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So I’m home now.
This was the last Hobo style evening meal, spent in a typical fashion in a fast food parking lot. What a great 2020 summer journey by bike across Europe this was!
I started on the evening on the 22nd of July with a relaxed ride alongside the Danube from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria. There the starting gun of the #threepeaksbikerace went off at Saturday in the afternoon. What followed was again a great racejourney across the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße, the Col du Sanetsch and the Mont Ventoux as this years Checkpoints. And an amazing finishing parcours towards Nice. Finished for a third time in a row - so now have participated and finished all 3 editions.
After a nice day in Nice I rode back to Germany via the Riviera and Ligurian coastline, crossed the Po plain and climbed the mighty San Gottardo in Switzerland. And then continued north to head into Germany, cross the Black Forest towards my Destination Freiburg im Breisgau. 2.037 km and 29.286 m of climbing in the race itself and in total 3.087 km with 39.757 m of climbing.
Across Europe from supermarket to supermarket and gas station to gas station. My typical Modus operandi at bikepacking races like the TCR or TPBR. And the title of a talk I’ll be giving next week Thursday at the Radmosphäre in Essen on invitation from the ERG1900 e.v.
Here I’m in the Czech Republic while on the #TCRNo6
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Quer durch Europa von Supermarkt zu Supermarkt und von Tanke zu Tanke. Mein typischer Modus Operandi in Bikepacking-Rennen wie dem Transcontinental oder dem Three Peaks Bike Race. Und der Titel eines Vortrags den ich nächste Woche Donnerstag in der Radmosphäre in Essen auf Einladung der ERG1900 e.v. halten werde.
Hier bin ich in der Tschechischen Republik während dem #TCRNo6-
This was the beginning of the gravel section just before the small and infamous village of Tor. After already a lot of climbing in a deep and mostly shaded gorge aside this brook over tarmac and a bit of concrete here the valley opened a bit and let the sun in again. That section was actually really harmless to ride and quite beautiful. The real challenge would await just behind Tor. But what a rewarding challenge which eventually bring me on the top of the Port de Cabús and into Andorra. Right at sun set. This was at the same time the highest mandatory pass of the race with 2305 m above sea level. This makes the Port de Cabús one of the highest Passes in the Pyrenees.
BTW, I just published my first article about the Transpyrenees Race covering my approach on the race, comparing it to the Transcontinental and the Three Peaks Bike Race and indulging in all around data nerdery. Find the link here: torstenfrank.wordpress.com/2019/10/18/why-the-tprno1-was-...
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Das war der Beginn des Gravel-Abschnitts kurz vor dem kleinen und berüchtigten Dörfchen Tor. Nach bereits einer Menge Kletterei durch ein tief eingeschnittenes und enges, schattiges Tal über Asphalt und etwas Beton, immer neben dem rauschenden Bach öffnete sich das Tal hier auch wieder etwas und liess die Sonne hinein.
Dieser Abschnitt war noch total harmlos zu befahren und auch recht schön. Die wahre Herausforderung wartete hinter Tor auf uns. Aber was für eine lohnenswerte Herausforderung das war. Sie würde mich schließlich genau zu Sonnenuntergang auf die Passhöhe des Port de Cabús und nach Andorra hinein bringen. Der Port de Cabús war gleichzeitig der höchste in einem Parcours vorgegebene Pass des Rennens. Seine 2305 m Höhe über dem Meer machen ihn auch so zu einem der höchsten Pässe in den Pyrenäen.
Übrigens habe ich auch gerade meinen ersten Artikel über das Transpyrenees Race veröffentlicht, in dem ich meine Herangehensweise an das Rennen schildere, es mit dem Transcontinental und dem Three Peaks Bike Race vergleiche und mich generell in grundlegender Daten-Verliebtheit ergehe. Diesmal in Englisch geschrieben. Folge dem Link: torstenfrank.wordpress.com/2019/10/18/why-the-tprno1-was-...
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What a gorgeous display of nature. The Ruinaulta. The famous gorge of the Anterior Rhine in the Swiss Kanton of Graubünden. And what a difference to when I came by in the first edition of the Three Peaks Bike Race three years ago. Then in pouring rain. Last year, in the third edition of the #TPBR I had the pleasure of seeing it in it’s full splendour in best weather.
Hi there - can’t wait till it’s summer again and I’m out on the road from A to B with some wiggly terrain in between. Like here on the Col de la Bonette. This was on last years Three Peaks Bike Race from Vienna to Nice. Really looking forward to this years edition. It’s with mixed feelings that I look upon not having had luck with my application for #TCRno7. Really sad panda here. But I would have been also quite unhappy with not riding the second edition of the #TPBR. Since I really also always wanted to visit northern spain with my bike. Well - now I can! And the coming edition looks very competitive, indeed. Last years inaugural edition featured just 15 participants. This year I’m already looking at around 80 or more. Wow, can’t wait!
