BADLANDS 2023: THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF AN ULTRA DISTANCE BIKEPACKING RACE

Badlands is an almost 800 kilometre gravel race with more than 15,000 meters of climbing through the remote wilderness of southern Spain, over mountains and across Europe's only desert. This is my third successive edition of this race, each year facing very different challenges. This documentary is what happened in the 2023 edition of Badlands
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Badlands is an ultra-distance gravel bikepacking race with both professional and amateur cyclists from around the world attending. The race involves huge amounts of bike preparation, understanding of bikepacking equipment, resupply, gear, nutrition, fitness and training, survival and resilience. The race starts in Granada, southern Spain, and heads into the Gorafe Desert and Tabernas Desert, to Almeria on the coast, and finishes halfway up the Pico del Veleta, the highest paved road in all of Europe. This year the race was won by Canadian professional cyclist, Rob Britton, with first female finisher Cynthia Frazier coming in just a few hours later. The race had over 300 riders start and over 250 finish. A big thank you to the organisers of Badlands for putting on the event, and the hospitality of the Spanish restaurant and shop owners who stayed open outside the regular hours to accomodate riders' needs.

[@stiegerf]

What a great movie. Highs and lows we have got a glimpse of it as well. Also helping a fellow rider in trouble shows what an awesome community of people you are. Watching it all unfold from a comfortable bed compared to you guys going through it all deserves nothing more than respect and appreciation for the massive effort you put in. Kind regards from the Netherlands and i am looking forward to your future endeavors.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Appreciate it

[@ctouzelet]

Chris - thank you for this film and bravo for talking about the race and also sharing the life of a racer, with the highs, the lows, the joys. Well done!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you I appreciate the kind words

[@MetcalfeCycles]

Great film! Loving this 👍🏼I’m doing badlands next year, so excited

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! I’ll see you there! I’m doing it again in a pair

[@jdeckard1243]

Superb , thanks again Chris for you and your film team for putting this one together. Now go and have a well deserved rest.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! It’s literally just Jack and I who do it all! Not a big team haha

[@markhoward1573]

What an awesome ride after whats been a tough year for you, also a big shout out to Jack who did a great job capturing the event!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Jack absolutely knocked it out the park again!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Well done. Congrats on finishing and another well done video by the team. Excellent balance of riding, comradery and beautiful scenery. Thank you and take care, Al

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching

[@jasonanderson4861]

Absolutely incredible work to you both, Chris and Jack! This is a stellar film ❤

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much dude

[@addiejohnsonn]

@@ChrisHallRides Yoooo Jason lets goo!!!

[@CA-ub6pf]

Great video! And you clearly followed the rule to go out of the saddle when there' s a camera in sight ;-)

[@lutterop]

Mad respect for finishing this brutal race! Nicely filmed as well...👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@VictorHurtubia]

Cool video man! nice production, great shots, lovely reminders. Now I know few places I rode in the night xD

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed mate!

[@martinhudobivnik5895]

Congrats on pushing through and finishing! These films always make it look way easier than it actually is out there. Beautifully shot as well, really appreciate what you guys do to bring these films to us and inspire us on our journeys!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@neilburrows6670]

Just tremendous!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@asbery6725]

Brilliant video. Loved watching. And well done to you on another finish 🤘

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks a ton!

[@chrisdinsdale1390]

A fantastic achievement, beautifully filmed. Well done. 👏

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@-.-1724]

I was just planning to have a quick look for now and move on, but now I've watched the whole thing just mesmerized... beautiful work and what an effort, thank you!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch! I appreciate it

[@jasonkimes8552]

Don’t you just hate that video doesn’t do the steepness of grades justice when played back!?! I feel as though I am cheated somehow after working so hard. Great video!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Haha yeah gradients never seem to quite show up on film right? You don’t quite get the depth. Thanks for watching!

[@Missb_777]

This was amazing!! Fantastic video and massive kudos for completing the race, Chris! 💪

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

[@CycleXplorer]

That's a mega film, a proper documentary! Great work.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you very much!

