Road Bike Mountain Range Traverse
Where does a mountain range start? Where does it end? How many different routes traverse the whole thing? And what motivates somebody, to do a full-length-crossing? As is the case with many things in life, you will find countless answers and will have to decide what’s right for yourself in the end. In any case, you and your road bike will grow together, quite literally.
While you’re doing it, it might help to tell yourself each morning that your sore muscles will stop aching at some point Get used to ordering two meals at once. And daydreaming of falling into your bed in the evening. No matter how, you can fight your way through. And then, after the last climb, comes the last descent. With it the feeling of having accomplished something grand. With your very own power, you and your road bike. What a dream team.
Which mountain range do you want to cross?
Choose from our ready-to-go Collections with handpicked routes and lots of handy information, created by passionate people like you.
사이클링 컬렉션에 의해
로드 사이클링 컬렉션에 의해
로드 사이클링 컬렉션에 의해
로드 사이클링 컬렉션에 의해
로드 사이클링 컬렉션에 의해
How To Prepare Your Body
The training you must do to prepare for your adventure is directly related to the difficulty of the route and your current physical level. But one thing is for sure: you will be sitting in your seat for the majority of your day, so accustom your body to that! In case you don't have mountains on which to practice in your area, choose the highest point and go up and down ten times in a row. Then repeat. Ideally, you should start training at least two months before your trip. Endurance does not come overnight.
Packing List
During the ride:
Helmet, cycling shorts, jersey, socks, cycling shoes, buff, rain jacket
On the bike:
Spare Outfit
Spare jersey, spare cycling shorts, 1 pair of socks (or wash everything every night)
During The Day
3 water bottles, sunscreen, first aid kit, energy bars and gels, cell phone, charging cable, power bank, cash, credit card, passport
In The Evening
Sandals/slippers, comfy pants, T-shirt, long fleece or puffy, toothbrush and paste
Tools & Spare Parts
Multi tool, pump, 2 spare tubes, patch kit, duct tape & zip ties, brake pads, chain lube, spare derailler hanger, shift/brake cables
Climbing Technique
Speed
So, what's the best strategy to tackle these passes? First of all, pace yourself. Try to control your excitement and energy in the beginning and start your climb easy. If you feel like you could ride one or two gears harder, resist – -this is actually where you want to be in the beginning.
Stand Up Or Sit?
Make sure to ride the majority of the distance sitting. If your muscles or derriere need a rest, you will stand up automatically and ride out of the saddle. This is how more pressure is put on the pedals and high drag can be conquered temporarily. One more thing: Shift into a harder gear before you stand up, so you don’t step into nothing.
Trick Your Head & Make Sure To Eat
And there is the head that needs some psychological tricks to make it. Divide the climb into sections, don’t forget to eat (easily digestible!) and drink lots of fluids along the way. And finally, don't forget to enjoy the landscape – after all, that's why you're here!
Checklist
Before you hit the road, quickly check whether your bike is in good condition and you have what you need for the big climb.
Bike
- Brakes work and aren’t run-down
- Gearshift is clean and runs smoothly
- Quick releases & screws are drawn
- Tires & tubes are intact
- Two bottle mounts on the frame
Equipment
Keep in mind: You are going up a mountain – it will be cold at the top.
- Arm and leg warmers, wind vest, warm hat, rain jacket, overshoes, gloves
- Multitool, tire lever, pump
- Two drinking bottles, 1 to 2 energy bars and one gel (just in case)
- Phone