Cycling the Taklamakan desert

I looked into riding the 315 a while back. Having been to western China on the more northern tourist trail...i'd 'wager' that you won't find much in the way of real towns on that southern road. I can't say for sure, but in my research, it seemed to me that many of the towns on the 315 were more like work camps and would probably be difficult places to find food. Also, they're the types of places that pop up, end up on a map and then are abandoned for whatever reason. I didn't find any concrete proof any of this though.. but it's what i gleaned off what i found. Might still try some day.

Where do you plan to go from Ruoqiang? Down the 315? Korla to Ruoqiang wouldn't be too bad without a resupply.. provided you can carry 3-4 days worth of water.

Sorry i'm not more helpful :)

Have a look on crazyguyonabike - there's at least one journal describing a ride on that road. It looks extremely dull.

That's an interesting part of the world for a bike ride - not hard to find a much more enjoyable route than that one.

@jbs00
Fro Ruoqiang I plan to follow the 315 to Xining and hopefully extend the visa there. How should be the weather situation in October along the 315 up to Xining? I've also heard that most of the 'villages' are actually work camps, but I can bring a week of food on the bike, so it shouldn't be a problem. Bringing 3-4 days worth of water might be more complicated, that's why I'm trying to get information about the road. From Google maps it seems there are buildings and/or service stations that would be enough. But thanks for the suggestions
@pq
I cannot find any journal on crazyguyonabike. I tried to search names of villages, rivers, lakes and reservoirs along the road and still dind't find anything. Any link? I'm going East from Kazakhstan, do you have any better route to suggest?
Francesco

I remember the journal on CGOAB was a very long ride - the desert section was part of a much longer trip. As I recall he gave up attempting to cross the desert because the weather was bad and the riding very dull. No time to seearch for it right now though.

From Kazakhstan I'd cross into China near Urumqi and head into the Tien Shan. Search around for stuff written by Pete Jones aka tracksterman (some on CGOAB) for good riding in that area.

Hi, I've cycled across the Taklamakan desert in Oct 12, spending three days on the road. In short, it was hot, dusty, and the road endless. It was a worthwhile hardship tour.

If you need any information, do keep me posted.