Mistakes and Tips from Atlas Mountain Race 2024

[@CycleXplorer]

My Atlas Mountain Race video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKfVZZuqZaiMj6Msi=Lf7kWZM8EXijOH5D

[@michaelsavage3281]

Great to see a follow up on your experiences. Thanks for sharing

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, hopefully it helps someone, somewhere. That'll probably be it for my Atlas Mountain Race coverage, a before, during and after.

[@leebarrett4709]

Thanks for sharing that, its good to hear from a regular rider rather than one who is obviously sponsored.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thanks, yea it's more a bloke struggling round Morocco and just about surviving 😂

[@TorHovland]

Interesting video. You mostly bring up the same points I would have made myself, in terms of too much warm gear, too much faffing with sleep gear, etc. I was happy with no backpack and a 30T chainwheel, and I never had any issues with dogs! But on the other hand, I envy not having any saddle issues.

[@CycleXplorer]

We all probably learnt a few things, my saddle journey has been an odd one. I've tried all sorts. I'm not back on the cheapest fabric scoop that came on a bike I brought years ago. I'm not sure I could ride too much faster but certainly room to reduce faff. I saw this on some information for the Dales Divide: It was really interesting to see the stats for the Tour Divide 2022. The moving time wasn’t really important but the faff-time Cleary was! Taking 4 riders at random;  1st place - 14days 16hrs Sofiane Sehili - average moving speed 9.9mph  27th place - 22days 2hrs Katie Dolan - average moving speed 10.6mph  39th place - 24days 7hrs Phil Jones - average moving speed 9.7mph  48th place - 25days 23hrs Chris Ellison - average moving speed 8.3mph

[@TorHovland]

@@CycleXplorer My Brooks saddle has been in the garage since I decided it didn't fit me well on a road bike. The Selle SMP that fits me well on the road bike was not perfect on the MTB. That gave me the idea to try the Brooks on the MTB, and it feels pretty good! I think there's good faff and bad faff, though. It would be interesting to see how much of their stopped time was actual sleeping, and how much was "bad faff". There's been a bit of a trend lately where several people have found that sleep is speed. Yeah, there are a number of things I feel it would be fun to try out in another AMR. In the end, I would most likely end up on a similar schedule anyway, I suppose.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@TorHovland as it's Sofiane I imagine it involved very little sleep 😬 I think you're right on the sleeping thing, I could have had the same or more sleep if I saved some faffing here and there. Not sure I could have done much less sleep without tipping over the edge. It's an event I'd rather make it to the end as opposed to take risks and try and do it a bit quicker. I'd be more comfortable doing something like that in the UK where there are lots more bail out options! What do you have planned next?

[@TorHovland]

@@CycleXplorer It was the same for me. I wasn't going to Morocco to scratch, so I planned and rode conservatively. Next for me is the Length of Sweden in July on smooth tarmac and midnight sun. So that will be very different. I wish I could do the Silk Road one day, but three weeks away from the family is a big deal. How about you?

[@CycleXplorer]

@@TorHovland sounds amazing, I like the sound of the midnight sun. I'll have to keep an eye out for a video 😉 I'm doing a few uk based ones - Dales Divide, Solstice Sprint, Dorset Divide. Nothing as big as the Atlas

[@SusanLonghurst-x6s]

Another informative video Tom well done.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@SHates]

Thanks for sharing your experience. So useful for a future participant!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. Hopefully it helps someone, maybe you?!

[@uclaalum88]

I’ve enjoyed your AMR coverage , which is more “relatable” than most of the content from folks near the front of the race. It’s all fun to watch. And I really enjoy it when riders take the time to grab video of their adventure; and then share it. In fact, in addition to trying to enjoy the ride (and not get lost on doing it as fast as possible), I think another key point is to make sure riders take pics & video to document their rides. Nobody on their death bed says, “damn, I wished I’d worked more.” And nobody who rides big adventures later says, “damn, I wish I’d taken less video.”

