Trans Balkans Race

An Epic Adventure

The Trans Balkans Race is renowned for being one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. This year, I had the incredible experience of participating, alongside my friend Elliott, after a last-minute decision prompted by my previous teammate's unexpected dropout. Here’s a detailed account of our journey, as documented on my Instagram account @adventuremagic_uk.

The Last-Minute Decision

Our adventure began with a whirlwind of last-minute preparations. With my previous teammate dropping out, Elliott stepped in, and we quickly geared up for the race. My bike, loaded with all the essentials, weighed in at just over 30kgs. Despite the daunting challenge ahead, the excitement and adrenaline kept our spirits high.

Day 1: Battling the Elements

The race kicked off under torrential rain. We cycled through floods with minimal water supply for drinking, forcing us to get creative. At one point, we had to fill our bottles from a garden hose. The soaked and heavy gear made progress slow and arduous.

Our first major setback came when we tried to light our stove in a bus shelter, only to find it wouldn't ignite. Freezing and exhausted, we found refuge in a nearby bar where a birthday celebration was underway. We sat, dripping wet and probably smelling terrible, warming up with hot tea. Eventually, we managed to find a place to stay three miles away, after covering 57 miles of tough mountain trails. The bonus? It was above a bakery, allowing us to fuel up with delicious pastries.

Day 2: Kinder Weather and Unexpected Company

The second day started with kinder weather. We woke up at 5 AM, though we didn't manage to leave until nearly 8 AM. This day saw us cover 89 miles. By evening, we found shelter in a derelict house, grabbing four hours of sleep, only to be woken by what we suspect were rats. After restocking water from a hose near someone’s pool, we pressed on.

Brighter skies and improved morale helped us get another 63 miles under our belts. We kept a close eye on the race tracker, ensuring we stayed ahead of the cutoff point symbolized by the "snail" tracker.

Day 3: Beating the Snail

With the cutoff looming, we started Day 3 at 4 AM. We needed to stay ahead of the relentless snail that doesn't sleep. The weather began well but soon deteriorated. We had 27 miles to cover, with 6500 feet of climbing on rocky and muddy mountain passes.

The last climb of the day was brutal. The weather worsened, and I found myself nearing hypothermia. Desperation set in, and I even recorded an emotional video of thanks to my WhatsApp group, fearing I wouldn't make it. Yet, with sheer determination, we reached the checkpoint with just an hour to spare. I was so cold that I couldn't sign my name properly. A hot shower, multiple bowls of pasta, and plenty of tea and coke finally revived my spirits.

Day 4: The Heat Wave

The next day started cold but quickly turned hot, with temperatures soaring to 32 degrees. Cycling with a loaded bike in such heat was tough. We covered 54 miles with 5000 feet of ascent, arriving in Knin, where we booked an apartment. More climbing awaited us as the apartment was four stories up, but a good feed and sleep made it worthwhile.

Day 5: A Change of Plans

Realizing we were unlikely to reach Checkpoint 2 before the cutoff, we decided to take a faster route to the finish line. This plan B involved covering another 265 miles, crossing Croatia, Bosnia, and finally arriving in Montenegro.

The Finish Line

After nine grueling days of cycling, we crossed the finish line on June 8th in Montenegro. The journey was marked by physical and mental challenges, from battling extreme weather conditions to navigating technical descents.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Challenge

The Trans Balkans Race has proven to be one of the most physically demanding challenges I've ever faced. The experience, documented on @adventuremagic_uk, is a testament to endurance, resilience, and the power of teamwork. Despite the hurdles, the journey was rewarding, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unexpected kindness, and moments of profound personal achievement.