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Hallo da - ich kann's nicht erwarten, bis es wieder Sommer ist und ich auf der Straße von A nach B mit etwas zappeligen Terrain dazwischen bin. Wie hier am Col de la Bonette. Da war ich im Rahmen des letztjährigen Three Peaks Bike Race von Wien nach Nizza. Ich freue mich schon auf die diesjährige Austragung. Mit einem lachenden und einen weinenden Auge schaue ich auf das Ergebnis der Startplatz-Zuteilung für das #TCRNo7. Wirklich sehr traurig, dass es hier nicht für einen dritten Startplatz gelangt hat. Aber ich wäre auch nicht froh gewesen, das zweite #TPBR zu verpassen. Denn ich wollte schon immer mal nach Nordspanien mit dem Rad. Nun - jetzt kann ich es! Und die kommende Austragung schaut sehr umkämpft aus. Bei der Erstaustragung waren es nur 15 Teilnehmer. Jetzt schaue ich schon auf über 80. Wow - kann's kaum abwarten!
What a nice stage for my bike. This alcove in a wall on top of Col de Braus in the Alpes Maritimes.
After Race week of the #TPBR and continuation of my #TCRNo6 training camp.
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Was für eine schöne Bühne für mein Rad. Diese Mauernische in einer alten Steinmauer auf der Höhe des Col de Braus in den französischen Seealpen.
Folgewoche nach dem #TPBR und Fortführung meines #TCRNo6 Trainingscamps.
This saturday the 4th edition of the Three Peaks Bike Race will start. Again in Vienna. And the finish is for the second time Barcelona. Barcelona! What a great town that is. And what a great race the #TPBR is. Glad to see it also taking place this year (and growing steadily in milage 😉😀).
So wishing all this years participants a great experience and a smooth traverse across Europe. Take care guys and gals and pedal hard!
BTW: the above picture is of course from the last edition. Here I was on the Col de la Forclaz (one of many with that name and the one between Martigny and Chamonix).
Saddles! Can you ever find the perfect one?
They are the most important contact point between rider and bike. And they have to perform for a wide range of riding conditions and demands. Especially for ultra cycling where comfort for miles and days and weeks is of utmost importance.
For road riding I have a pure carbon saddle. The Tune Komm-Vor. While it combines exceptional light weight and exceptional comfort regardless whether in the drops or climbing in an upright position it’s way to fragile to be considered for any unsupported long distance task. It’s carbon rails wouldn’t be the right thing to hang big saddle bags onto and it’s shell might just crack on just the slightest of mishaps - maybe your bike falling over in front of a supermarket.
I have good success with the Brooks Cambium C15 carved. This one brought me through 2 TCRs and a TPBR. But it’s really heavy and I’m prone to chaving my inner thighs on this one if I’m not dilligent with the chamois cream in this areas.
So I was (and still are) in test mode again. My current question: is the current „Shortfit“ and „open“ range of saddles anything for me? I purchased Specializeds Power Arc Expert in 143 mm width, after this the Womens Arc Mimic and then the pictured Selle San Marco.
The Specialized Power Arc was nice and confirmed for me that I can ride conventional saddles with a cutout. But - it nonetheless wasn’t optimal for me. The Specialized Women Power Expert with Mimic showed me, that while cutouts work, it’s better if they aren’t there or at least doesn’t run all the way to the nose. But being not rounded like the „Arc“ Mens versions the back part stood out in a not very fitting way to my rear. I conclude that a Women Power Arc Mimic (which doesn’t exist just yet) would be the better blend of these two saddles.
Enter the Selle San Marco Shortfit Dynamic Open-Fit Wide L3. Wow, what a mouthful! I was sceptic on the even wider cut out. But the edges seemed to chamfered quite nicely and the shape was intriguing. It also features a rather wide tip. And wow - what a sensation upon first sitting on it! As if it was shaped right after my behind. I just had two outings with it. Both rather short. Both rather spirited. A 2,5 hour ride at home with long parts in the Aerobars and a 150 km alpine ride over the Passo del Mortirolo and Aprica. So the jury is still out. But boy do I wish this was a saddle for me! Because it’s nearly half in weight as the heavy Brooks Cambium and it’s certainly one of the most stylish saddles there is and an adornment for every bike.
Between this and both Specialized saddles this one wins hand’s down. Selle San Marco says it’s best for aggressive riding styles. Meaning low upper body and boy - when in the drops or on the aerobars this one is nearly as if it wasn’t there. In regard of no pressure on your behind and in regard of absolutely no restriction or friction of your whirling legs. It’s when you are climbing or riding in a more upright position that the fact that it has this cutout could lead to a bit more pressure. I just need some more miles on this and urgently something like a 300 km stint also.
