It’s the final stages of the Atlas Mountain Race in the heat of Morocco. Scott and Mitch have adjusted well, but the riding is tough, thankfully through epic scenery. Follow their riding as they complete one of the toughest bikepacking adventures.
The Cascade de Tizgui sounded idyllic for an early morning food stop, but the river was a trickle and the café not yet open! A few of us had come together by this point, all looking forward to the momentary pause. The way out was a steep hike-a-bike up the access steps, arms feeling almost useless at lugging the loaded bike after days on the trail.
From mountain passes to the sea, following a route far from the tourist trail, discovering the more remote parts of Morocco’s backcountry. The Atlas Mountain Race resonates all the creativity of the minds behind the now infamous Silk Road Mountain Race. As with the SRMR, wise planning and a sense of being able to deal with remote riding would count just as much as physical ability, although the temperatures turned out to be warmer than predicted – a nice bonus.
The Howgills are one of the most spectacular areas of hills in the U.K.. This route tackles some epic climbing, but rewards with amazing views, and great day on the bike – be it gravel bike or mtb
Yesterday’s journey to my first crack at a UCI Marathon Series started about fifteen years ago, after seeing Miguel Martinez solo to a marathon win on Eurosport, having ditched his punctured back tyre and ‘rimming it’ from about 5km out. I’d been an armchair fan of Cape Epic and loved the footage of the dust covered athletes racing MTB’s in dramatic landscapes. I’m in my fifties. I still want to be that man. Tragic I know.
This is an unbelievably beautiful ride through rolling meadows, taking in steep climbs and fast descents on tree lined roads. History is around every corner, with abbeys and castles and country houses. Helmsley serves superb cake and coffee too, and is an ideal holiday base.
Over the last thirty five years of cycle racing, I’ve often considered my peers and their contentment at riding the same disciplines, indeed the same races, year in year out. Each to their own and all that, but it’s not for me. It’s probably a Myers-Briggs personality thing. Firstly, I like new experiences; secondly, as a very average amateur athlete, I have never really found a discipline that has offered fame and fortune. Riding the same races over and over again holds little appeal.
The longest road climb in the world is in the majestic hills of Colombia. Quite appropriate really, when you consider that this is where the best climbers come from. Let’s take a look at this amazing route and maybe inspire you to take it on.
A classic Lancashire road cycling route that works you into the hills and up to Jubilee Tower, before descending for tea and cake
Philip Platt