[@biketrybe7071]

Thanks for sharing, Chris. I've been considering this race for a while and appreciate your intelligent and informative insight.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@44routshyface]

Amazing Storytelling and Cinematography, great work :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@dominicbritt]

Once again, great job Chris!! Great film, massive effort 👏

[@ChrisHallRides]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@sampass]

total and utter awesomeness

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@jamesherd9132]

Thanks Chris a brilliant film of a beautiful place .bet you were glad to finish .Well Done Mate

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks 👍

[@robhocking5062]

Another great production Chris from both you and Jack. After the year you've had that's an achievement to be proud of. Chapeau.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much I appreciate it

[@CaptainChromaKey]

suuuuuuuuch a great video. Thank you so much Chris! bravo amazing effort

[@ChrisHallRides]

My pleasure!

[@stuartpeacock1576]

Fantastic film Chris, awesome effort. You remain as ever an inspirational character👏💪

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you I appreciate the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@irondistance4313]

I amazing Chris loved all 3 of these badlands film. You and the team get some great shots of the beauty and how proper hard that adventure is. Thanks it inspiring as always❤❤❤

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@stuarthenderson7354]

Best video I've seen on Badlands Chris. Thanks, mate

[@ChrisHallRides]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate you saying that

[@englishcyclist]

Spot on Chris, great pace of this film enjoyed it.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@felixjackson2670]

Thank you for that. Gave very good insight into that humongous route-effort involved. Pretty much takes one to their absolute limit ( yes completely depends on how this is defined..but within the range of physical and mental depletion of energy,personal safety etc). This event certainly provides an extreme experience. Brilliant ride Chris!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Thoroughly enjoyed it this year

[@amineroadbikerider1504]

thank you guys for making those kinds of videos i really enjoy watching stuff like this, and nice work chris it wasn't easy to finish that race

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@markjthomson]

Good ride, great filming Chris! Thank you.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JaqueParisien]

Congratulations Chris! Well done. The race and the movie. ;-)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@michaelwarren6602]

Bravo 👏. Excellent film and achievement completing it 💪🏽👍🏼

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewschirmer3849]

A great film dudeman belated congratulations on the race 🎉👊🏼

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@ipulledthepin7179]

*Immediately adds Badlands to bucket list! Awesome film!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! Definitely add it to the list

[@Cobwobbler]

What an adventure. Something to aim for in my retirement years.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Do it!

[@marcorisi7035]

Mi best compliments Chris !

[@joseluisgarciahernandez656]

CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS!!!!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@grahambell9831]

Afternoon Chris, Congratulations on your 3rd Badlands 👏👏👏. A superb watch, your commentary as it unfolded along with brilliant footage, really showcased the brutal magnificence of this event 👏👏👏......All the very best to you and your family for Christmas! 🍻

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you kindly! Merry Christmas mate!

[@EverythingsFine82]

Great film! I like a good 100km road ride, but you ultamarathoners are a different breed.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

Respect dude! I've done a bit of northern spain but this is something else, those hills look like proper energy sappers!

[@ChrisHallRides]

They are! But worth it for the views!

[@dionllwyd2894]

Great video well done Chris and Jack 🙌

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you mate!

[@CyclingWithDan]

Beautiful doc congratulations 🎉 I didn’t manage to enter for next year one but I’ll keep trying because this needs to happen 🤞🏼

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching! Definitely get an entry in!

[@olivierconte1244]

Very great video. Merci❤

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you for watching!

