Trans Continental Race No. 5 … Scratched.
Jenny Tough tackled the 5th annual Transcontinental Race (TCRno5) — a self-supported, ultra-distance cycling race across Europe — and scratched after 8 days. Watch her nicely done, honest, short and sweet video memoir of the ride…
PUBLISHED Aug 21, 2017
The Transcontinental Race no.5 as it appeared from Jenny Tough’s handlebars… Thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, and riders who made this year’s race happen! (film requires volume).
Founded by Mike Hall in 2013, the Pedal Ed Transcontinental Race (TCR) is the definitive, self-supported, ultra-distance bicycle race across Europe. The route varies for each edition, with a length of about 4000km for TCRno5 (the 2017 edition). The race generally starts in northwestern Europe and finishes in southeastern Europe, with two to four intermediate checkpoints. Participants are free to choose their own route between the mandatory checkpoints. Factors of self reliance, logistics, navigation and judgement burden racers’ minds as well as their physique.
While Jenny didn’t finish TCRno5, she gave it a good run. We asked her what she brought along for good measure:
– Light bivy
– Ultralight sleeping pad
– Down jacket
– Merino wool sweater
– Gilet, arm warmers, tuque
– Light rain jacket
– Reflective vest
– Bike lock (never used)
– Tools: pump, levers, patches, spare tube, multi tool, duct tape, cable ties, lube
– Electronics: iPhone, Wahoo Bolt, 5cinq dynamo, GoPro
– 2x front lights and 3x rear lights
– Chamois cream, sunscreen, basic toiletries, ibuprofen
– Wearing: helmet, sunnies, gloves, bibshorts, t-shirt, MTB shoes (easier to walk in!)
About Jenny Tough
Jenny Tough grew up in the Canadian Rockies and has since cycled, ran, hiked, sailed, trekked, kayaked, skied, surfed, and camped across six continents, racking up a few good tales along the way. Follow Jenny on Instagram @jennytough or her website at jennytough.com.
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