[robi.gazza]

Hello everybody,
those of you who are looking for a new and exciting race, should take a look at this:

www.mongoliabikechallenge.com

1 GREAT RACE
10 STAGES
1400 KM
14000 METERS OF CLIMBING

A long and tough race, open to competitive professionals as well as amateurs, which will take place across the solitary stepps of Mongolia from where in the 13th century mongolian shepherds were sent off by the brave Genghis Khan to a sudden and striking conquest of Central Europe, China and the Middle East.
The MONGOLIA BIKE CHALLENGE is not only going to be a mountain bike race in laps, but also and most of all a tough physical and psychological perseverance test, which every participant is going to be put through.

From 7 to 22 august 2010.
The entries are already open.

for info:
[email protected]

Roberto

 

[LyndaW]

That looks sweet! What is the date of the event? There is not a date on the website.

 

[robi.gazza]

The event will be from 7 to 22 august 2010

 

[mtblivoti]

Wow....incredible chalenge, what is the temp there in Aug.?

 

[robi.gazza]

We will be travelling between the 43º and 49º northern longitude and within a very continental area, desert and stepps. In August we will find ourselves at the peak of the boreal summer with sudden temperature changes between day and night. During the day and near the GOBI temperatures can rise up to 45/50 ºC and drop to 0 ºC during the night. In the north, heavy or light showers are possible.

 

[Raymann]

A friend of mine told me I should check this endurance race out. I'm glad to see it has a forum on the website. The race looks really amazing. My question to you is where will the riders be staying after each stage of the race?

 

[scooter2468]

A friend of mine told me I should check this endurance race out. I'm glad to see it has a forum on the website. The race looks really amazing. My question to you is where will the riders be staying after each stage of the race?

from the FAQ:

Where we'll sleep at the finish of each stage?

In tent or TOURIST CAMP furnished from the organization.

 

[Jim FtCO]

Wow!

I am out in that neck of the woods about every month (not Mongolia, per se, but south/east of there), and will plan a side-trip to the venue in August to get some beta.

Radar... up.

 

[Raymann]

I understand from the website that there will be a media team following the event. How will this work? What are the details? Will people I know be able to track me through the race?

Thanks.

 

[robi.gazza]

I understand from the website that there will be a media team following the event. How will this work? What are the details? Will people I know be able to track me through the race?

Thanks.

There will be various media present at the event. We will have two cameramen and four ofiicial photographer, and various journalist that will race and write articles for mbt magazines. We will also have the race tracker so people could know your position in every moment.

 

[Raymann]

I understand from the “Technical Equipment” section on your website that you recommend we bring everything necessary for maintenance and repairs. I take this to mean tires, tubes, chains, oil etc. Will tools be available or should racers plan on bringing all of their own? What if a racer has a second bike? Are racers permitted to bring a second frame or a second bike altogether?

Thanks

 

[robi.gazza]

I understand from the "Technical Equipment" section on your website that you recommend we bring everything necessary for maintenance and repairs. I take this to mean tires, tubes, chains, oil etc. Will tools be available or should racers plan on bringing all of their own? What if a racer has a second bike? Are racers permitted to bring a second frame or a second bike altogether?

Thanks

at the end of each stage there will be a mechanical workshop where you can check your bike. if you have your own parts you don't pay nothing for the check, otherwise you will pay the cost of the part replaced. You can bring a second bike or a second frame, in each case remember that the organization will have two NEVI titanium bike, available to whoever needs it.

 

[whalex]

...During the day and near the GOBI temperatures can rise up to 45/50 ºC and drop to 0 ºC during the night.

Hi Robi, first of all thank you guys for what seems a great challenge! Smells to adventure in these posts.
Following what you mention above, hydration is key. What kind of support the organization provides to the bikers?
ciao

 

[granite]

MBC vs MTB Himachal?

