The Ferry Game
Racing across five islands by bike - and ferry - adds an extra layer of necessity when faced with a multitude of practical and physical obstacles. The ferry will not wait for you - that part of the game gives an extra incentive to go deep.
Photos: Sami Sauri, Enough Cycling
“We are not fans of erring on the side of caution and doing this as a race gave us a new perspective. Everything is more intense. You learn something about yourself all the time. That’s what is interesting about doing these trips for us,” says Federico Damiani of Enough Cycling.
Join Enough Cycling on their stunning journey across the Canary Islands as part of the 700 km Granguanche Audax Gravel.
Asja Paladin, solo
“I loved sharing my experience with the other riders I met on the roads and trails, the sense of freedom. Waking up early in the morning, knowing the only thing you have to do is to ride as far as possible. Until it’s time to sleep again. To cross the islands with such a variety of landscapes, going from sea level to the top of Teide, from 25 degrees to temperatures close to zero degrees. Burning sun and heavy storms.”
Asja finished as the second fastest woman in 3 days 15 hours and 30 minutes.
Mattia De Marchi, solo
“I want to come back and ride Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in daylight. It feels like we might have missed something really amazing riding in the dark.“
Mattia won the solo-category, completing the challenge in 2 days, 12 hours and 59 minutes.
Federico Bassis and Francesco Bettini, pair
“We knew it would be hard. We did our best, but we had some tough moments too. It is really strange in a way. On one hand, you can rely on your partner. On the other hand, you need to be a bit selfish to push through the physical and mental struggle.”
Federico and Francesco finished second, completing 3 days, 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Facts about Granguanche Audax Gravel
- Self-supported, single-stage, fixed-route, ultra-cycling event across the Canary Islands.
- It’s a collective adventure and a challenge to finish the route. It’s a personal race against the clock, not against other riders. In true Audax spirit, riding in groups is allowed
- Leave no trace-principles apply
- The clock never stopped - catching the ferries was a key element of the journey
- Started on Lanzarote - northeast - and ended on El Hierro
- Enough Cycling approached the Granguanche as a race. They were competing in both the solo category and pair category
