Category: 2022 Transcontinental Race No.8

You’re now at post 04 of my TCRNo8-series. To jump to all so far existing posts on this in chronological order:
01 TCRNo8 –About the Race & Live Tracking (Cap63) – Start: 24.7.
02 TCRNo8 – My Rider Introduction
03 TCRNo8 – Equipment & Packing List
04 TCRNo8 – Finished! (on Mon. 8.8.22)

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[This post was published on Wed. 17th of August2022, while the Finish was already on Monday the 8th of August; apologies for this ca. 1-week delay. This text is mostly a copy from the respective Instagram finisher-post, plus some stats]

Hell yeah! I FINISHED The Transcontinental Race 🙂 – on Monday 8.8.22 after 14d14h21m (14,6d) and 4194km/38056m (av 287km/2600m /day), as the 66th out of 250 solo-starters – the moment of arrival was emotionally very intense to me: of course the joy of having finished, and being „home“ with friendly and familiar faces; but also the infinite relief of finally being physically safe… the last 2-3 race days had thrown some heavy moments and circumstances at me… one driver to finish despite my pain and stress of those last 2 days was simply to be in a friendly environment. And that’s what this community really is.

Overall I‘m very content with my race. I was mentally mostly in a very good space. I realized how my riding has matured over the past 4 years since my first race (TCR No. 6); more continuity, more rationality and better decisions and self-awareness. The landscapes were largely stunning (e.g. Passo di Gavia and Durmitor). Not a single mechanical or flat tire (just added 1bar of air 2-3 times). Only the last 2-3 days were dark: incredible knee pain so I had to fight for every pedal stroke, the “baseball bat incident” (check out this Instagram-Reel for more information), horrendous traffic, tough road conditions and dog chases (although I managed to handle the dogs quite well this time). But I was determined and just about made it

Thanks to all the kind people on location; fellow riders (you’re an amazingly special bunch!), organizers, volunteers, photo/press team. And also: Thanks to YOU! Followers and dotwatchers, both virtually and at the side of the road! For your interest in my journey, your encouragement and your sympathy. Without it I *may* have scratched.

All pictures taken by Sam Gate; thank you!

Today (Tuesday, 9.8.22) I just chilled with other riders, went for a swim, welcomed friend Amy Lippe at the finish line, ate icecream and tons of other food. Now off to bed, tmrw visiting Burgas.

Notice one thing? Yes.. my plans don’t involve any cycling

Strava records…

I will probably do a proper write-up or some other recap-format for my race. For now, here you find the embeded Strava records. Please note: due to a technical error, Day 1 is incomplete; it was actually in total 430km/1636m on that first stint from Geraardsbergen to Warburg in the middle of Germany

https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js

You’re now at post 02 of my TCRNo8-series. To jump to all so far existing posts on this in chronological order:
01 TCRNo8 –About the Race & Live Tracking (Cap63) – Start: 24.7.
02 TCRNo8 – My Rider Introduction
03 TCRNo8 – Equipment & Packing List

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This post is largely copied and from my Transiberica 2021 gear / packing list post, and then altered to be up to date. it is now a summary of my gear. If you want to go into more detail on some items (wheels, lighting, shoes, gearing, etc…) I suggest you check that post: Transiberica Equipment & Packing List, 2021. And for even more information, also on my preparation (route planning, training), I suggest you check this one: Transcontinental Race preparation, 2018 (it is a few years old, but my approach was good and I did it similarly this year).

This Year’s Bike and Setup

Of course: My Rose Pro DX Cross from 2015, but I just call her lovingly „Rose“ <3. Rose runs on Sram Force22 (disc) and has an alloy frame and carbon fork that stood the test of many adventures. Her custom compiled gearing of 46/33 (front) and 12-36 (rear) will hopefully get me up allll the climbs while still allowing me to pick just the right cadence/force at any point (no large gear jumps). For comfort, Rose is equipped with Schwalbe Pro One tubeless tires in 32mm, a Redshift ShockStop suspension stem, Profile Design T4 aero bars, a Specialized Power saddle and gel pads under the bar tape. I decorated Rose with tons of reflective tape, but my favourite accessories are still: a little rear mirror and my not-to-joke-with bell that is modestly hidden under Rose’s elbow pads.

WEIGHT:
– bike only: 10,8kg (without bags and rack, but including all adjustments like aero bars, dynamo, light/electronics, pedals etc…)
– bike with empty bags: 12,4kg (incl. Tailfin rack)
– bike with luggage: 16,5kg (excl. food & water)

And some more kit…

This season’s kit colours: turquoise/orange for the jolly Miamy look to lighten my mood when necessary (or yours) and for good visibility. Additionally I’ll bring an funky VOID jersey that I wore already on my TCR06 in 2018 and still like. I will ride my local cycling club’s team bibs by Vermarc. Shoutout to RTC dasimmerdabei e.V.!

