Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Which reminds me of a man met on the Sudovia Gravel 2025 race route. It was the most difficult ride and race I've ever experienced. Even if it was mid-May, the temperature was down to 3 C, it rained all the time, and it was windy. Premium gravel roads turned into jelly, and dirt roads became deep mud. Necessary to mention, Sudovia is a very hilly region: just very steep short hills and steep descents (up to 14% grade). I was about to withdraw from the race and return on asphalt but then thought it would be still a several hours' ride in the cold, rain and wind anyway so why not finish the race properly?
As I was riding a countryside road, I spotted a man running his bike. It was like he walked his bike but he was running with his bike along him instead! I slowed down and talked to the man. Turned out, he was Lithuanian, so we spoke in English. Turned out his drivetrain got damaged beyond the field repair. I promised him I would give a phone call for help. Unfortunately, there was no GSM coverage in the area, and when I eventually connected to the organisers they told me they were unable to help.
Plucky Ernestas run for at least 12 km (or maybe even much more). Strangely enough, he was 19th male overall for the 3-day stage race! What an example!
Now fancy if he could finish the race if his bike were heavy
Call my looks as you please but this picture says something of the conditions (I was prepared!)
My competitor in e-Sprint didn't make it!
That climb was at least on asphalt.
"Sudovian Mountains".
One of the starting groups. My brother (left) rode a flat handlebar gravel bike and took a good place. The man on an MTB was a local, yet he didn't finish the race!
Last edited:
