So what to do this summer? Last year I rode across Europe to try and surprise my wife in Latvia, 3 days and 1000 miles later and I was busted somewhere deep in the heart of Poland.  The year before I rode up and down the UK in 10 days.The bar is set pretty high!

I’m in the middle of an MBA so I can’t be gone for too long, so what to do?

Of course, it’s obvious! I’ll race in the Transcontinental race across Europe!

London to Istanbul, 2000 miles, solo, unsupported, just me, a bike and a lot of road in front!

I missed it last year, despite Anda saying I should do it, because I was planning for the Latvian trip. However this year, it’s perfect. The race starts on August 9th, so I will have a first draft of my dissertation completed by then, leave it for 10 days and use that time to ponder on changes as I ride!

I’m number 074 on the roster and I cannot wait, it’s going to be a hoot!!!

I should probably start training!!!

START: WESTMINSTER BRIDGE, LONDON

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CP 1: CAFE AU REVEIL MATIN, PARIS

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CP 2 : PASSO DELLO STELVIO, ITALY

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CP 3: MOUNT LOVCEN, MONTENEGRO

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FINISH: RUMELI HISARI, ISTANBUL

Those are the checkpoints, the racers get to make their route to fit them in, everything else is up to them. The rules are deceptively simple:

1. Riders must ride from the start point to the finish point and visit all mandatory controls en-route.

2. 3rd party support is prohibited. All food, drink and equipment must be carried by the rider or acquired en-route.

3. Drafting is prohibited.

4. All forward land travel must be human powered.

5. Ferries are permitted for expedient coast to coast travel, by approval of the Race Director.

6. Riders are responsible for maintaining positional updates and evidence thereof.

7. More than 3 days of inactivity without contact will be deemed a scratch.

8. No Helmet, No Insurance, No Ride.

9. It is the rider’s responsibility to know and observe local laws.

10. Riders must act in the spirit of self sufficiency and equal opportunity for all racers.

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So. Much. Fun!