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PART 1 – TRAINING: What to Expect at Your First TransRockies

by Simon Parker

This is part of a 12-installment series that I’m writing for the TR. These are my opinions and are based on my experiences over the last 5 years doing the TR. Obviously your mileage will vary and you need to make sure that my opinions and recommendations suit you. If you have any questions speak up. I’ll be happy to give you my 2 cents worth. (As will lots of other folks.)
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PART 2 – FINDING A PARTNER: What to Expect at Your First TransRockies

By Simon Parker

The TransRockies is a 2-person race. And every team will only be as fast as its slowest member. If you want to ride as fast as possible and hate waiting for anyone, then perhaps the TR is not for you. But if you are prepared to work together and encourage your partner when they are down then, with the right choice of team member, you could have a pretty good time.
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PART 3 – CYCLING CLOTHING: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You’ve committed to do the race, you’re training your buns off and you’ve found a partner and it looks like you won’t kill each other by day two.
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PART 4 – EQUIPMENT: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. BRING A DERAILLEUR HANGER. No, let me revise that, BRING TWO DERAILLEUR HANGERS.
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PART 5 – CAMP CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You’ve got your bike clothing and equipment sorted out, so now you need to figure out how to fill up the rest of that gigantic duffle bag.
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PART 6 – RACE PREPARATIONS: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You have your bike, all of your clothes are sorted out and ready for the TR duffle bag. Now you are wondering what, apart from endless hours of training, you need to do to get ready for the race.
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PART 7 – RACE MORNING: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You’re now ready for your first stage of the TransRockies. You just need to turn up by start time and you’re good to go. Right? Wrong! Being prepared in the morning can be the difference between a great day and a thoroughly miserable experience.
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PART 8 – RACING: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

Everyone has counted down the final 10 seconds, the starting gun has fired, Drew Bragg has played “Highway to Hell”, and now you’re off and racing. What do you need to do to make for a happy day’s racing?
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PART 9 – AFTER THE FINISH: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You’ve made if through the aid stations, dealt with a flat or two and now Drew Bragg has called out your names as you cross the line. Now comes the most important part of your day.
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PART 10 – TRAVEL: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

With 600 riders from over 25 counties, many people are going to have to travel long distances to do the TransRockies. Whether you are flying or driving you will have to be far more organized than if you are doing a local race.
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PART 11 – EVENING MEAL: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

You’ve finished your day of racing, showered, changed and dealt with whatever bike issues you might have. You need to get fed and informed every night, so make the best of it.
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PART 12 – SAFETY: What to Expect at your first TransRockies

By Simon Parker

We’re in the middle of nowhere riding long hard days. Well guess what, things happen and we all need to be prepared.
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