With experience in long-distance tests, Transibérica was a pioneer in making the leap (in 2020, with Badlands), to long-distance tests on off-road terrain, in a “gravel” concept, more within reach of the times. modern.
Basajaun was born as an adventure, along the tracks and roads of the environment, inspired by the Basque myth of Basajaun, the lord of the forest, a mythological being guardian of the most virgin and remote forests. Protector of the flocks.
This Sunday the 28th, Basajaun 2024 is celebrated, a single-stage (non-stop) ultra-distance route through the Basque Country in which some 810 km are covered with more than 15,000 meters of accumulated unevenness, seeking an experience that exceeds at least 48 hours long. Along its route you pass through different important natural enclaves, always surrounded by Beeches, Oaks, Holm Oaks and Pines. The route is a 70% off-road and although there are some sections of trail, even “cross country” where for a few hundred meters you have to carry the bike, it is the price to be able to connect various remote environments. Being a non-stop route, a good strategy regarding rest, food and sleep will be key.
“Cyclists must balance the need for speed with the need for rest, as they navigate diverse and often hostile environments, testing their limits of physical and mental endurance.” The organizers of the test declare.
The Basajaun is a test that combines speed, versatility and a more relaxed approach to gravel racing, providing a bit of local culture and always prioritizing the adventure of discovering remote places. Maintaining an “ultra” and competitive spirit, it takes participants to the limits of physical and mental endurance, but focuses on the experience beyond the sporting challenge.
It crosses 7 provinces, 5 natural parks and various biosphere / natura 2000 reserves, allowing bikers cross unique landscapes and immerse yourself fully in nature. You'll need to pedal across a variety of surfaces (loose gravel, dirt, sand, and even mud), making the bike's handling and adaptability crucial. Participants will encounter everything from steep slopes to slightly more technical descents and must be prepared for the climatic and landscape contrasts; from the most humid forests of the Basque Country and the Pyrenees to the most arid areas of Bardenas Reales.
“This world is made for people who don't know they can't. For people who don't hold anything back. For people who decide to live before their turn passes. Because life is not a rehearsal. Because life is here and now. Because living is the only thing that matters.” With this statement, the Basajaun 2023 film begins, and we believe it perfectly defines the spirit of the event.
The organization states that although there will be a final classification based on the order of arrival, following the traditions of ultracycling and bikepacking there will be no prize for the fastest rider, except the honor of arriving first.
The route passes through very special places, places that have more than just a beautiful landscape, they have soul. Urbasa will welcome bikers in its meadows and beech forests on its 1000 m plateau that divides the Mediterranean climate from the Atlantic. The Irati jungle is one of the few sites that, despite the deforestation carried out in the Middle Ages for the construction of ships, the later metal industry and the border fights between Spain and France, preserves one of the largest masses European beech and spruce forests. The semi-desert area of Bardenas Reales will also make many of the participants turn their heads and finally the clay soil and the large pedriza mountains found in the Sierra de la Demanda will not leave anyone who pedals there indifferent either.
As we already know, these are 100% careers in self-sufficiency. Participants must be self-sufficient and bring their own supplies and equipment. Support is minimal and riders should be prepared for mechanical issues, navigation challenges, and physical setbacks. However, in Basajaun it is allowed to share the route with other participants, thus generating a community. Unlike some competitive sports, where the approach can be intensely individualistic, the gravel community often emphasizes camaraderie and mutual support. Stories of cyclists helping each other through difficult sections, sharing the suffering, or simply encouraging each other to overcome the challenge of completing the course are common.
This sense of community extends beyond the trials themselves. Events often include pre-race gatherings, post-race celebrations, and welcoming the last participants to complete the challenge.
Another extremely relevant aspect is the environmental impact of the tests and at Basajaun they take this into account. Basajaun is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable tourism. The route is designed to respect the natural landscape and efforts are made to positively interact with local communities, seeking to create a deeper connection with the areas through which it rides.
One of the big objectives is also to encourage female cyclists to participate in the tests; “Since Transibérica was born in 2018, we have seen a constant increase in female participation,” the organizers declare. To promote this, initiatives such as Women Cycling Camp have been introduced which provide training and support to female cyclists of all levels. "We hope to make ultracycling increasingly accessible and attractive to women," explain the organizers.
As the popularity of ultra gravel racing continues to grow, so does the innovation within the sport. New careers are emerging all over the world. The inclusivity of the sport and emphasis on personal achievement over competition attracts a wide range of participants, from elite athletes to weekend amateurs.
In a world where many seek to push their limits and explore the unknown, ultra gravel racing stands as a test of endurance, resilience and adventure. Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a new challenge or an endurance enthusiast drawn to the thrill of the race, ultra-distance gravel racing offers a journey through some of the most beautiful yet demanding terrain in the world.