Conquering Tour Divide Bikepacking Race, Unbound Gravel & Bikepacking in the US I Lauren Brownlee with BuzzAlong
Video Conquering Tour Divide Bikepacking Race, Unbound Gravel & Bikepacking in the US I Lauren Brownlee with BuzzAlong
Video Conquering Tour Divide Bikepacking Race, Unbound Gravel & Bikepacking in the US I Lauren Brownlee with BuzzAlong YouTube Channel.
Conquering Tour Divide Bikepacking Race, Unbound Gravel & Bikepacking in the US I Lauren Brownlee
### **Adventures in Bikepacking and Ultra Cycling: A Conversation with Lauren Brownlee**
Bikepacking and ultra cycling are not just extreme sports; they are an adventure in themselves. In this podcast, Sherry dives into the world of adventure cycling, bikepacking, and ultra cycling with special guest Lauren Brownlee, an experienced cyclist from Idaho, United States. Lauren is not only a seasoned bikepacker, but she also made history by being the first woman across the line in Tour Divide 2021. Today, Lauren shares her experiences, insights, and advice about long-distance cycling and bikepacking.
## **Lauren’s Journey in Adventure Cycling**
When asked about her experience in Tour Divide 2021, Lauren humbly shared that she had no idea she was capable of winning and that it was a huge learning process for her. She emphasized the challenges she faced and how proud she was of herself for overcoming them. Lauren’s journey into long-distance cycling and bikepacking began with the desire to conquer the biggest and hardest challenges she could imagine, and she has certainly lived up to that aspiration.
## **The Tour Divide: An Overview**
The Tour Divide is a 2700-mile bikepacking race that starts in Banff, Canada, and ends at the border of the US and Mexico. It follows the Continental Divide as closely as possible, predominantly on dirt roads, with some single track and pavement sections. Lauren described the race as self-supported, meaning there are no aid stations and racers must rely on commercially available services for food and accommodations. She also mentioned the challenges of navigating remote areas and dealing with wildlife encounters, particularly grizzly bears.
## **Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned**
Lauren reflected on the physical and mental challenges she encountered during the Tour Divide, including the remoteness of the Great Basin in Wyoming, where she had to carry a substantial amount of water and food. She also shared a daunting encounter with bear hunters and the precautions she had to take to avoid grizzly bears along the route. Despite these challenges, Lauren’s determination and resilience shone through as she tackled the race with unwavering focus and commitment.
## **Training, Preparation, and Bike Setup**
Discussing her approach to training for such events, Lauren emphasized the importance of long, back-to-back rides to build her endurance and mental fortitude. She also highlighted the evolution of her bike setup, particularly the transition to a more comfortable and off-road-friendly bike with larger tires and suspension components. She recognized the impact of comfort on long-distance races, considering the physical toll that challenging terrains and limited rest can take on a rider.
## **Racing and Adventuring in the US**
Beyond the Tour Divide, Lauren mentioned the diverse landscape of bikepacking routes in the US, including the Idaho Hot Springs Loop and its neighboring trails, known for their challenging and scenic nature. She also expressed her excitement for the upcoming challenge of completing all the mountain biking trails in Boise in a single ride, a test of both endurance and navigation skills. Emphasizing the adventurous nature of these rides, Lauren underscored the joy of traversing wild and remote places, appreciating the community support along the way.
## **Media Coverage and the Spirit of Self-Supported Racing**
Addressing the rise of media coverage in self-supported events, Lauren offered a balanced perspective. She acknowledged the value of sharing authentic stories and insights through social media, as it can provide an intimate look into the experiences of racers and inspire others to explore the world of adventure cycling. However, she also highlighted the potential drawbacks of having media crews or familiar support along the route, particularly the influence on decision-making and the purity of self-supported racing.
## **Looking Ahead and Finding Balance**
Looking towards the future, Lauren expressed her intention to approach this year with a more balanced and relaxed mindset, aiming to engage in fewer races to allow for better recovery and regeneration. By opting for challenges that resonate with her and align with her personal goals, she seeks to maintain the purity of the adventurous spirit while continuing to inspire others through her journey on social media platforms.
As Lauren’s story unfolds, her experiences in bikepacking and ultra cycling serve as a testament to the profound adventures and personal growth that these endeavors offer. From the wild terrains of the Tour Divide to the intricate trail networks of Boise, her tale is one of resilience, determination, and a deep connection with the natural world.
In conclusion, Sherry and Lauren’s conversation provides valuable insights into the world of adventure cycling, bikepacking, and ultra cycling, shedding light on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of racing in remote and challenging landscapes. It serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring cyclists and adventure enthusiasts, urging them to embrace the call of the open road and test their own limits, both physically and spiritually. Through her shared experiences and contemplations, Lauren invites all to embark on their own journey of discovery and adventure, propelled by a spirit of freedom and dauntless exploration.
As the podcast draws to a close, the echoes of Lauren’s words resonate with an enduring truth – the pursuit of adventure cycling and ultra cycling is not merely a physical endeavor; it is a profound communion with the untamed spirit of the natural world, a journey that transcends boundaries and lays bare the raw essence of human tenacity and resilience. In traversing the landscapes of adventure and embracing the challenges that lie ahead, each rider finds a portal to their own soul, discovering uncharted realms of courage, introspection, and indomitable spirit.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel BuzzAlong and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.
