Hellenic Mountain Race 2024 – Experience Report

My Experience at the Hellenic Mountain Race: An Epic Bikepacking Adventure

I recently participated in the Hellenic Mountain Race, an 870 km race through the Pindus Mountains in Greece. As usual for races organized by Nelson Trees, this event also leads to remote locations and includes several hike-a-bike sections. With almost 29,000 meters of elevation gain, the race was a real challenge.

The Setting and the Course

The Hellenic Mountain Race starts in Meteora, a place known from the Transcontinental Race (TCR), and ends in Nafpaktos on the Mediterranean, about 120 km from Athens. The course runs through the wild and rugged landscape of the Pindus Mountains, offering breathtaking views and extreme challenges.

The Start: Heat and Heavy Rain

The start of the race was marked by extreme weather conditions. With temperatures around 32 degrees, the first climbs were particularly strenuous. Starting at 4 PM on the first day, we were then surprised by heavy rain that lasted all night. The rain turned many of the trails into difficult and dangerous passages, forcing us to carry or push our bikes. The plan to reach the first checkpoint at kilometer 270 in one go was completely unrealistic. Many of us, myself included, lay down in front of a church with a large porch to get at least some shelter from the rain.

Due to the warm temperatures the day before, I had decided not to take my sleeping mat, which turned out to be a mistake on this first cool night. Sleeping was almost impossible under these circumstances.

Second Day: Giving Up Was Not an Option

On the second day, the course led over slippery stone steps and river crossings, increasing the challenge. At this point, I noticed that my brake pads were completely worn out. The mix of water and sand had literally ground them down. Fortunately, I had spare brake pads with me. At a small bistro, I could change my worn brake pads, which other riders did as well. Shortly before the first checkpoint, there was a hike-a-bike section that physically challenged me to the highest point of the race, a mountain lake. The descent from there to the checkpoint was technical, flowing, and also damn fun.

 

In the afternoon, I reached the first checkpoint after 287 km and a total riding time of about 33 hours and 43 minutes. Here I could eat something and rest in a dormitory, which was urgently needed.

 

Third Day: Breathtaking Landscapes (169 km / 5077 m)

At 2:30 AM, I started the third day. The course led through the most beautiful landscapes of the race. From the first checkpoint, I didn't see much of the landscape in the first three hours, but after that, it became more and more impressive. Remote valleys, deep forests, and highlands – everything a mountain biker's heart desires. This section offered perfect gravel rides and rewarded us with breathtaking views.

Around 7 PM, I reached checkpoint 2. Here, too, it was advisable to have a warm meal and a bed. Two hours of restful sleep are better than four hours in a bivy sack – that was the plan. However, the loud dormitory and stuffy air kept me from sleeping, so I decided to start again at midnight.

Fourth Day: The Most Beautiful Night Ride I've Ever Had (204 km / 7000 m)

I started the fourth stage in the middle of the night. The ascent up a mountain strongly reminded me of the Stelvio Pass, only on gravel. The sight of the rising moon behind the mountains was very emotional and impressive for me – my highlight of the race. Many places reminded me more of North America than Greece: green landscapes, forests as far as the eye can see, and traces of bears.

After 204 km and 7000 meters of elevation, I found a bivouac spot in the forest on a path.

Fifth Day: Thunderstorms in the Mountains and a Surprising Café

The night was starry, and sleeping on a forest path was simply wonderful. After about 1.5 hours in the bivouac, I continued, still in the middle of the night. A 20 km long asphalt climb lay ahead, which I took very easily. During the climb, I noticed that I was still very tired and decided to take a power nap by the roadside. The temperatures were very mild at 12 degrees, so this was possible without a sleeping bag. Just in time for sunrise at 5:45 AM, I reached the summit.

The descent was cool, and the fatigue returned. Down in the village, there was a checkpoint with sofas and woolen blankets – the perfect place for a restful sleep of three hours. After the checkpoint, a section with 170 km without supply possibilities began, so it was important to refill everything in the village.

After the checkpoint, the climb began, and the switchbacks wound up the mountain. Just before the summit, I met a good friend who had trouble with his tire. During our conversation, it started to thunder. Thunderstorms in the mountains are particularly unpleasant. In the extremely steep and exposed descent, it started to rain, the temperature dropped, and I began to shiver. It was dumb that I had thrown away my emergency blanket in the morning. In a village, I sought shelter under the porch of a church to take off my wet clothes and not cool down completely. From here, it was still 130 km without a hot drink to the finish – that seemed very unpleasant to me. But even the next possibility to go to a hotel was hardly reachable.

The rain eased, and I continued my ride. The path was mostly up and down on asphalt, so it rolled very well. In a village, there was a sign with the inscription "Café" – and it was one, the best in the world. Upon entering, I was greeted with the words: "Hello Mr. Wurm, how are you?" It turned out that the owners of their organic café were closely following the race. Tea, coffee, and sandwiches – everything the heart desires.

After a refreshment, I went into a loop into the valley and back up to the same village. The temptation was great, but it was only 100 km to the finish. I met George and Jacob and rode with them into the night. Jacob decided to bivouac in the wet forest, I knew that there was a church in the next village – churches are the perfect sleeping place. George followed my lead and lay down with me. At night, we heard Jacob's freewheel, George jumped up and rode after him. I was too tired and stayed lying for another hour.

About 20 km later, I was able to overtake Jacob and George in the next bivouac and ride towards Nafpaktos with the sunrise.

Finish: An Unforgettable Moment

After a total of four days, 23 hours, and 16 minutes, I reached the finish in Nafpaktos as the 10th. The feeling of having made it was overwhelming. Friends and other participants greeted me at the finish, and it was a moment full of joy and relief.

Equipment and Learnings

For the Hellenic Mountain Race, I used the following CYCLITE bags:

• TOP TUBE BAG / 02
• FRAME BAG / 01
• SADDLE BAG / 01
• RACE BACKPACK

In retrospect, I could have used the smaller saddle bag, but the larger one provided me with more comfort when packing and the ability to take extra gear.

Important Learnings:

• Take a sleeping mat: Even if the temperatures seem warm at first, it can get very cold at night.
• Sufficient brake pads: The abrasive dirt can wear out the pads faster than expected.
• Knowledge of your own bike: Good preparation and maintenance of the bike are essential.

Conclusion

The Hellenic Mountain Race was the toughest and most impressive race I have participated in so far. It presented me with immense physical and mental challenges and rewarded me with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes. This race is a must for anyone looking for a true bikepacking adventure.