[@redauwg911]

that was a great video thank you

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@billinhouston3291]

Wow, what a wild and beautiful place. Amazing riding So many climbs. Great job by you and Jack catching all that footage.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@joffbrown]

Another amazing film/video

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheRealMichaelB]

Great video and great effort Chris - Really well done. Also big thanks for the opportunity to actually see the landscape in the last 80 k (?) that I rode in the dark 🙏😀😀

[@ChrisHallRides]

Hahaha yeah you’d have missed a fair amount riding that but in the dark. Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealMichaelB]

@@ChrisHallRides Like I told you at the finish (Tycjan introduced us), no way I would have finished without your mentoring via your 2022 KZbin content. Gearing and tire choice were a direct "monkey see, monkey do" and spot on. 36 x 50 FTW !! Yes, I can attest to your KZbin content helping regular civilians like me acheive lifetime accomplishments (my first ultra). 🙏🙏🙏 😀😀😀

[@kostais]

This is great Chris!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@movingmarco]

I rode it in 2021 when it was incredibly hot. I also remember sitting in Gorafe for hours waiting for it to cool down. I was completely new to bikepacking back then and made many many mistakes. The scenery really is stunning and a part of me wants to go back and finish the route. Back then, I had to scratch after three days because of dehydration. Thanks Chris for taking us with you on this adventure! :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

The temperatures in 2021 were crazy weren't they? Thanks for watching!

[@leedelapperall9529]

Great achievement, well done Chris

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@kasperpaisa4245]

Unfortunately, Martijn (Fernwee) is stopping making vlogs for the time being. Glad I can follow you now :-)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Welcome and thank you! It’s a shame he’s stopping but I understand why.

[@ChrisSmith-bi8hs]

I watched this while on Zwift as inspiration to push myself more. It worked! 😃 Excellent video and a great acheivement. Top banana 😄😄🤣

[@ChrisHallRides]

Nice work! Glad to hear it worked!

[@Mattbarentsen]

Thank you brother

[@ChrisHallRides]

No problem

[@nealhooker]

What a savage ending! Congratulations 🎉

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah the end is brutal!

[@carlstatham594]

Well done Chris. You could feel the struggle coming through the screen.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you for watching!

[@Hansenrum2000]

Well done Chris! Many thanks for sharing. Hope to see you next year September at the Bohemian Border Bash Race (if you need another challenge ;). Greetz from Berlin

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s on the list for sometime in the future! Thanks for watching!

[@ButterJibby]

I really liked this Cafe/ Sandwich review video. The cycling got a bit annoying but thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the delicacies available

[@ChrisHallRides]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Shewie01]

Respect, that looks like a tough ride

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@mattjohn7700]

Wow, well done lad.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@markday1714]

good on ya !

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks!

[@keepingtherubberdown5715]

Looks alot like what we call Spanish Skirts here in the US. Badlands North/South Dakota and even in parts of Utah and Nevada. Thanks for the great story and recap.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’ve not really done much riding in the US. Would love to explore more of it. Thanks for watching!

[@Inboundskier]

Keep that Goretex rain jacket. It’s the old better one, now banned PFAS version

[@user-ou7bg7ne9y]

legend!!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

🙌🫶

[@jonathanwithecombe557]

Props go out to Chris for thinking he didn't have it in him to make it to the end... only to crack on and smash it... 3rd time around as well.

[@ChrisHallRides]

🫶🙌

[@abedfo88]

Random story. I was on a field geology field trip back in 2010 in the Tabernas Basin. We were looking at some sedimentary beds in a river gorge that was bone dry. There was a super intense storm so we had to high tail it out of there. I've never seen a dry river become a raging torrent in such little time. It was actually scary !

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah that’s similar to the kind of issues they have had this year in terms of the flooding. Pretty mad how it can just flash flood isn’t it?

[@abedfo88]

@ChrisHallRides Yeah i guess the superdry ground is pretty much like concrete. Sad that these events will only become more extreme with climate change as you alluded to in the video.

[@rubikzcuberuss7404]

Well done chris 👏 you can see from your face and body language how tough this is, love the look of badlands 😊 Being that you go into some very remote places how is the language barrier? Obviously you get by fine but if you spoke no spanish could you get food and water from bars n restaurants?

