Finding new limits at the Traka 560k Adventure

The Traka is a series of gravel bike events based out of cycling paradise, Girona, Spain. While the shorter Traka events are raced, the 560km event is classed as an adventure distance with over 10,000m of elevation and is limited to 200 spots. Riders can expect to be out on course for two days, self supported and carrying all their gear with them. 

This year saw the innugural edition of the 560km distance. Henry Fuller, a seasoned cyclist from Reading, wanted to test his limits on this challenging event. We spoke to him to understand what motivates him to push into new physical and mental territory and what he learnt about himself while being on the gravel trails for 30 hours.

You did the Traka 360km last year, which is a beast in itself. What made you sign up for the inaugural 560km distance?

Firstly, Traka is the biggest gravel race in Europe, it’s hard to say why, but the event moves people and is special. This year the organisers offered me a place in the 560km following the 360km and I couldn’t say no.

I wanted to find new limits, I needed something bigger than my experiences to date, something that could scare me. The sense of not knowing what happens after a certain point, the mystery and the pursuit of adventure.

Describe the low point of the race for you and how did you get through it?

The lowest point of my race was with 30km left to go. I had one foot with severe cramp and I was struggling to pedal, unable to put my palms on the bars. The realisation that the night would fall upon me once more before I crossed the finish line kicked in. So close to the finish, but still over an hour away, the event teasing me 31 hours deep.

Earlier in the day I’d lost my DI2 gears, and was riding the climbs, descents and flats in the middle of the cassette. Determined to finish, but tempted to just stop and put it down to mechanical failure. I reminded myself if the goal was finishing, it was actually me who was failing because I had one gear, and could still finish. Admittedly, not ideal, but I could finish… so I reminded myself of that choice… and I took the right one which was to continue. Shortly after I managed to recover my gears!

How does a multi day endurance event like that change you? What did you learn about yourself?

I wasn’t 100% making the start of the race until 12 hours to go, with a bike issue and being reliant on the delivery of a part to get the bike up and running, I felt I couldn’t prepare myself mentally in the way I normally do. I kept reminding myself you have to wait until you know, and then allow the emotions to be lived.

The fact is, these events move you and change you. They remind you of the raw components of life. Eating , breathing and sleeping surrounded by and immersed in nature, nothing taken for granted and the requirement to remain in belief that all will work out. But you may have to go on a journey to get there.

What makes you do these hard challenges?

I’ve got a desire to keep getting better, personally and as a cyclist in life. Finding the energy to train harder, learn new skills requires challenge and for me the challenge is about resetting boundaries and testing resilience. The minute I crossed the finish line of Traka 560, I started on a new journey of feeling like the achievement was small, and that I’d need to go again and go bigger. I think it’s fair to say these are good drugs, and I’m addicted.

---

Follow Henry on Instagram @henryfuller

For information on The Traka visit their website

Photographry by: Roger Salanova @rsalanova, Chema Velasco @chemavelascophoto and Henry Fuller.