2020 Badlands (Film)

Badlands, an event put on by Transiberica Ultracycling, is over 700 kilometers with 15,000m of elevation gain, passing through the only official desert in mainland Europe. The route follows mostly gravel/dirt roads and takes in several iconic places, including Hoya de Guadix, Gorafe Desert, Tabernas Desert, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, and Veleta Pass. Riders have six days to complete the route and can ride either solo or in pairs. Although COVID-19 restrictions thinned out the competition, just over 70 riders lined up for the grand depart in Granada, Spain, this September to set off on the route.

There was no lack of excitement this year, including Lachlan Morton’s impressive first place finish as well as our Rigs of the Badlands article, which showcases over 40 different riders’ bikes and gear highlights.

The official event video, produced by Peter of the Spoon, provides an look at the route and the challenges the riders had to overcome. Watch the full 18-minute film below, followed by photos taken during the event.

“That was one of the toughest things I’ve done.” -Lachlan Morton

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Film by Peter Of The Spoon (@PeterOfTheSpoon), photos by Peter Of The Spoon, Víctor Pérez Pelayo (@victorperezpl), and Juanan Barros (@Juananfotografia)

Next year’s Badlands event is scheduled for September 5th, 2021. Learn more here.