It took about an hour before I got the 15k out of Bishkek with its busy and bad roads. I was relieved - and happy - when I got to the highway which offered the best road surface in Kyrgyzstan - smooth riding for 180k so it was well worth the extra 10k compared to the old road. Also because it quickly became 4 lanes (and a shoulder) which provided room to go way around me which most drivers did. A lot were going very fast though the traffic police presence every 10-15k helped keep the worst sinners at bay..