First Finisher
EL PIRI 2024 BY TRISTAN CARDEW

At some point in history - I don’t know when and I don’t think anyone ever will - someone, somewhere, got something done on their third attempt at it, and proudly proclaimed:

“Third time’s a charm!”

The saying has stuck around the English lexicon ever since, and for me personally, it has rung, resoundingly and non-stop, through the back of my mind since September last year.

You see, it was October 2022 when I attempted an Ultra-distance bikepacking race for the first time (Atlas Mountain Race, Morocco), and then September 2023 when I gave it another shot (Badlands, southern Spain). Both races were successful in their own ways - I learned a lot and completed them both - though I couldn’t help but feel as if there was something missing:

I needed to finish first in an ultra to really do myself proud.

Maybe it was the bike racer in me. More likely it’s an ego thing. Whatever the reason, a fire had been lit that the first two ultras had only served to further fuel - and it wouldn’t be calmed until I got my objective done... 

 

 

First Finisher
EL PIRI 2024 BY TRISTAN CARDEW

At some point in history - I don’t know when and I don’t think anyone ever will - someone, somewhere, got something done on their third attempt at it, and proudly proclaimed:

“Third time’s a charm!”

The saying has stuck around the English lexicon ever since, and for me personally, it has rung, resoundingly and non-stop, through the back of my mind since September last year.

You see, it was October 2022 when I attempted an Ultra-distance bikepacking race for the first time (Atlas Mountain Race, Morocco), and then September 2023 when I gave it another shot (Badlands, southern Spain). Both races were successful in their own ways - I learned a lot and completed them both - though I couldn’t help but feel as if there was something missing:

I needed to finish first in an ultra to really do myself proud.

Maybe it was the bike racer in me. More likely it’s an ego thing. Whatever the reason, a fire had been lit that the first two ultras had only served to further fuel - and it wouldn’t be calmed until I got my objective done... 


Cue El Piri: A gravel adventure through the Catalan Pyrenees.

A 780 kilometer, 19000 meter Ultra, starting and finishing 300 meters from my doorstep here in Girona.

A race of sizeable proportions, on terrain I liked the sound of (50% road and 50% gravel). The route would head west into the Pyrenees, summit over a dozen high mountain passes, and eventually make its way back to where it started. There would be no time limit, no stages, and no help along the way: this was an “Ultra” in the truest sense of the word; follow the track, find your way, sleep where you want and we’ll see you at the finish.

Exactly what I was looking for, and a third attempt that turned out a charm.

This is my story of El Piri 2024.

See the ride on Strava here.
Watch the story on Youtube here.

 

Cue El Piri: A gravel adventure through the Catalan Pyrenees.

A 780 kilometer, 19000 meter Ultra, starting and finishing 300 meters from my doorstep here in Girona.

A race of sizeable proportions, on terrain I liked the sound of (50% road and 50% gravel). The route would head west into the Pyrenees, summit over a dozen high mountain passes, and eventually make its way back to where it started. There would be no time limit, no stages, and no help along the way: this was an “Ultra” in the truest sense of the word; follow the track, find your way, sleep where you want and we’ll see you at the finish.

Exactly what I was looking for, and a third attempt that turned out a charm.

This is my story of El Piri 2024.

See the ride on Strava here.
Watch the story on Youtube here.

...Summer, mountains, sunshine and heat meant not much was required, and I wanted to get this one done as quick as I could...



...Summer, mountains, sunshine and heat meant not much was required, and I wanted to get this one done as quick as I could...


KIT CHOICE

For El Piri 2024 I went super light in general. Like…as little as I could take. Summer, mountains, sunshine and heat meant not much was required, and I wanted to get this one done as quick as I could.

I started (as always) with my All Day adventure bib-shorts because the combination of mega-comfy chamois with the dual sided pockets means they suit the style of riding perfectly. I love having my phone accessible to film at a moment’s notice, and then fill the other pocket with whatever I need (food, AirPods, arm or leg warmers, for example).

On top I added my trusty, lightweight Race Ultra+ climbers jersey. I choose a thin jersey for bikepacking races because breathability in summer is key, and I’d always prefer to be cool during the day and then layer up at night, rather than overheating and having to pull out…

I then carried a pair of Attaquer arm warmers, knee warmers, buff, and my favourite Race Softshell gilet for when the temperature got chilly.

KIT CHOICE

For El Piri 2024 I went super light in general. Like…as little as I could take. Summer, mountains, sunshine and heat meant not much was required, and I wanted to get this one done as quick as I could.

I started (as always) with my All Day adventure bib-shorts because the combination of mega-comfy chamois with the dual sided pockets means they suit the style of riding perfectly. I love having my phone accessible to film at a moment’s notice, and then fill the other pocket with whatever I need (food, AirPods, arm or leg warmers, for example).

On top I added my trusty, lightweight Race Ultra+ climbers jersey. I choose a thin jersey for bikepacking races because breathability in summer is key, and I’d always prefer to be cool during the day and then layer up at night, rather than overheating and having to pull out…

I then carried a pair of Attaquer arm warmers, knee warmers, buff, and my favourite Race Softshell gilet for when the temperature got chilly.

SHOP THE KIT

SHOP THE KIT

ULTRA CLIMBERS JERSEY
$200.00 AUD

CARGO BIBS
$370.00 AUD

ARM WARMERS
$60.00 AUD

RACE SOFTSHELL GILET
$220.00 AUD