Written by Epic Cycles staff member and brand ambassador Molly Weaver
It’s just under three weeks until I start my first ultra of 2024, a do-over of sorts at the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR) in Morocco.
So, what is the Atlas Mountain Race?
The Atlas Mountain Race is a fixed route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race that starts in Marrakesh, crosses the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains before taking riders through the Anti-Atlas and on to coastal town of Essaouira.
The clock does not stop and there are no prizes. It follows gravel, single and double track and old colonial pistes that have long been forgotten and fallen into disrepair. There is very little tarmac. There is some walking, and at times there are great distances between resupply points.
WHEN: February 9 -17, 2024
WHERE: Start in Marrakech; finish in Essaouira, Morocco
DISTANCE: 1300 kilometres with 21,140m of climbing. Fixed route with 3 staffed checkpoints.
END: After party the evening of February 17th, 2024
Where can I follow the race?
https://dotwatcher.cc/race/atlas-mountain-race-2024 & https://www.instagram.com/atlasmountainrace
Why am I returning to AMR?
After completing nearly 1000 kilometres of the 1300 kilometre route last year, before succumbing to a nasty respiratory infection, a return to the race has been on my mind ever since. I’m not always one for unfinished business, sometimes you get all you need from something without reaching an official end point, but there’s something about AMR that has me hooked.
Returning to Morocco with lessons learned, and far more confidence in a now somewhat familiar culture, brings a new perspective to the race.
This is an event that asks more from you than simply your ability to ride a bike, often much more. In return you’re given an experience that reaches far beyond the confines of the ride itself. Beauty and pain, very much a partnership on the trails of the Atlas Mountains.
What are my ambitions for the race?
This is always a tricky one to quantify, and the sheer number of variables can make it hard to focus too much on an objective, clear cut definition of success. But, in the spirit of transparency my goals are threefold:
- Finish
- Enjoy the adventure, and do so on my own terms
- Be competitive in a seriously strong women’s field (okay I’ll say it…I want to win)
Over the coming weeks I will be taking you through the more practical and logistical sides of the prep, with an in depth run-through of my bags, kit choices, and of course the bike itself.
These are always subjective choices amongst riders and racers, but with experience on this route I’m heading out to Morocco with all of the insights I gained last year.
