Bikepacking in the Sudetes - Reflections and Lessons Learned
500 km and 9000 m of Elevation Gain: My Thoughts and Insights from a Journey along the Ultra Sudetes Gravel Race Route
Polish version | Wersja polska 👇🏻
An Unexpected Message
Hi, I plan to ride the Ultra Sudetes Gravel Race route1. Maybe you’d have the time and desire to join? - read the message from Adam.
Hey, bikepacking? I’m in! - I replied.
Excited for another cycling journey, I started mentally planning the trip. Less than two weeks later, we were already pedalling along the epic Ultra Sudet Gravel Race route, which circles the Kłodzko Valley. The route leads through the territories of Poland and the Czech Republic, connecting numerous scenic viewpoints and tourist attractions. It traverses the ranges of the Table Mountains, Stone Mountains, Owl Mountains, and other lesser-known massifs. The total length of the route is 500 km, with over 9,000 metres of elevation gain. The main skeleton of the route comprises off-road paths, primarily gravel, diversified by local asphalt roads, single tracks, and meadow sections. Because of the diverse terrain every kilometre offers new challenges and unforgettable views.
Lessons from the Route
The trip was a brief escape from our daily responsibilities for us, but also an excellent opportunity to test the equipment that I hadn’t tried out for a year. It also allowed me to check a new luggage configuration option. Instead of a day-by-day account, I will share with you a few key conclusions that I drew after completing the Ultra Sudet Gravel Race route in a bikepacking model.
Underestimating the Route
“500 km and 9,000 m of elevation gain? No problem! First day 200 km, second and third 150 each, and we’re back home” - that was my initial thought. After all, I had already covered longer distances with greater elevation gains, even with a load. Unfortunately, I ignored the specifics of the terrain and the fact that only 36% of the route was paved. To make matters worse, on the first day, we encountered the most difficult section with the highest elevation gain. As a result, after many adventures, we ended the first day with a mere 120 km, which later forced us to change the original route. This lesson showed the importance of realistic route planning, considering the type of surface and the specifics of the terrain.
Weather
Before the trip, we carefully tracked the weather forecasts, wanting to prepare for the conditions that awaited us. The worst-case scenarios predicted a minimum temperature of 6-7 degrees Celsius at night. “It’s not that bad,” I thought recklessly, packing only the standard equipment for such trips: leg warmers, a thermal base layer, a vest, a windbreaker, a waterproof jacket, and a neck warmer. I made a mistake, forgetting the lesson about the temperature difference between the peak and the valley from October of the previous year. As a result, once again, I experienced what it means to descend several kilometres downhill, after dark, at a temperature slightly above zero, without gloves and an additional warm layer.
Once again, I realised that riding in the cold is more exhausting and slowing. It requires constantly putting on and taking off the outer windproof layer, which can be done without stopping in easy terrain, but is impossible on rough trails. From now on, I promised myself to always bring gloves and an additional warm layer, regardless of the weather.
Front Light
I always bring a spare rear light, crucial for safety on the tarmac. It was the same this time, but what’s the point when there was really little tarmac and it quickly passed, and on the rough trails, I lost my front light on the very first day. On one descent, it shook so violently that it must have simply fallen out of the mount. Fortunately, Adam came to my aid, lending me his spare. What could I have done better? If I had brought only one front light, I should have taken it out of my bag and placed it in the mount only after dark. Then I would have easily noticed the moment it fell off. This made me realise how important it is not only to have the right equipment but also to use it thoughtfully.
Logistics
Unfortunately, here we encountered a serious, though hard to predict, blunder. Our route led through less developed regions of the Czech Republic, which we particularly felt late in the evening on the first day. Tired, cold, and hungry, we rode into town, counting on a quick dinner and a chance to warm up. To our disappointment, in all the restaurants we visited, the kitchens had already closed at 8:00 PM, and the shops had long since finished work. In this situation, the unexpected saviour turned out to be the Polish petrol station chain Orlen. It was there that we threw ourselves at hot dogs and toasted sandwiches, washing them down with hot tea. We realised how important it is to plan the route taking into account local customs and opening hours.
These were actually minor mishaps that did not threaten our expedition. We treat them rather as valuable lessons and a source of experience for the future. Awareness of these details will certainly allow us to better prepare for future trips.
Positive Aspects of the Expedition
I started my text with blunders, but our trip was primarily full of positives! Besides the route itself, the company, and the experiences, the following points also deserve attention.
Travelling Ultra Marathon Routes
I had already completed ultramarathon routes in race conditions, but this time, without the pressure of a result, I could fully appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. After all, one of the fundamental goals of the organisers of such races is precisely to showcase the most beautiful corners of the region. Without a doubt, the Ultra Sudet Gravel Race route fulfilled this task superbly. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for a multi-day cycling expedition, I highly recommend browsing the routes of nearby ultramarathons. It’s a good way to find an interesting route and get to know the region better.
Tailfin Fork Bags
The Tailfin Cargo Cage system had been waiting for its chance for a year. I didn’t take it on previous, longer trips, mainly because I didn’t have the opportunity to fully test it. “If not now, when?” - I thought and put it to the test, packing “civilian” shoes - which, as it turned out, I didn’t need at all. Even on the most challenging sections of the route, the system performed flawlessly, passing the test with flying colours. The bags didn’t loosen and didn’t interfere while riding. The quality of their workmanship turned out to be simply amazing.
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 50x700C Tyres
I’ve already devoted a separate entry to this topic, but I can’t resist emphasising it once again: the Cinturato Gravel M tyres performed FANTASTICALLY! They provided incredible grip and gave an enormous sense of confidence, especially on fast, rocky descents. It’s thanks to them that the differences between my gravel bike and Adam’s hardtail2.
Drone in the Handlebar Bag
A new piece of equipment that made its debut during this expedition was a drone - a birthday gift from Victoria. Although I’m still learning how to operate it, I plan to make it a permanent companion on my travels. Until now, it posed a certain logistical challenge and usually ended up in a backpack, which wasn’t particularly convenient. This time, I carefully packed the drone into a bag on the front handlebar. This solution turned out to be a bullseye! It not only ensured the safety of the equipment, but also allowed quick access if needed. Before the next trip, I intend to further improve this system using foam.
Summary and Reflections
The trip along the Ultra Sudet Gravel Race route brought many memories, experiences, and beautiful views. Special thanks go to Adam - not only for the initiative and invitation, but above all for the invaluable companionship and support throughout this adventure.
Each situation was a lesson, making future trips better planned. To summarise the key takeaways for fellow bikepackers:
Always plan your route realistically, considering terrain types and difficulty.
Pack for worse weather than expected, including extra warm layers and gloves.
Secure your equipment properly and bring spares, especially lights.
Research local customs and opening hours for food and accommodation.
In summary, despite minor shortcomings, the expedition turned out to be a fantastic adventure. I challenged my capabilities and equipment, discovering the beauty of the Sudetes from a new perspective. I look forward to future trips, including the one planned for Morocco beginning next year!
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The full route can be seen on my Komoot profile. We started from Złoty Stok.
A mountain bike with front suspension.