What it's like to do a 780km Ultra Race: Badlands 2022 (part 1)

[@HeyxArno]

It is crazy to think the guy that won, completed it in half the time. To that I would commend Chris' words, to compete with yourself and enjoy it!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah I know Seb who won well. It was super impressive what he did but I guarantee I had a more memorable experience for a lifetime. It depends on what motivates you I guess? Results motivate some people but experiences motivate me

[@HeyxArno]

@@ChrisHallRides exactly! I think more people should realize this. Especially with a sport like gravel. The journey > the result!

[@gertjanschilder3880]

Great video Chris! It was fun riding a bit together with you this time. Can't wait to see part 2!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you mate! It was great to catch up there as always. Maybe see you soon!

[@konakingkahuna]

Great video. Remarkable edition with that subtle and beautiful selection of Andalusian guitar music in the background.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! Part 2 coming today 👀

[@dalescott3942]

Super awesome ride and amazing video!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you!

[@MarcoHeemskerk]

Thx for sharing Chris! Was great to watch and ´to be there´ again.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching! I hope you’ve also seen part 2?

[@kevinlyon9501]

That is epic chief scenery is stunning, Jack did a lovely job of the filming and I liked your go pro chats. As for resilience matches, your one solid block of resilience.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for the kind words

[@benthilwind6908]

Love it beautiful race and great (2nd) lot of coverage thanks chris.. wonderful when you said 'its a race but your main competition is yourself too true 👍 keep keeping it real love..107% content xx

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much. It’s very true you should be doing these kind of things for yourself

[@cholokun]

I now use your "papapapap" catch phrase when encouraging someone on the road. You, francis cade, lawrence, bikefitjames and jimmy are my cycling inpiration and heroes!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Ahh that’s awesome! Thanks for the kind words!

[@PumpkinVillage]

What an outstanding video and great effort. Bike looks great. The scenery was so breathe taking. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for the kind words

[@christopherhood9241]

great film Chris, well done for going back Can't imagine what mind games you where going through. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for the kind words. It was great to head back in the end

[@hoysy7]

your starting to knock out some quality videos chris really well shot and great presentation by yourself keep it up mate

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much. Jack, who filmed this did an incredible job of it all!

[@kerrybuchanan5438]

Exciting stuff! Awesome video - more please 😬

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! Jack and I will keep trying our best!

[@scottsugimoto8223]

New subscriber. Truly appreciate your candor with mental health. Loved part 1 . Can't wait for next video(s)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for subscribing and for the kind words 🙌

[@grahambell9831]

If pt 1 is anything to go by Chris, I cannot wait for pt.2! I what an event, brutally brilliant!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! Some serious stuff happened in part two 👀

[@grahambell9831]

@@ChrisHallRides now I REALLY cannot wait Chris! Forgot to mention I enjoyed the bike packing / spec vlog too 👌

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@grahambell9831 thank you! I’m hoping to do some more videos like that too

[@grahambell9831]

@@ChrisHallRides Brilliant, keen cyclists do enjoy the tech & spec side of their sport.......suscribers will no doubt look forward to these future videos👍Have a good weekend ahead Chris, Cheers 👍

[@w.1929]

Excellent Chris, looking fwd to the next bit!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@whitedk18]

Great video, love the insight and the editing. Keep it the good work Chris, keep inspiring 👌

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much! Really appreciated

[@pierrehenri2297]

Great video, what a beautiful landscape and what a hell of an effort!👍🏻

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! It’s incredibly beautiful but brutal right?

[@kuri8015]

Super! Keep doing it. Keep enjoying it... the memories at least.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Exactly 🙌

[@simondaniels2043]

Great video. Beautifully Brutal. Well done. Esp as you returned for more pain. Seen you about in Leek. Nice riding around here. #Alsopstreet.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! Like you say it’s a beautifully brutal race. Haha yeah I love it around here. So much fantastic riding

[@blahqwe]

Yes for the fig rolls! Great video Chris!

[@ChrisHallRides]

I still haven’t had any. May go to the shops haha

[@EvidenceofaFabulousLife]

Nice insights, thank you. Badlands is in the agenda for next year, but I’m on the fence. Detailed accounts like this are invaluable for me. Looking forward to #2.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! I’m glad this helps you to decide

[@Miekzz]

really really cool stuff chris. looking forward to part 2 :)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@joeyoconnell889]

Absolute Legend!!! Jack Hague on camera smashing this!!:0

[@ChrisHallRides]

He’s so good!!

[@JackBuchananHague]

Ah thanks Joey, lad! Hopefully we can get some bigger projects sorted and get some more handy cameramen like you on board 😏

[@heidijarvis777]

This is the 3rd one of these I have watched, Lawrence and Martijn and I’ve loved them all and following each individual journey. Massive respect to you all and great to discuss mens mental health issues too.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching and also watching theirs too. They’re legends

[@mradampalin]

Yes 36t tooth! Can’t wait to do this again

[@ChrisHallRides]

All the spins mate

[@TheLucateli]

Thanks for this brilliant content Chris, you're a great communicator you have inspired me to join Badlands 2023. Hopefully you are there too again and I can say hi!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Ahh awesome I’m glad to hear you’re heading there for 2023! I’ll be back again

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Great insight to the beauty, brutal hills and lack of water 😂. Sign me up

[@ChrisHallRides]

😅✌️

[@norman_bishop]

Nice! that's inspiring and makes me wanna ride! I'm currently stuck home with covid for the second time in 2 years and can't wait to get back on my bike. Hope I didn't lose too much fitness 😐 Keep up the great work!

