On Saturday, 2 September, at dawn, the Bohemian Border Bash Race will start in Jetrichovice, located in Bohemian Switzerland. And the best thing is: this time I will be there. Last year I unfortunately had to cancel my participation at short notice due to a Corona infection. But now everything seems to fit and I can participate in a race again.
It will be the first time for me to compete solo and not in a pair with Tobias.
1,360 km and more than 24,000 m of altitude are waiting for the currently 75 solos and 5 teams. And then it’s a maximum of 8 days around Prague, along the former and current borders of Bohemia. The weather is supposed to be quite good, rather dry and not too warm. However, it will probably be quite cool at the top of the mountains. In any case, I am prepared for some rain.
Even though the percentage of asphalt/solid road surface is quite high, this will be a very tough ride. But also equally beautiful and a great adventure. I don’t know yet how I will approach the whole thing and what I will make of it. For now I’m looking forward to the days in the saddle.
Equipment & packing list
Basically, I have decided to take a bivouac sack, even though it would theoretically be possible to do without one, as there are supposed to be many huts and shelters along the way. But this way I have more freedom and flexibility.
Handlebar Roll
Once again, I am using my tried and tested Silk Road Mountain Race Pronghorn Harness with UL Stratex pack sack in M.
In the handlebar roll I have:
- Cumulus Xlite 200 sleeping bag
- Inner sleeping bag Cocoon MummyLiner Expedition RS Silk
- TAR Uberlite sleeping pad
- Inflatable pillow
- Merino longsleeve
- Short trousers
- Thick socks
- Wash kit/mini towel
- Cap
- Down jacket Forclaz
Total weight: 2,000g
I also have two Revelate Mountain Feedbags on the handlebars, which hold a bottle and food.
On top I have the Tailfin Top Tube Bag which holds my Klite USB charger, tissues, shift battery, headphones, chapstick, power bars and gel.
Frame bag
Here I am riding my new custom frame bag from Gramm. It has more space than I currently need, but is practical. In the bottom are:
- Sealing Milk
- Squirt Lube
- Derailleur hanger
- Zinc ointment
- Cable lock
- Tyre repair kit
- two Tubolito tubes
Above then spread over both sides:
- 1kg of gels and bars
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Rain jacket
- 10K powerbank and cable
- Wallet
- Multi-Tool
- Water filter
- small backpack
- Toilet paper
- Documents
- Neckerchief
- reading glasses (!)
- anti-mosquito/tick spray
- Spare spokes
Total weight: 3.050g (incl. 1kg gel/bar)
Saddle bag
At the back this time I have the Revelate Terrapin 8L Harness bag.
In it will be transported:
- Pharmacy
- Thicker gloves
- Rain trousers
- High visibility waistcoat
- OR Helium bivy sack
- Spare GPS and electronics (10k powerbank)
- Gaiters
Total weight: 2.100g
The total weight of the luggage is about 7.5kg.
The bike with tool box on the down tube and trailer including luggage comes up to 21kg, without water.
Watch it live: Dotwatching BBBR
If you like, you can follow me live here with my cap number #4.
On Dotwatcher you will also find a commentary of the race and some pictures and information about the bikes that are being ridden there.
Up-to-date info from the road
I’ll be sure to post on Instagram from time to time. You can find me there under @biketourglobal.
Basically it’s worth following the hashtags #bohemianborderbashrace #bbbr23 to see the updates of the others.
So, here we go. Let’s hope that the train to Bad Schandau will go…
