Bike packed.. bag packed… feeling pretty stressed. The event starts today.. 800 miles to ride… got a schedule to ride too .. lets hope the legs and the mind decide to play ball and all goes well.
The Grenzsteintrophy (Border Stone Trophy) is a self supported ride over a distance of approx. 1300 kms (800 miles). It is mostly off-road following the former border line between East and West Germany.
Ride organiser Gunnar lists the Tour Divide race as an influence and model on which the event is run, and the spirit of the event is enshrined in a riders code that has been devised to provide a level playing field on a minimal budget. What this means is that there is no prize money, no support, no time control and no organization along the route.
Riders are expected to carry everything they need on their bikes, we are permitted to visit shops for supplies along the way.. but this does not mean any kind of prearranged services or assistance! Riding alongside with other riders is permitted, but sharing of equipment is not allowed. “It is the goal of this event to challenge the individual rider and not a support crew.”
The Grenzsteintrophy site is in German, but there is an interview with Gunnar on the SRM website.
Details of the event for all German speakers here… Grenzstein Trophy 2011
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