[@ChrisHallRides]

You won’t loose too much fitness. I’ve had it 3 times since the outbrake first started and I’ve had three vaccines. Take it chill for now. Lots of rest and good food and you’ll be back to it 🙌

[@TomMazzoneCycling]

Looked insane man! Awesome video too 👌🏼

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much mate

[@TomMazzoneCycling]

@@ChrisHallRides pleasure! Let me know if you need a partner for it next year 😉

[@cb6866]

Thanks for sharing Chris.....

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you for watching😊

[@MaxRothFitness]

Loved this

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@daniels.2720]

Thanks for the Inspiration Chris !!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@mancpower]

Fantastic video mate and even more respect for the huge effort. It’s hugely motivating to watch, can an everyday type person do the event? I’d love to experience it. I don’t know what your plans are but the honesty that you put into your videos is 👊

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Really appreciated. Yes anyone can sign up to the event.

[@t0mat0source]

Where's part 2?! (Love the content btw Chris, beautifully presented

[@ChrisHallRides]

Coming next week!

[@t0mat0source]

@@ChrisHallRides Can't wait!

[@aoe76]

Well done good man 😊👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much

[@MrDavecore777]

Fantastic series, are you planning on dropping the last episode soon?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Hopefully in the next week. A lot happened on the last part..

[@lahyessam9725]

There is another Badlands in Southern part of the province of Alberta, Canada and parts of it look very Desert /Dessert like. It has on the largest collection of dinosaur fossils also btw. Awesome video too.

[@ChrisHallRides]

That sounds absolutely amazing

[@simondobbins7509]

Was Taylor riding the race lol? dress watch and chill t-shirt haha cool man

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah he was indeed. Such a good guy

[@lindonandlisa8114]

What are absolutely amazing Race

[@ChrisHallRides]

It is! Make sure you watch part 2 as well 💪

[@bernovanderwal]

Great video! What’s the guitar music around 16:30?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Good question. I can’t remember to be honest it’s a royalty free one I found

[@bernovanderwal]

@@ChrisHallRides I’ll be riding Granguanche march and this music would be great to listen to during the ride!

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Great stuff, thinking about a gravel bike soon, but also thinking can I get away with gravel tyres on my current road bike at least to take me through until after Winter. I have clearance for up to 36C tyres - anyone got any recommendations? My only experience off-road really has been TPT a couple of years ago and the Dirty Reiver early this year on 35C Schwalbe Marathons and that sucked big time on essentially what are bomb-proof commuter tyres and just wondering if there's something suitable or whether I just need to bite the bullet and get the added benefit of greater tyre clearance that a gravel bike gives.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Bigger tyres are always better in my opinion in terms of comfort and grip but you could look at schwalbe g one bites or ultra bites maybe or some of their cyclocross tyres to try out for the time-being? Marathons like you say really are a bomb proof commuting/ touring tyre but not really a gravel tyre

[@arcoulant87]

Chapeau

[@ChrisHallRides]

🙌

[@tjebo]

Epic video!! How do you guys keep your electronics loaded? Big battery pack(s)?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Battery pack and Dynamo light setup which I can also charge from

[@ironore8677]

Ever tried a suspension stem or something similar?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Not yet but I would be interested to

[@RomanoCortesJorge]

I wish you could make a video on tips on how to finish this race. Is it possible to finish the race while still getting at least 4 hours of sleep every night? Are there places to bathe after each day of riding? Were chaffing and saddle sores a problem? Did you bring a set of cycling clothes for every day of the race or did you just reuse? Is it possible do the race while sleeping at accommodations every night? How cold did it get sleeping out in the desert at night? Any insights would be so appreciated. Keep up the great work 🙂 Show less 1 REPLY

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yea it’s possible but of course depends on how much down time you have either side or that 4 hours sleep. I allocated myself 4 hours each night generally. It’ll also depend how fast you are when you’re riding. No there’s generally not places to bathe each night. I took two pairs of bibs and alternated and washed them. I took a lightweight set of running shorts and a lightweight t shirt to put on at night when sleeping too get out of cycling kit. But not necessary. You would probably have to make some big detours off the route if you required staying in a hotel every night. It’s doable but may mean 5-20km off route. You would have to rejoin where you left the route. You start riding on a Sunday morning and you then have until Friday 20:00 to complete to be classified in the overall time cut. I did a video of the bike and what I packed. I’d highly recommend you watch that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJzOp6mrpd1rhtk

