Lessons learned: My first bikepacking race on the Grand Loop 

In May of 2024 I attempted my first ever bikepacking race: The Grand Loop. I've been wanting to ride the Grand Loop ever since I rode through the heart of it with Traci in 2022 on the San Juan Gravel Grinder Hut to Hut Tour.
I researched and prepared for the race for months, but things didn't quite go as planned. Still, I gained some valuable information for when I come back to make another attempt.
This year's Grand Loop Race saw 43 riders start, but only 24 of them finished. The brutal heat was most likely the main culprit.
See more about the 2024 race on Bikepacking.com: bikepacking.com/?s=grand+loop...
Find the route here: bikepackingroots.org/gallery/...
See information about the race here: www.thewestendgravelrush.com/
Find my bike setup here: bikepacking.com/bikes/rigs-of...
Group photos and drone footage courtesy of Dani Reyes-Acosta. Find her on Instagram: @NotLostJustDiscovering
Thank you to Bex Howard and Charlotte Backus for providing personal photos.
Thank you to Tim Tait for organizing the event. Massive congratulations to Men's winner (and single speeder) Andrew Strempke and Women's winner (and single speeder) Alexandera Houchin. Andrew set the new singlespeed record. Alexandera set the new women's record.
Alexandera and Katie Strempke were only the 3rd and 4th women to complete the loop competitively. Amazing!

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