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, I like that thinking in the last sentence. Perhaps no one would wish they rode something a bit quicker but they may wish they took slightly longer and took it all in/savoured it. Interesting.

[@Jimoto]

Thanks for the great information and advice. And congratulations on your finish.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you very much, hopefully it helps someone. Even me if I decide to go back 😂 are you planning on riding atlas mountain race?

[@Laura-dv6cb]

Very informative video Tom . Thankyou for sharing .

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you for watching

[@lydiagould3090]

Well done for finishing the race! It looked incredibly hard and many didn't finish. I was a dot watcher and enjoyed seeing everyone's rogress. It's great to hear from an everyday rider like most of us who are taking on an ultra. I would be very interested to hear how you managed your rest/sleep time. The idea of getting out of a warm sleeping bag at 4 am does NOT appeal. Being a night owl I tend to ride later and get up later. I'm doing the panceltic ultra in July, and fortunately will have lots of daylight.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you and thanks for the dot watching duty. In terms of sleep, I kind of took this one as it came. Some nights I went to bed early and got up early. Other nights later. I didn't really plan to stop at a certain time, just when I'd had enough and was too tired. Think I'll carry on with that approach. Getting out of the warm bag was more a case of getting moving asap 😂 Pan Celtic will be amazing and yes lots of daylight too! I'll keep an eye out for your dot

[@globaljobber]

Great information. Thank you.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@HScutt-xk6ov]

Brilliant video Tom.So interesting to see your prep for the race and I’m so glad that you enjoyed the experience.I don’t think I shall be entering the race in 2025,but if you do I hope you have another fantastic ride,without the company of scary dogs!

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, maybe you could do it on your e-bike!

[@HScutt-xk6ov]

🤣@@CycleXplorer

[@johnnyloco11]

nice review and thanks for sharing. When I saw your set up I thought it looked bulky but when on your first major foreign race folks tend to be more conservative on this stuff. As Josh Ibbit often says I'm not sure how much the extra weight would have made a difference but it would also make you less aero.

[@CycleXplorer]

It's easy to reflect that I had too much and if I did it again I'd be more confident in taking less. I went with the idea that if would be better to have something and not need it then to need something and not have it (to an extent ie not the kitchen sink). My mistake was getting too fixated on cold weather and sort of over looking the heat part 😂

[@davidedwards4676]

Thanks great videos and after advice, would love to attempt it one day

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you, it's a proper adventure and an amazing place to ride a bike. Have you done anything similar?

[@davidedwards4676]

Last couple od years i have been building my experience, so doing 100 mile days, longest is length of wales 180 miles over 2 days last year. Hopefully going to do a 400 miler in wales this year and the Dales 300km. How would you step it up to progress. Thanks again your info was really helpful. Nothing like this on the tube

[@CycleXplorer]

@@davidedwards4676 length of Wales sounds like an interesting ride, I sort of did that at the Pan Celtic Race although it followed the Welsh border. The hills and scenery were amazing. In terms of progression it's a bit of an odd one. At first I had done some 'shorter' stuff like you. Then I did the Great British Escapade which is 500km and a really cool event. I'm hoping to do it again this year. My next big jump was then the Pan Celtic, which I went in with an open mind. I was content that if I didn't finish then so be it, as long as I enjoyed it and learnt something. But I did finish! I took the same approach with the Atlas. Sometimes you just have to give it a shot and see what happens. Most of getting to the end isn't about the cycling it's all the other stuff like resupply, faffing, sleeping. Which you probably already have experience of. The nice thing with an event is there are other people in the same situation. I've also never met an unfriendly person doing them. You could look into some of the events that are on the shorter end on Dot Watcher and see if anything takes your fancy. Or just take a leap into the unknown and enter a longer one!