[@ChrisHallRides]

I can speak a little Spanish so that helps definitely. But I think that in Spain they’re incredibly accepting of everyone and if you try they are nice about that too. You can definitely get round with none though

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Are you able to say or guestimate what the total spend for this event was, including food, overnight stays on top of the event ebtry?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Honestly really hard to guess, it’s not a particularly expensive part of Spain compared to more touristy locations

[@tjepk3s]

Thanks Chris, great video! Is there a GPX of this alternative route?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Routes are up on my Komoot profile and Badlands’ Komoot profile

[@stephenhammond3656]

Hi Chris, can you tell me more about the light system you're using in this race and whether you recommend or not?? Cheers :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

It worked well. I was most impressed with the exposure light. The mount for the Dynamo light snapped the day before the race which was annoying but I believe they have improved their mounts

[@StephanBechert]

VW Bulli Dauerwerbesendung?

[@ashleyfrancis2903]

Chris, stumbled across this whilst researching badlands. Looks fantastic! How the hell do you train for an event like this?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching! There's a playlist which shows loads of different badlands videos on my channel too here: kzbin.info/aero/PLokYFM7tI44cSvwdnz2gia8WElcAPdZoW Biggest thing is volume to be honest. But working with a coach is a great thing to help you with ultras.

[@ashleyfrancis2903]

Thanks Chris! Can you recommend any coaches?

[@Steven-gf1ns]

Chris, did you find it harder going with the heavier tyres and presumably heavier wider rims and suspension fork, did it noticeably slow you?

[@ChrisHallRides]

This year was a weird one as it ended up being a lot more road with the reduced off road sections because of the conditions. They had to remove sections of Tabernas and Gorafe. I was actually even quicker than previous years but yeah with more road maybe a gravel bike was a better shout. I was also very conscious of my wrists after breaking both of them earlier this year so wanted the bigger tyres and suspension

[@Steven-gf1ns]

Got a place this year, watched all your badlands films, inspiring, although I have got to ask, what is the reason you keep putting yourself through this, and how come you always manage to get a place, is it because you commit to making such great films? Brilliant.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I really enjoy the event and route. There’s a fantastic community aspect to it I enjoy. We have always tried to produce a film which is not all about racing. More about the experience which I think is a very different angle to what a lot of people talk about. I think it’s important to show that aspect, maybe more so than properly racing it as it’s way more relatable. If I wanted to properly race I don’t think we would do a film to be honest as part of doing a film needs to have me presenting parts of the route and explaining what’s happening. For me it’s an end of year fun event that I enjoy so racing it against others isn’t a high priority most of the time. Maybe that’ll change in the future and I’ll make it a focus? Being a Schwalbe sponsored rider has allowed me to get a place a few times but not every time I’ve done it. The first year I did it and for 2024 I entered. I also think it’s maybe easier to get a place in a pair as they don’t have as many entrants. 2024 I’m doing it as a pair

[@Steven-gf1ns]

@@ChrisHallRides Thank you Chris, good luck with your training and all the events you will be entering in. Thank you for taking the time for your detailed reply. I look forward to indulging in more of your films. I also live in the high peaks, I'll can an eye out for you on the trails. Are you able or allowed to recommend a Schwalbe gravel tyre for Badlands?

[@TheRealMichaelB]

@@Steven-gf1ns - I copied Chris's 2022 tire choice Schwalbe G-One Bite in a 27.5" with the largest width my frame could handle (50 mm) when I rode Badlands in 2023 and thought they worked perfectly (fast rolling and enough cush although you always wish for more when it's bumpy and your super tired).

[@Steven-gf1ns]

@therealmichaelB thank you for the reply, at present I will be riding my gravtain bike with 2.2 width tyres which should help with comfort and rolling resistance. I'm nervous and excited.

[@ctouzelet]

Do you have any feedback regarding your drop bar MTB after this race? 100% happy? things you would change?

