Скачать или смотреть Traci and I Team Up to Ride the Grand Loop Bikepacking Route. Will we complete it?

A year ago, I lined up for the Grand Loop Bikepacking race mass start. My goal was simply to finish—I wanted to experience this epic loop that combined the Paradox, Kokopelli, and Tabeguache trail systems across vastly different landscapes in Colorado and Utah.

The route’s challenging terrain quickly humbled me, and I realized I hadn’t prepared myself well enough for the altitude, heat, cardio demands and upper body strength I’d need to successfully complete the loop. So I scratched.

A few months later, I realized I wasn’t done with the Grand Loop. I vowed to make changes to my preparation to up my odds of success.

I hired a coach. I added strength training and core work. I enlisted my friend Traci to ride the route with me. I revisited my gear to make it easier to hike my bike. I did a practice race.

From mid-April to mid-May of this year, I took pet-sitting jobs in Durango and Fruita to work remote and to train at altitude.

I also scouted the route—riding out-and-back sections at a time, both alone and with my husband, who came out for a visit. The scouting sessions not only gave me a chance to check water sources and get a feel for trail conditions, but they also gave me a healthy appreciation for the challenging nature of the route. I knew to respect it.

Grand Loop Bikepacking Route: https://bikepackingroots.org/project/...

Connect with me on Instagram: @birdsnbikesnballet

Thanks to Traci Giefer for being my adventure companion and for providing additional GoPro footage and photographs to include in this video.