Bad route planning. Going alone. Hiking through mud and snow. Not turning back after multiple opportunities. Your behavior was reckless. You're lucky nothing bad happened.
Also I can totally empathize with that feeling of not wanting to turn back when you get so far, but also being scared of what will happen if you keep going - especially when so deep in the wilderness in an unfamiliar place. Recently I almost feel more energized when I make the smart decision in that moment, not sure why.
I feel like I rarely make the smart decision, but at the end of the day I was happy I got to experience that snowy mountain something I didn’t expect and was honestly so beautiful. Maybe I’ll try and be a bit smarter lol
These races seem really fun. But, every time I watch a video, a see multiple moments where racers are passing recreational riders with oncoming traffic. Looks like one moment of bad timing or a touch of wheels from disaster. My background as a kid was in road racing so rolling road closures seem "normal" to me. Any thoughts on safety from you younger guys who are out there on the open roads?
Great question! I’ll try and keep this short. From my experience road racing in Ontario, most road races still have open road policy but with a lead moto clearing our lane. So there’s still oncoming traffic, very similar to this. I haven’t felt unsafe due to traffic in a gravel race. However you have to look before you turn, never hit a left turn hard without looking. As for the recreational riders everyone is good about moving over. I did BWR Arizona this year and got caught in the middle of the shorter distance group on single and double track which was rather challenging to pass so it slowed me down a lot but didn’t make it less safe. I guess even though you are racing you have to have you head up and be respectful. I’ve noticed even pro gravel racers often finish races in the middle of recreational riders.
Back in the day, id a 4 day 175 mile ride of big bend in january with the b o b trailer solo . Great trip , the highlite was sitting back in my truck seat , kick my XXX , do it you'll love it ❤ !
Excellent video Craig! Thanks for sharing your journey!! Beautiful country and cool area - not sure about the rough trails though....good on you completing this route!!