My bedroom consists of a bivy, light mat & silk liner + boxers & shirt dedicated to clean sleeping. My Wahoo Elemnt (+ phone backup) in combination with a SON dynamo hub and Edelux II light will show me the way while an Igaro D2 USB-charger, two 10000mAh powerbanks (by Anker) and a strong 65W charger for quick charging will make sure I never run out of juice (was on the edge a few times last year on my Transiberica). A carefully curated bike-mech/spare-parts compartment (incl. rear derailleur hanger, spokes, etc.), and babywipes/chamois cream/ointment will rule out most show-stopping technological or biological malfunctions.

The bags are arranged to reduce the frontal area (aero) and optimize accessibility: 2 food pouches in-line between the aerobars, a fuel tank and phone sleeve behind them, small frame triangle to still make 2x 1L bottles fit, and my aluminum Tailfin rack & trunkbag that did an amazing job on past endeavours.

What’s new? (gear-wise)

Got a new rain jacket: Gore Wera Torrent. But apart from that: Nothing really. My setup on Transiberica worked really well. It is not super duper light/compact. But gives me enough comfort while not being too bulky.

But if you wish to check my reasoning for certain gear choices and changes, I suggest you check these two older posts from past races:

• Transiberica Equipment & Packing List, 2021
• Transcontinental Race preparation, 2018

Packing List

Documents

• ID card
• hardcopies of documents (incl. Corona stuff)
• health insurance card
• contact details
• pay cards
• some cash

Electronics

• iPhone SE (with offline-route backup on maps.me)
• Wahoo Elemnt (updated & with routes)
• headphones Shure SE215 (bluetooth)
• USB charging cables
• 3 port USB charger (65W)
• 2 Anker power banks 10000mAh
• iPhone cables, 1 short & 1 long

Bike maintenance

• mini leatherman (no name)
• multi tool (Lezyne)
• air pump (Lezyne, with digital pressure gauge)
• puncture set (incl. tubeless plugs etc.)
• 2 tire levers
• cable ties (many!!)
• spare shoe lace
• Sram chain link
• rear derailleur hanger (bike specific)
• gear inner cable
• chain lube (Squirt dry lube)
• replacement spokes & nipples
• 2 pairs of brake pads
• schrader valve adapter (to use gas station pumps)

(Spare) clothes

• Buff merino multipurpose head scarf
• spare socks (Assos summer socks)
• spare bib-short (Vermarc)
• spare base layer (LaPassione summer)
• arm & leg warmers (Vermarc)
• down vest (Endura)
• rain jacket (Gore Torrent)
• high visibility vest
• boxershorts / T-shirt (for sleeping)

Hygiene

• toothbrush (cut off, obviously ; ) ), toothpaste, shampoo
• Ibuprofen
• Diclophenac cream
• wound healing cream (Bepanthene)
• baby wipes
• tissues
• chewing gums
• chamois cream
• sun protection lip stick, & healing lip stick
• micro fibre cloth (for glasses)

Sleeping gear

• silk liner
• sleeping mat (Thermarest ultralight)
• bivy (MSR AC bivy)

Miscellaneous

• 2x 1L-bottles
• Hiplok (small cable tie lock, number lock)
• spork

Wearing

• helmet (Suomy Gun Wind)
• Glasses: Adidas Proshift with photochromic prescription lenses
• short gloves (LaPassione Duo Gloves; light padding)
• bib-short (Vermarc)
• short jersey (Morvelo summer)
• base layer (LaPassione summer)

You’re now at post 02 of my TCRNo8-series. To jump to all so far existing posts on this in chronological order:
01 TCRNo8 –About the Race & Live Tracking (Cap63) – Start: 24.7.
02 TCRNo8 – My Rider Introduction
03 TCRNo8 – Equipment & Packing List

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The organization of The Transcontinental Race asked all riders to publish a brief introduction on their social media. Here is mine… copied from my Instagram @maltecyclingtourist

Hello!!

BIKE

I simply feel at home on Rose 🌹. She’s set up with all kinds of perks for comfort: custom gearing (Force22, 46/33 + 12-36), Rockshift suspension stem, 32mm tubeless Schwalbe Pro 1, padded bar tape and aerobars, Specialized Power saddle and overall perfect geometry in all positions. My favourite accessories however are: her little rear mirror and modestly hidden but not-to-joke-with bell.