[@uclaalum88]

Faffing? I’d never seen that word before … I had to look it up. :)

[@CycleXplorer]

Every day's a school day, maybe it's more of a UK word@@uclaalum88

[@gu5t0vholland2]

Really enjoyed your account of the race and some very useful advice in the ride breakdown. I have sent in my application for next years event so hope to put your tips to good use. I see you took some dehydrated meals with you, was it easy to blag hot water at restaurants?

[@CycleXplorer]

Thank you. I took some dehydrated porridges and just had them with cold water. However, I think you could easily ask for some hot water. They'd probably charge you a small amount for it. Perhaps learn the French and Arabic phrase for hot water? There is a lot of coffee in Morocco and I imagine even the little shops would have a kettle. Morocco is a lovely place and the atlas mountain race is an amazing event. Have you done any other events before?

[@gu5t0vholland2]

I did the French Divide in 2023 and also rode the GB divide route, haven't got an entry into the AMR unfortunately. Massively over subscribed this year, probably due to the popularity of films like yours!👍🏻😉

[@CycleXplorer]

@@gu5t0vholland2 that's a shame, is there a waiting list? I'm not doing it next year, I've entered the Alps Divide - could be worth a look? There is (was) another similar event in Morocco this year, can't remember what it was called

[@davidtilly2142]

Thanks Tom great video. I struggled with my garmin navigation. If you could do a video on this, please. I followed your advice on power source worked great. I met Lewis and I put his solar panels on my list for 2025. Thanks David Tilly.

[@CycleXplorer]

What was the issue with the Garmin? Luis also had a slight issue in that he rode past CP1! His solar panel was cool.

[@davidtilly2142]

I did not do any navigation with the Garmin before the event. So navigation with it was all new. I down loaded the course to Garmin and loaded each section to my computer and phone. I had first problem with left turn before Cp1 I missed it and added 60k round trip + the 20k from the turn to cp1. I just did no navigation practice. If you did a video from start to how to use on the Atlas course. Thanks Dave

[@CycleXplorer]

@@davidtilly2142 I think I turned off turn by turn navigation and literally followed the line through fear that turn by turn would reroute me on some far out loop. I'll add the video to my list of ideas! Thanks.

[@uclaalum88]

Agree that a video of how you navigated … and how you set up and used your Garmin would be interesting.

[@stephenhammond3656]

Nice one!! I was a bit worried about that Petzl Headlamp zip tied to your Helmet....it looked like it was pointing up to the stars rather than at the road in front of you :) - what was your Bivy and did you manage to get quality sleep under the stars? What is the entry process? is it first in, first served and do you just apply for entry via the Website? - I'm really keen!

[@CycleXplorer]

The head torch rotated but I took it off the helmet. I could feel the slight extra weight and was worried it could cause me to have Sherman's Neck. I think it was the right choice to remove it. I used an Outdoor Research Helium, a couple of times I slept on top of it. I had varying quality of sleep from not being able to sleep to a lovely slumber I didn't want to wake up from! Entry was via their website and I think it opened up around October/November. I don't think it was first come, there are a number of questions to answer on experience and situations. Have you done something similar before?

[@davidedwards4676]

Great cheers yeah one step at a time I think , if i could manage 400 miles over 4 days I d be really pleased thats the big goal this year anf maybe and attempt to do gbduro solo ride possiably, thanks anyway Tom scribed to your channel. I just watching your AMR video again

[@davidedwards4676]

Gbduro next year possiably definitely not this year ....lol

[@CycleXplorer]

Sounds like a great goal to work towards, helps give some focus to training in the short to medium term. Good luck!

[@samksfs]

Kudos for finishing! I saw you were wearing photochromatic Oakleys, were you able to properly use them at night and would you recommend using them for overnight and longer rides?

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi. Thank you. The lenses worked very well, could see fine at night as they go fully clear. It worked out slightly cheaper buying a lens than a new set of glasses. The shading could have been slightly darker in the desert sun but didn't have any issues.