[@miramoneric6988]

hi Chris ,awesome from inside of badlands.Please let me know how you manage the sleep : what the bivi ? Keeping bag ,air mattress ? What the average weight you bring with you ? Now waiting second part

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching! There’s actually a complete bike check video which you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJzOp6mrpd1rhtk I also never weigh my bike set ups

[@peterherrell3236]

When you fill up your water at the fountains do drop any purification tablets in or do you just drink it as it is?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Water in Spain is generally drinkable. Fountains say if they are or not but I always take some just incase

[@konakingkahuna]

The theory is that regulatory tests are carried out periodically by the municipal entities in charge of water supply -both at the source and at each tap-. The possible consequences of not complying with the legislation in this regard are too great to risk doing so. When a public fountain is open for use, it is because the water is drinkable, and in fact they are regularly used by locals and tourists. Drinking from public fountains is a common gesture in the towns of Spain. Bearing this in mind, in some cases prudence is always a good adviser.

[@mybackup8696]

How much did you spend on food and accommodation?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Really hard to put a price on it to be honest but those parts of Spain are pretty cheap in comparison to other parts of the

[@TopTray08]

Is doing a winter Recce doable on the route?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Some of it potentially will be wet. In Gorafe the ground is like clay so you’d have to be careful

[@arminkorsos]

Great film, quick question - what helmet light are you riding with?

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s a silva cross trail I think

[@markjthomson]

Hey gear relate question.. if you need to combat drowsiness, particularly if you are riding the early hours, what do you use? Or just take a nap?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Just take a nap!

[@beanfaded]

Hey chris, a bit off topic. Can you give just a very short tip in how to lose and maintain weight through cycling? Love your vids btw! You should do it more often!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you. I’m slowly starting to try and do more and more of them. The best tip, probably increase your protein intake. It’s the one thing I probably try to make sure I do every day, especially being vegetarian too

[@beanfaded]

@@ChrisHallRides Thanks, Chris! Never knew you were vegetarian.

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@beanfaded have been for over 10 years now

[@greg.ocallaghan]

What's it with everyone using hydration vests these days? I've always hated carrying anything on my back, but I see it more and more. Is it for "ease of drinking" as it's always there? (as opposed to having to get a bottle out of a cage) or is it to be able to carry more water? I'm signed up for Badlands '23, shitting my pants 😬

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s mainly to be able to carry more as. Resupply points can be quite few and far. I’ll be there again so see you there!

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

In regards to the coverage of your own race and others, it's the world we live in these days. It's time to accept it. Obviously I would draw the line if it interferes with someone else's performance and results but otherwise I'm definitely okay with it.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah I’m in a similar mindset to you. There’s many benefits to documenting them for so many people but yeah as long as it doesn’t interfere

[@dominicbritt]

Same again next year Chris? 😂

[@ChrisHallRides]

Maybe!

[@dominicbritt]

Amazing scenery and video btw!

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@dominicbritt thanks so much! Jack did an amazing job

[@esskastanie2046]

Well done. Great Video. I am looking forward to geht a ticket for 2025, with a friend. Pray for us❤

[@simonlynch4204]

How do you feel about the fact that Lael Wilcox was hounded over her media crew documenting her races? Did you get any backlash from race organizers? Fans? Social media?

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s very unfortunate that she has had a backlash at some events she’s done (not all events though!) Badlands were more than happy to allow us to document the adventure but Jack had to follow some strict guidelines as to how much time he could be around me each day and had to have a tracker on him all the time so they could also monitor that. It was the same for anyone else documenting the race. Some race organisers are unfortunately against it but Badlands see it as a fantastic way to promote the event and their focus on showcasing how the area has been badly affected by climate change. I have had no backlash at all from it, if anything it’s been incredibly supportive. Maybe because I’m not at the pointy end of the race? I’m not sure but I feel it’s unfair to hound people for it, especially when it’s been approved and agreed with the organisers and you follow all of their requirements. Maybe it’s a bit different if it hadn’t been approved but ultimately just be nice ok? I guess that’s my ramblings out. Keyboard warriors often won’t say it to a person’s face, and if they did I know I wouldn’t want to speak to them anyway. But yeah I’ve had only nice messages about it. People have been incredibly supportive.

[@adamgriss2025]

That’s an interesting point, Simon, but Lael was competing in FKTs in which the rules strictly state that the attempt must be unsupported. You’re kind of comparing apples and oranges in this case. I think the excessive scrutiny that Lael gets might be out of the amount of attention she gets because of her success in cycling and in her charismatic media presence. Let’s celebrate accomplishments and appreciate the ability to push personal limits whether it’s an FKT, an ultra-endurance race, or a pb going up a local hill. ❤️

[@carlnyman4903]

Video quality seems to be stuck at 360p, any thoughts?:P

[@ChrisHallRides]

Have you clicked the cog to check what quality you’re viewing it at?

[@carlnyman4903]

@@ChrisHallRides Yes, it wouldn't go higher but it works now!:)

[@vamoscycling]

Noice 👌

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks! 🙌

[@Ayush-wh5qz]

First?

[@ChrisHallRides]