While I think racing the Mongolian desert and mountains for 10 days must be an incredible adventure, from reading the race regulations I think this race is a bit overpriced for what the organizers provide. Compare for instance the entry fee of 1400 euro (>2000 US$) to a $750 fee for MTB Himachal, also a 10-day race in Northern India in September. I might be wrong but my guess would be that prices in Mongolia are not much higher than in India.
I have raced Himachal in 2008 and know that for your fee you get perfect support, including your very spacious tent being set up and taken down by the crew, warm (bucket) showers being ready at the end of each stage, warm chai and snacks being ready right after each stage finish and supper shortly afterwards. It may seem that packing your tent is not a big deal, but in events like this one, every minute spent not taking care of your body or your bike is time wasted.
I am sure the organizers will figure all these little things during the inaugural event, but it would be interesting to know how many similar races have they put together before? I have no affiliation with the Himachal organizers (HASTPA organization), but I can attest that they handled their race as pros for 3x less money.
Best luck to all who try this one!

 

[robi.gazza]

Hi Robi, first of all thank you guys for what seems a great challenge! Smells to adventure in these posts.
Following what you mention above, hydration is key. What kind of support the organization provides to the bikers?
ciao

Hi whalex
As you know the water in the desert is a precious thing, for this reason we will have two trucks only for water transport. For hydration as well as water we will give drinks, these will be available in the refreshment points along the route and of course before and after each stage.
About mineral and salt integration we are talking with some company and we hope to soon confirm their presence as sponsor.
robi

 

[robi.gazza]

While I think racing the Mongolian desert and mountains for 10 days must be an incredible adventure, from reading the race regulations I think this race is a bit overpriced for what the organizers provide. Compare for instance the entry fee of 1400 euro (>2000 US$) to a $750 fee for MTB Himachal, also a 10-day race in Northern India in September. I might be wrong but my guess would be that prices in Mongolia are not much higher than in India.
I have raced Himachal in 2008 and know that for your fee you get perfect support, including your very spacious tent being set up and taken down by the crew, warm (bucket) showers being ready at the end of each stage, warm chai and snacks being ready right after each stage finish and supper shortly afterwards. It may seem that packing your tent is not a big deal, but in events like this one, every minute spent not taking care of your body or your bike is time wasted.
I am sure the organizers will figure all these little things during the inaugural event, but it would be interesting to know how many similar races have they put together before? I have no affiliation with the Himachal organizers (HASTPA organization), but I can attest that they handled their race as pros for 3x less money.
Best luck to all who try this one!

Hi granite,
thanks for your post.
We do not know the reality of India and the race of which you speak.
We believe, however, to know very well the Mongolian land in which we decided to bring our experience. The members of the organization came largely from the world of mtb races attending since the early 90's. We have experienced as a racers in most of the race all over the world ( IDITABIKE, CROCODILE TROPHY, RALLY DU KENIA, TRANSALP, etc...). This experience has lead us first in the creation PROGETTOAVVENTURA, our travel agency specialized in mountain bike trips around the world. In recent years we have accompanied Europeans biker (mostly Italians), in our adventure travel (i'll quote some, if you're interested you can visit our site www.progettoavventura.com ):
Atacama desert, Patagonia, Nepal (Annapurna), Sahara desert, Atlas Mountain, British Columbia and Canadian Rockies, and Mongolia.
We decided to merge our passion for racing with our travel agency experience, so, more or less three years ago the idea of MBC was born.
Obviously, the first edition may be an unknown factor, both for those who organized than for those who participate, however our goal is to provide a high level of competition since the first edition.
And we hope to see you at the start line!!!

 

[granite]

Robi - thanks for the info about your team background, impressive. I should also correct myself; Himachal cost was up to $1000 for 2009, so it will probably be $1200 in 2010. If you are interested in more details about that race, go to www.mtbhimachal.com This race enjoys large support from the local government, since the organizers promote the state of Himachal Pradesh as an adventure tourist destination.
Your event seems more hard-core and it is for sure on my radar for this or next year.
Granite

 

[robi.gazza]

Robi - thanks for the info about your team background, impressive. I should also correct myself; Himachal cost was up to $1000 for 2009, so it will probably be $1200 in 2010. If you are interested in more details about that race, go to www.mtbhimachal.com This race enjoys large support from the local government, since the organizers promote the state of Himachal Pradesh as an adventure tourist destination.
Your event seems more hard-core and it is for sure on my radar for this or next year.
Granite

HIMACHAL seems to be a very interesting race, i've never been in that area sure it will be a good resaon to join the race.