[@colingoulding3227]

Well done, I have a gravel bike with 50mm tyres and 40mm suspension. Do you think this will be sufficient?

[@CycleXplorer]

@@colingoulding3227 thank you. What is your gearing like?

[@colingoulding3227]

40t front / 10x52 cassette. It’s the MTB mullet GX Eagle AXS, thanks

[@CycleXplorer]

@@colingoulding3227 hi I responded to your other comment. I used a 32 front with a 10/51 on the rear. Was good enough but there were a couple of times a 30 front would have been nice. Although you'll be going at walking pace so a hike may be a nice change. Just be prepared that whatever you chose there will be parts where you're walking/dragging the bike along...

[@terrybuccambuso7917]

How did the pro caliber do? I just got that frame that I’m thinking of using for the great divide route. I did it a couple years ago with the full suspension bike, but thought the pro caliber might be more efficient and lighter. What do you think?

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi, the bike was really good. I've ridden it for a couple of years now and it's pretty much perfect for ultras that are not super technical. I may look to move to a super caliber frame or an epic full suspension frame at some point in the future, just for some extra comfort. But no pressing need to in the short term. I imagine the pro caliber would be good on the great divide, I believe Justinas who came second at Tour Divide used one last year. I'm also pretty sure the winner Ulrich was on a hard tail. As you've done it before I expect you'll better appreciate whether it's right for you, perhaps try a few long rides? One benefit of the Pro is that there is one less moving part to go wrong! When are you planning on doing it?

[@terrybuccambuso7917]

@@CycleXplorer I’d like to go this year, but may have to wait til 2025…maybe the Idaho hot springs tour this year…it would be a good tryout!

[@getoutofthebox01]

How did you keep your exposure light charged? Via mains charger or usb cable?

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi, I used a Anker 737 Powerbank with the Exposure USB cable. I charged the powerbank sporadically when I was in a café etc. I also topped up the light in these places as the plug I have has multiple ports. When I did the Pan Celtic I just charged via the mains charger as there was much more daylight and easier access to power/accommodation.

[@valeriostuart3790]

Hi Tom! How did you find the aerobars for the race and in particular, the Deda(?) aerobars you used? Worth the grams? I ride with drop bars and Im not sure they'd be a dealbreaker on a gravel bike.

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi. Thanks for the question. I did find them useful, there were sections where there were long drags of road and even on some of the less rough off road I could use them. It wasn't about the speed, just a way to change the position a bit. They were also helpful to mount my light and my garmin. I brought the Deda ones as they were on offer (story of my life...). But they are slightly lighter than the profile design ones and come with the riser kit. However, someone has told me you can get a longer arm rest for the profile design bars which may add a little extra comfort. I was pleased to have them and the small weight penalty probably did very little to the overall time. I used them on my gravel bike also when I rode the pan Celtic but that was mainly on the road. If I was you I'd give them a try and just see what you think. Perhaps pick up a used pair? Are you planning on doing atlas next year?

[@Al_Fresco]

Thanks for the super quick response!!! Yes I'd like to do Atlas, I had an entry this year but chickened out 😅. I feel a little bit more ready now. The Deda seem to be the lightest and cheapest around (do they come with a riser set included???) but I've been recommended the Pro Missile or old Profile Design where the arm rest can be mounted away from the handlebar...not sure if that makes a huge difference. I fear the arm rests would clash with feed bags and knees when pedalling out of the saddle (rare for me).

[@CycleXplorer]

@@Al_Fresco the Deda ones I brought did come with a riser kit. I brought a separate riser kit thinking it wouldn't and had to send it back. I think it's worth giving them a go, you can check whether they work with your feed bags etc. just give yourself time to try these things rather than trying something new in the event. I was very nervous about the race, but I got round and it was an incredible experience with some great memories

[@Al_Fresco]

That's really good value then, some of the riser kit for competitor bars cost nearly as much as the Deda bars! Absolutely, I want to start testing stuff now rather than leaving it for January! Thanks for the feedback and for the great videos!

