for the  beginning bicycle tourist. Nice and short; with very little climbing. A road bike is fine for this route.

Xankandi Sahari should appeal to hill-climbing enthusiasts. There are uphill routes and downhill routes; long tours; and short, quick rides.

As always, learn about the climate of your target country, and pack the appropriate clothing. Azerbaijan has nine climate zones; be sure you know what kind of weather you might encounter.

There are the usual concerns about safety; both personal safety and riding on the roads.

And etiquette, naturally. In Azerbaijan to criticize the ruler, or his family, is strictly taboo; and  absolutely never mention Armenia. Etiquette is a tricky area; what is polite, or at least tolerable, in one culture might be the height of rudeness in another. If I were to go for a cycling tour in that nation on the Caspian Sea, I’d have a lot of studying to do!