Day #6 How I threw my bike to a scarp

A cyclist in a bright yellow jacket, helmet, and sunglasses rides through a black inflatable archway that says "CRAFT" on a grassy field. The archway has white circular patterns on its legs. Two black vertical flags with "CRAFT" written on them in white are positioned on either side of the arch. The background shows a sunset sky with hues of orange and purple near the horizon, and dark hills in the distance. The overall scene appears to be an outdoor event or race at dawn or dusk.

It was one of the toughest mornings of the race. I didn’t wake up in a dark dirty hole, but in a very comfy and soft bed. I didn’t want to leave. But the first checkpoint was only 100 kilometres away and I was convinced to make it. My plan was to do it before three in the afternoon, so I could reach the borders with the Czech Republic at the end of the day.

It was easy in the beginning. Nice roads, straight track with only a small pitch. Part of the route was in a forest, but it was easily passable and I was moving forward very fast. I have already biked through big mountains and all the hills here were tiny and ridiculous. It was all too beautiful, so it had to end soon.

I don’t even know, when it came. Suddenly it was really hard to move forward. Hills became longer, steeper and I had to go back to pushing. I was close to the first checkpoint, but I had to fight really hard with each one kilometre. Sometimes I checked, if I’m alone and if so, I screamed what I think about these roads. And it wasn’t anything pleasant. Then I stopped checking, if I’m alone. I knew that no one is going to help me here…

Bike in a hole

In my worst moment, I threw the bike into a hole. I had to admit very soon that it won’t solve any of my problems, so I grabbed it again and started pushing. As if it wasn’t enough, I destroyed my braking plates on the rear tire. From now on, I only used the front brake.

A smiling male bikepacker, wearing a yellow jacket, black pants, helmet, and a backpack, is on his mountain bike on a dirt path. He has a rolled-up mat and a race number "038" attached to his handlebars. In the background, there's a field of tall grass, trees, and a large black inflatable cylinder with "CRAFT" written on it.

After more than 500 kilometres, I finally saw that finishing black arc. I was so happy. I grabbed a bottle of Kofola (Czech coke) and ate something that the people in the CP offered me. They were very helpful. I told myself that I was going to sleep here. The tents looked warm and friendly.

A runner arrived about half an hour after me. It was kind of depressing, because … you know… I’m on a bike and he is on his on own feet and still can keep up with me. A few shots made it right.

Two male bikepackers are taking a break, sitting outdoors behind a small table laden with various drinks, including what appears to be water, soda, and alcoholic beverages. The man on the left wears a bright yellow jacket and holds a small glass. The man on the right, in a blue jacket with a white headband and sunglasses on his head, looks down at something in his hands. In the background, there's a grassy field and a sign that reads "CP1, 1000 Miles, 536 km."

It was getting dark and I had to decide, if I was going to continue on my journey or join the cheerful crew of CP1 and enjoy the beautiful night full of drinking and eating. I decided to challenge myself (as usual) and continue. The sun went down already and the bears left their lairs. I didn’t know if they just wanted to scare me, but the crew told me that there is a few of them.

I entered the woods. I shouldn’t have done it.

A person wearing a yellow jacket, helmet, and backpack walks next to a bicycle on a grassy track. The bike has water bottles and a front bag. To the left is a large black inflatable arch with "CRAFT" written on it, and further down the track are smaller "CRAFT" markers on the ground, indicating a race or event. In the background are hills covered in trees under a bright sky.

Hurray to the woods

After 500 metres I broke my gearing. I could have returned back to CP1, but that would be total defeat. So I continued. I got lost. I was pushing my bike through some bushes trying to find the path again. I lost my bottle with water. And then everything drowned in darkness. Since my headlamp was only decorative (its light was very weak) I stuck the bike spotlight to my helmet. It was nice a change.

I saw a lot of shining eyes that were watching me on the road. I was hoping that it’s only the eyes of an innocent doe. Fortunately, nothing attacked me. After a big dose of fear, I made it to a solid road. I wanted to challenge myself once more and cross Váh, which is a big river in Slovakia. For a few tens of minutes, I was lost in the reed, but I made it to the shore.

A group on the other side gave me advice about the best place to cross the river. I took off my boots, got the bike on my shoulder and went into the water. After a few steps, I almost fell into it. I gave it up after several minutes. I wanted to try it again tomorrow. It will be easier in sunlight. I made a camp next to the shore and I fell asleep very soon…