[@CycleXplorer]

Good plan. Any other questions that you think of I'm happy to try and answer them! Hope the prep goes well.

[@colingoulding3227]

Hello, just reviewing the route, which appears to have plenty of hike a bike. What does did you opt for in the end and how did you find them. I’ve heard of some riders going with flat pedals and more comfortable shoe?

[@CycleXplorer]

There was a fair bit here and there, but nothing that went on for too long (like I wasn't waking for hours on end). I was wearing Specialized recon 1.0. The cheap ones with Velcro straps. They have quite a lot of flex in them so are pretty comfortable walking. I'm not sure with regard to flat pedals, I know some people may but in the atlas mountain race there was a lot more riding than walking. I think shimano do some spd shoes that are quite like flat shoes but with the benefit of clipping in.

[@colingoulding3227]

Thanks for the useful info 👌

[@CycleXplorer]

@@colingoulding3227 no worries. Are you planning on riding Atlas Mountain Race next year?

[@colingoulding3227]

Certainly considering it. Application is on Friday so need to make my mind up but with no ultra experience, I know it’s a big ask. Why not jump in the deep end 🙂 I’ve been cycling consistently with a coach for a while and will ramp up training and I will need to do a 2-3 day test run in Wales with the gear to test everything. Did you have a plan on x miles and x amount of sleep per day or just go with a flow on how you felt avoiding the cut off of course?

[@CycleXplorer]

@@colingoulding3227 go for it! I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do but it kind of went out the window. So I basically went with the flow. One mistake I think I made was not sleeping at all on the first night. If I did it again I may chose to get a couple of hours kip to make the second (first full day) a bit easier going and not kick off the sleep deprivation so early. A big chunk of getting to the end isn't about riding the bike - it's dealing with problems, working out things like where to get food, how much water do l need to carry, where shall I rest etc. and then a massive dose of mental resilience to keep turning the pedals. The landscape does help inspire!

[@NabilRobiati]

bro. its me again. how long did that 95km no re-supply/water section take you? im getting anxious.

[@CycleXplorer]

Hi. I think it took me about 15 hours. However, I did stop for about 7 hours to sleep, having ridden through the first night and being quite impacted by the heat in the day. I entered the section at around 5pm. Went to bed at 9pm and got moving at about 4:30am. Reaching Afra at around 8:30am. So in reality it was more like 8 hours moving time. The decent down to Afra is amazing, as you can see in my video I did this as the sun was rising. It was one of the magical moments I'll always remember. Topped by the sunrise on the old colonial road. There are some steep climbs in the section. Make sure you stop before to resupply. The garage/service station was pretty decent for food/water.

[@CycleXplorer]

@@NabilRobiati and remember if you're scared/nervous that's a good thing. Those feeling will soon pass once you're into it. 😊

[@RichardGate-UK]

In my 2023 ride, I failed to savour the ride, it’s my biggest regret!

[@CycleXplorer]

Sounds like you need to do it again! 2025?

[@RichardGate-UK]

@CycleXplorer I have plans for the Himalayas next year. See you on Solstice sprint however 😃

[@CycleXplorer]

Cycling or hiking?

[@chrisflux57]

Was this your first event like this? Apologies as I’m new.

[@CycleXplorer]

Thanks for the question! To an extent yes, the most extreme event. The year before I did the Pan Celtic race which was on road and started in France and Finished in Wales. I was more used to the rainy climate of that one 🤣 did a few shorter mountain bike/gravel ones like the Southern Divide as well (video of that on my channel too). Are you thinking of doing something like this?

[@lydiagould3090]

PS what about pepper spray for the dogs? Or does that just make them more mad🤣🤣🤣

[@CycleXplorer]

Probably end up blowing back in my face and turning me into a spicy snack