[@ChrisHallRides]

I’d have preferred to have had a bigger chainring and casette. Something like a 38/40 on the front and 11-50 on the rear. The bike was fantastic but for this year I’d say a gravel bike would have been better for most as it was very road heavy. But I’m recovering from two broken wrists so comfort was king for me

[@huntos83]

Hey Chris, are Tailfin planning to release that seat pack any time soon? Have seen it on a few R&D riders bikes like yours and I’m after something similar

[@ChrisHallRides]

Not too sure. It’s still in testing phase and Tailfin never release anything until they’re truly happy with it

[@huntos83]

@@ChrisHallRides ok cheers, I’ve currently got the Restrap race pack for ultras, and it’s just big enough for my bivy, sleeping bag and mat (which are all super light small versions). But I’d ideally like something just a touch bigger so I can get a down jacket in there as well. The Restrap claims 7L, but seems to be undersized, as I have another bag at 6L which holds quite a lot more. I really like the tailfin products, particularly the stability and solid rub free mounting with the v-mount system - I just wish they would hurry up and release some of the items you R&D riders are using!

[@petrd1104]

Chris, great video btw, I have lot of questions regarding the MTB to dropbars conversion. I wanted to do the same for my Canyon, but all I read on internet is that it is hard to impossible (like nothing is compatible with anything - breaks , shifters). Do you have some video/ blog where you develop this conversion? I' d be very interested in.

[@ChrisHallRides]

There’s quite a few videos of it on my channel. With di2 it was incredibly easy to be honest. GRX di2 shifters, xtr di2 rear mech and 2 pot xtr brakes and it all works fantastic.

[@petrd1104]

@@ChrisHallRides I see, thank you. Electronical shifting is an obvious solution. Good hint.

[@oliverburke3743]

What lights did you use and how did you find them?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Klite Dynamo light which works well but the mount snapped the day before the race so I had to cable tie it to the handlebars. Exposure Six Pack which is AMAZING and silva head torch which was generally very good

[@TheNWaite]

Given all the furore around Lachlan Morton having a film crew on his Great Divide Ride and also previously Lael Wilcox having her film crew accompany her, and both of them being disqualified from the record(him) and finishing first female (her) did the organisers have an issue with you having your film team accompany you on what is meant to be an ''unsupported'' race? I am asking because i am thinking of doing similar.

[@ChrisHallRides]

You need to talk to the organisers to get their approval and there’s some pretty strict rules to it that the film person has to follow. I didn’t have a full film crew. A lot is filmed by me on an action camera and then one other guy called Jack helping and filming.

[@TheNWaite]

Thanks@@ChrisHallRides

[@arrgh406]

What is that helmet light?

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s a Silva Cross Trail 6X

[@themoodyteam]

Great quality vid, but my takeaway was; ‘Badlands saves the rural economy of Southern Spain, by stomping on it with it’s carbon footprint’ 🙄 The right balance is so awkward 😬

[@JackBuchananHague]

Can I ask why that’s what you took from it? Interested is all

[@ChrisHallRides]

As an organisation they do a huge amount for supporting the community and environment. More than any other event I know of. Please go here to understand more: badlands.cc/rewild/

[@themoodyteam]

@@JackBuchananHaguewell Chris made the point that the local area is economically deprived and young people are moving away. That Badlands is an economic boost in itself, with the hope that there will be follow up tourism from other cyclists (there must be a proper word /expression for this). However, he also pointed out the effects of climate change (they changed the route because of the bad weather). A lot of competitors presumably flew in to compete. Surprised by how many American accents I heard on this and other Badlands vids. Chris even had a van following him around. Possibly EV, probably not. EDIT: From the Badlands website; 317 competitors from 33 countries.

[@themoodyteam]

⁠@@ChrisHallRidesthanks for link, I will read it. I’m aware of other races that have tried to assess their carbon footprint. Pan Celtic for one and there’s a TCR offshoot coming up in the Balkans, which has banned flying in or out to the start/finish.

[@themoodyteam]

I do have an interest in the area, my father (who is 84) was born relatively close to there. 400km, but still Southern Spain.

[@JRd941]

Is a moustache mandatory to ride Badlands?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yes. But you can wear stick on ones