When we think of ultras, we think of heroic athletes grinding through stunning landscapes for days on end. These stories are certainly inspiring when it comes to riding long distances and make for great armchair daydreaming. But the focus is often on seemingly superhuman performance, exclusive access to gear and logistics. That creates distance from this kind of adventure. Very few people have 3 weeks to travel halfway around the globe with their perfectly kitted-out bike. We want to challenge that. We believe it doesn't take all that much to throw yourself into your next adventure.
Fancy equipment is nice, but it won't be the deciding factor in whether you had a great time on your next ultra. What matters most is your mindset, your motivation, that you're having fun – just getting on your bike and riding. A lot of things will sort themselves out along the way, but there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Drink enough. Use a hydration pack, for example, or mount a third bottle to your downtube. Also think ahead about what you want to drink on the road. Unlike training at home, you won't be able to just refill your bottles with your favourite electrolyte mix.
Eat, eat, eat. You don't need the fanciest bar or the most expensive gel – optimise for calories and pack size. You want to fit as much energy into as little space as possible. Gummy bears, granola bars, some people apparently just spoon peanut butter.
The right tools. A good multitool, a Swiss army knife or a Leatherman. Pack something that lets you solve problems creatively on the road. Many riders bring a needle and thread, for example, to repair a tyre cut along the way.
See you soon.
Rasmus, Jasper, David & Jan
