The Heat, The Drought, The Thirst and The Insanity
Pretty much exactly one year ago I had the honor to ride the inaugural Atlas Mountain Race. The last “free” race before our daily lifes were affected by the ever present global pandemic we are dealing with at the moment.
The question I get asked most? How is the Atlas Mountain Race compared to the Silkroad Mountain Race? Well, let’s skip that. Instead I will tell you about the incredible journey through amazing landscapes and a country full of culture and history that will blow your mind. Not to forget the hospitality of the moroccan people, who will treat you like family.
Having the possibility to participate in an inaugural edition of a race is always something special and the Atlas Mountain Race was no different. We strive to escape our daily live. If your are into ultra unsupported racing and off the grid bikepacking adventures, chances are high you are less attrected by perfectly organised stage races. You will be looking for something different. A real challenge, something keeps you up at night the weeks before the race goes off.
Rest assured: the AMR is all that and more. For an inaugural edition the level of organisation and planning was exceptional. Once you had the honour to race one of Nelson Trees’ races, you will forever compare other races against the “comfort” you discover as a participant riding one of his events. Of course nothing is ever perfect, but the organisation was flawless as always. From roadbook, to hotels up to baggage transport and checkpoints everything was well organised and well documented.
The only thing I was worried about was the timing. A race in february meant training in the grim Austrian winter. Which lead to me spending less time on the bike, but instead going skimountaineering. In fact as the race came closer I had more and more doubts if I was able to even finish the race. I guess we all have this phase in preparation, feeling like an imposter. Feeling that you have no place in this event and you doubt if you are good and prepared enough to enter the race.
All the doubts left me as I reached Marrakesh. It was so good meeting the “family” again. The ultra racing and bikepacking community is just that. A small family of like minded people. And of course a lot of the athletes I met during the SRMR came to the start line of the AMR, too. I felt relieved just enjoyed the atmosphere and some relaxation at the start hotel. Still I had a nervous night rolling around, checking twice or even 3 times if I really packed everything and all gadgets were charged and ready.
You want to know how it went? What stories were written during this race and weather I made it to the finish? Continue to read the full story over on gravgrav.cc here.