Setup

SETUP: SON dynamo and light, Igaro D2 dynamo charger, 2 power banks. Tailfin, small frame triangle, 2 Revelate Designs food pouches & fuel tank, all set up for small frontal area & easy access. Bedroom: mat, bivy, silk liner, dedicated boxers/t-shirt.KIT: cyan/orange for the jolly Miamy look to lighten my mood when necessary (or yours) and for good visibility. Bibs: now in team kit of my Cologne cycling club 🧡 (shoutout @rtcdsd )

RIDING STYLE

Rather impulsive, luckily it got a bit better over time. My performance over the course of a race is usually very volatile; my specialty: catching up with long mid-race night rides. As I love independence and flexibility, my setup is designed to sustain me for a few days outside between the occasional BnB nights.

TRAINING

On the positive: I generally have a crappy diet, so I’m perfectly prepared for running XX days on 7day-Croissants, Pringles and Coke. On the negative: my cycling season tends to start… late. One doesn’t ask a gentle(wo)man for their yearly mileage. I tend to compensate for it with my enthusiasm and curiosity to do it.

Can’t wait for all the landscapes, people, ❤️ on the road, interaction with dotwatchers. Shoutout also to Dragan 🐩 & Cruella 🐕, the 2 stray dogs that will make me loose my day‘s food pack at 1:35am on day 8.

You’re now at post 01 of my TCRNo8-series. To jump to all so far existing posts on this in chronological order:
01 TCRNo8 –About the Race & Live Tracking (Cap63) – Start: 24.7.
02 TCRNo8 – My Rider Introduction
03 TCRNo8 – Equipment & Packing List

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Something new is on and I can’t wait for it to start! I have the immense privilege to ride the Transcontinental Race No. 8 – one of the most iconic cycling races in the world. HELL YES, I’ll do it again. I’m as excited as I am humbled.

My personal background: In 2018 I already joined and finished the 6th edition of the race. In the meantime did two other races (Blog entries/information here: Three Peaks Bike Race 2019 & Transiberica Bike Race 2021). Now – through the lottery and maybe aided by the fact that I successfully finished my first TCR – I am privileged to be granted a placement to ride it again.

Here you first find some information on what the TCR actually is & how you can live-track my “dot” on the map, if you wish. In case you‘re interested in my gear or my rider introduction you find the links to post 02 and 03 above at the beginning of this post.

Transcontinental Race No. 8 – facts & figures

The Transcontinental Race is a (attention please…) self-supported free-route ‘ultra’-endurance single-stage bike-packing time-trial in the spirit of Mike Hall† (who founded this race, and is one of the founders of this sport and scene). That means…

• Start: Geraardsbergen/Belgium – Sun. 24th of July 2022, 22:00h
• Finishline: Burgas/Bulgaria, whenever riders arrive.
• 4 Checkpoints (CPs) spread over middle and eastern Europe to be approached in this order:
  • Start Geraardsbergen
  • CP1) Krupka/Czechia
  • CP2) Passo di Gavia/Italy
  • CP3) Durmitor/Montenegro
  • CP4) Transalpina Strategica/Rumania
  • Finish in Burgas/Bulgaria.
• free route choice, except for a compulsory parcours at each Checkpoint (ranging from 40km to 120km)
• over 4.000km and 40.000m cumulative climbing
• self-supported, i.e. carry your own luggage, no outside assistance, no rider-cooperation, no supply pre-arranged
• single-stage, i.e. the clock never stops; there are no fixed stages or stops, neither for sleeping nor for food etc.
• ca. 275 participants (28 of which riding as pairs, all others solo), all genders competing in the same category
• more detailed rules: see here

A spectator sport! – How to follow the race and riders in realtime

Despite the geographical spread of the events, endurance bicycle racing is a spectator sport, because: Each rider has their own GPS-tracker. Your chance to kick my a** when I hang around for too long at McDonald’s or oversleep in the ditch!

• Riders’ locations can be tracked in realtime on
  • https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/tcrno8
  • or here with the same interface and additional reporting and social media feed: https://dotwatcher.cc/race/tcr-no8
• I am rider number 63 (“Cap63”)
• on social-media my hashtag is #tcrno8cap63 – in case you post something that concerns me, I’m super happy to find out! using this hashtag is a way to make sure it’s found by me and everyone who cares.
• I’ll post regular updates as stories (some posts) on Instagram: @maltecyclingtourist also here: feel free to tag me in stories/posts when relevant : )
• I’ll also upload everyday on my Strava: Malte Cyclingtourist

Additionally the race in general it is vividly accompanied on social-media:

• general event-hashtag: #tcrno8
• all riders have their own hashtag in the form #tcrno8capXX (XX = cap number without leading zeros)
• official race-account on Instagram: @thetranscontinental
• great social-media and other reporting on https://www.dotwatcher.cc/race/tcr-no8

I’m always happy to hear from you. Encouraging messages, cheering, etc. are highly motivating (also to the other riders!). I may not always be able to reply immediately, but be sure I read messages and mentions with great pleasure!