Transcontinental Race No. 5 - TCR5 - #TCRN05 - 2017

There's no roadside fix for hydraulics unless you've got a bleed kit and spare fluid. If you damage a line then you're screwed unless you have the above plus a spare line and a new set of olives/connectors and probably a cutter (though you could use a penknife at a pinch). It's one of those "don't look at the probability of it going wrong, look at what the impact is if it does" kind of things. I'd go for cable actuated for this kind of "much time in middle of nowhere" ride.

last minute @modan trolling? :)

Re-starting my old twitter just to try and keep on top of this, looking for good feeds to follow if anyone has any suggestions?

I am looking forward to clive following those that battle on when others finish.

I am looking forward to cheering them on. In my book, anyone who takes on this mad challenge is worthy of respect and support. Anyone who finishes, however long they take, is amazing. Indeed, those who climb on their bikes day after day for 28 days deserve huge respect, possibly more inn a strange way from the monsters who complete the course in 10 days or less.

Re-starting my old twitter just to try and keep on top of this, looking for good feeds to follow if anyone has any suggestions?

VB is doing a list of TCR riders. Worth checking that out.

Hydraulic systems are tough. Think about their use in off road motorcycles, they do work in some pretty extreme conditions with out failing. I don't think I've ever experienced a hydraulic brake failure on a motorcycle, I've had a few moments with cable brakes and pads on a bicycle.

I'd prefer a well serviced hydraulic system even if they are inherently heavier.

The TABR is longer and takes in some hugely demanding terrain but the TCR is and always will be a more spectacular race.

The greater number of particpants; the lack of a set route leaving dot watchers (and riders) to wonder whether a seemingly longer route will actually be quicker; the ability of riders to get hopelessly lost; the ability of riders to take short cuts over mountains carrying their bikes while wearing cycling shoes; the variety of countries that are passed; the languages; the varying infastructure; the broad range of participating nationalities; the more spectator focused race organisation.

Yes, while I enjoy the TABR, the TCR is the ultimate armchair dotwatching experience.

Kristoff doesn't even use discs...

Most riders didn't use discs last year!

Will there be video this year? Cade did it last year but now he seems to be chasing Hot Chilli Pepper, EC1 and other MAMIL based and no doubt more financially rewarding organisations around.

Is 216 Mannix Michael Daniel O'Boyle one person or two people wearing the same cap?

Yes, Antonin from ahstudio.fr is doing it.

Cool. Will look forward to that. Cade videos tend to be more about him than the event.

It's in my bag. I hope.

Both hydro lines failing at once? Unlikely.

If you weigh as much as me they are useful :)

+1 to this. It's nice just to see variety also. Those using old Carradice bags to the new fangled Apidura set ups, the older bikes and the sponsored-up almost pro-level riders, the 'pairs' category. It is my first time keeping an eye on this race, but it seems the social media aspect and the varied routes might make it more of a spectator sport than TABR which, I am noticing already, has a more relaxed air than TCR.

There was a feature film of TABR though which is cool. TCR definitely more interesting for dot watchers. Helps that it's during day so work of gets used for following

Been following #TCRno5 on Instagram and scrolling down to 'most recent', if you like images. Seems like most riders use the tag in their posts.

TCR has evolved.
It was interesting that some of the guys I met in Australia for the IPWR who did some of the early TCRs said they thought TCR had now become a bit too mainstream / sportive-y, so they were looking for other stuff to do that was a bit more undiscovered. Can't please everyone!

I can imagine it. There is more of a brand connection in general to the things I've seen so far in regards to TCR. It certainly appears more slick than TABR (for good or bad).

Now will skinny have any credible rivals?

Another one to watch is Matthijs Ligt
Was very fast in IPWR until he got brought down by gooch issues (TM)

and also Rimas

So I'll go for 5 who I think will make the top 10:

1. @skinny
   
2. Bjorn L
   
3. Ian To
   
4. Rimas
   
5. Matthijs
   
   

And for the women's race, Shu, Paula Regener and Emily C are my podium tips.

Of course!

Is Darren Franks riding this year? Can't remember who he was on here... quality twittering last time and also strong.

The quality tweets weren't from Darren but from various of his body parts!

He's doing LEL instead I think. Jack Peterson was bigging him up as one of the fast men on the route.