Transcontinental Race No. 7 - TCR7 - #TCRN07 - 2019

Docs note. I always forget that because if I'm not dead yet I don't expect another TCR will be enough to do it.

I don't have return plans made yet either. It's going to depend on how long it takes and how I feel afterwards. Could maybe ride to ferry port, or there's trains, or perhaps bum a ride if @scherrit is at the finish again.

I've still got to look at Transiberica route - like this I have a basic one but I could've made big mistakes. Did your mate that rode last year ever write up his experiences in a race report? It would be nice to have a rider's input into my cough plans.

I've not put the bike back together since TransP. I have ordered a new chain though.
I still need to build it, clean it and then fit my dyno lights.

No he didn't write anything other than instagram posts. He'll be there again, with a mostly similar setup I believe.

I'm just going through the parcours in streetview, damn it looks good.

You dunno lights finally come?

Yeah. They arrived last week or something but I had too much other shit to do to install them so I went TP with battery light again. It was fine because short race and I wasn't doing much night riding.

Ah, well if he's racing again he won't want to reveal too many tips :)
I'll have another look around once I'm done with TCR for more info.

You'll cross paths with the Northcape-tarifa route too, so that's worth following, the first riders are in Spain right now. You'll both climb pico del veleta, it's a fucking monster.

In Transiberica or TCR? I have a selfie with an Italian rider who was doing NCT or NC4000 in a previous TCR. We were both in northern Italy I think. It was pretty cool.

Should I fit a 42T for Pico del Veleta? googles climb profile

Well I meant TransIberica but yeah both NCT and TCR climb the Galibier and depending on your route might cross paths somewhere east of that too in the alps. Though you probably met a NC4000 rider considering the time you were there.

Pivo veleta had a ridiculous wind on top of the actual climbing and at about 3400m the air is thin too.

https://www.sierranevada.cc/climbing-the-pico-veleta

Before the Barrier (BB)
30km to the barrier at Hoya de la Moya at an average gradient of 5.5%
there's also a few places to stop to refill and refuel at some of the gas stations and hotels along the route.

AFTER the Barrier (AB)
Hoya de la Moya is the last place to refuel if you're running low it's advisable that you use the opportunity to refill
Altitude really starts to kick in from here on in
30kms done and it's only another13km to go from here
The final 8km are at an average of 8%
For the last 5km the road deteriorates quite significantly with lots of sharp stones that can damage your sidewall (check your tires before you descend)

This is from the top, you can see some of the road on it.

1 Attachment

Wowsers

I've added some distance to use safer, less busy roads. It's still gonna be an extra half day/day over last couple of years.

Agree - I think it is a tough one, even if we get lucky with the headwinds

17 days to go. good luck with final prepping all. really looking forward to following you all again this year.

Ok I lied.
I’m putting a reskin order in tonight.
Shout if you want anything added.

Have you used reskin? Is it any good?

No idea but they are light and seem like a good idea to take and try if needed

Personally I found it terrible, I might even have a few (unused!) in a cupboard that I can gift to someone.

Would be good to try before ordering.
Depending how many can take them to the start for others..? @mustardbeak

Yes it's an arse saver.

Edit: I've got one, I'll send you a message on WhatsApp.

Do you wear as a preventative or if you have an issue?

Thanks

Once I've lost skin I put it on.

17? eesh. I liked it better when it was "3 weeks" whenever anyone asked.