If this one isn’t it, then I’ll return to the Brooks Cambium but will upgrade to it’s All Weather Carbon version C13 carved. Since time is then running out to thoroughly test another saddle model before the #TPBR2019.
So - it’s ready! My No. 22 Bicycles Drifter loaded all up for the upcoming #TPBR2020 starting this Saturday in Vienna!
Wow - finally some racing again! You can follow me (and all the other participants, of course) riding across the Alps to Nice via the following Tracker site: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
My Cap Number and hashtag for the race: 44
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So - es ist fertig! Mein No. 22 Bicycles Drifter fertig hergerichtet für das jetzt startende Three Peaks Bike Race 2020. Es startet diesen Samstag in Wien!
Wow - endlich wieder Rennen! Ihr könnt mir (und all den anderen Teilnehmern natürlich) beim Fahren quer durch die Alpen bis nach Nizza auf dieser Tracking-Seite folgen: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
Meine Renn-Nr. ist: 44.
So - it’s ready! My No. 22 Bicycles Drifter loaded all up for the upcoming #TPBR2020 starting this Saturday in Vienna!
Wow - finally some racing again! You can follow me (and all the other participants, of course) riding across the Alps to Nice via the following Tracker site: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
My Cap Number and hashtag for the race: 44
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So - es ist fertig! Mein No. 22 Bicycles Drifter fertig hergerichtet für das jetzt startende Three Peaks Bike Race 2020. Es startet diesen Samstag in Wien!
Wow - endlich wieder Rennen! Ihr könnt mir (und all den anderen Teilnehmern natürlich) beim Fahren quer durch die Alpen bis nach Nizza auf dieser Tracking-Seite folgen: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
Meine Renn-Nr. ist: 44.
An increase in traffic and passenger numbers has led Preston, Ted and Bolton to invest in new carriages for the TPBR.
So - it’s ready! My No. 22 Bicycles Drifter loaded all up for the upcoming #TPBR2020 starting this Saturday in Vienna!
Wow - finally some racing again! You can follow me (and all the other participants, of course) riding across the Alps to Nice via the following Tracker site: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
My Cap Number and hashtag for the race: 44
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So - es ist fertig! Mein No. 22 Bicycles Drifter fertig hergerichtet für das jetzt startende Three Peaks Bike Race 2020. Es startet diesen Samstag in Wien!
Wow - endlich wieder Rennen! Ihr könnt mir (und all den anderen Teilnehmern natürlich) beim Fahren quer durch die Alpen bis nach Nizza auf dieser Tracking-Seite folgen: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
Meine Renn-Nr. ist: 44.
So - it’s ready! My No. 22 Bicycles Drifter loaded all up for the upcoming #TPBR2020 starting this Saturday in Vienna!
Wow - finally some racing again! You can follow me (and all the other participants, of course) riding across the Alps to Nice via the following Tracker site: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
My Cap Number and hashtag for the race: 44
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So - es ist fertig! Mein No. 22 Bicycles Drifter fertig hergerichtet für das jetzt startende Three Peaks Bike Race 2020. Es startet diesen Samstag in Wien!
Wow - endlich wieder Rennen! Ihr könnt mir (und all den anderen Teilnehmern natürlich) beim Fahren quer durch die Alpen bis nach Nizza auf dieser Tracking-Seite folgen: tpbr-2020.legendstracking.com.
Meine Renn-Nr. ist: 44.
It’s good tradition that the Three Peaks Bike Race always leads you near the Tour de France. Either place wise or also date wise at the same time. So sometimes you even have to check your route as to not collide with the Tour or be affected by road closures.
Always the extra motivation, though! And tradition also had this fountain for me. As it was the second time I came through the little village of Laragne-Montéglin while racing a TPBR just nearing the Provence. But the first time it wasn’t that nicely decorated as this last summer while awaiting the Tour.
Despite announcing that there will be no fare increase in the year ahead, the TPBR still failed to win the bidding war for the West Coast Mainline Franchise. They lost out to First Trenitalia. Have you ever had a ride on the local services in Italy? The TPBR is the Ted, Preston and Bolton Railway.
The gang invest in the Railway Movement. George Hudson, eat your heart out!
The engine is an 0-4-0 mixed traffic steam engine, designed to pull freight and passengers at the same time. It will take it longer to get from Timperley to Altrincham, than it will to build HS2, but it will be greener and cost less. Even though the train is red and blue, it says green on the side......
Ted, Preston and Bolton have learnt today that their bid for the West Coast Mainline Franchise has lost out to First Trenitalia. They commented that they were disappointed that a bid from a well loved North Western group had been defeated by one from Italy. Ah well..... Ted, Preston and Bolton are feeling a little out of colour this week. The TPBR is the Ted, Preston and Bolton Railway.