A Word: What Self-Supported Really Means

Marei Moldenhauer put pen to paper exploring what self-supported means in a post to close her commentary of Taunus Bikepacking. We’ve opted to publish her post as a standalone feature in order to allow it to be shared and read by many more.

Marei’s writing comes from her experiences over the past three seasons riding the Transcontinental Race, Taunus Bikepacking, Bright Midnight and most recently finishing first woman and eighth overall at the Atlas Mountain Race. She writes fairly and succinctly on the reasons for the rules existing and why we all gain from the rules being followed. Her words are in the context of Taunus Bikepacking, but they apply to many bikepacking races around the world. Marei’s words may or may not resonate with you, either way her writing encourages some introspection on why we choose organised events over a tour and what we sign up to when we do.

We thank Marei for her honest writing on this subject without frill or blaming. She finishes her post with a personal note that many bikepackers will be familiar with: the value of a hard earned finish, without support.

Header image: Tom Gibbs, . All other images: .

The ultracycling world is small and unregulated. No governing bodies. No club structures. No prize money – even for events that call themselves “races.” There’s just your own sense of pride and achievement when you cross the finish line. The Taunus Bikepacking does not call itself a “race”. It is, however, an unsupported ultra-bikepacking event and that means: there are rules.

Ultracycling is growing, more and more people are applying for events and races and some people are starting to earn money with this sport. And I do believe that this is in general a good thing. Why not make something more visible, more popular that has been so positive for so many? However, with growing attention, it becomes even more important to understand and address the unique nature of these events. When you apply to such an event, you're also accepting a framework.

So here are a few words about that. This isn’t about pointing fingers – it's simply a reminder of what this is all about.

What does "unsupported" mean?

“Unsupported” sounds simple and in a way, it really is simple. It means: you don’t rely on anyone else to finish your ride. No help from friends, no private resupply, no mechanical support that others wouldn’t have access to. You don’t look for an easy way out. You don’t take shortcuts. When things go wrong, you look for a solution. Not in others, but in yourself. Some events allow “trail magic” - unexpected kindness like water or snacks provided by kind strangers. Some allow riding in pairs. Taunus Bikepacking is one of them. That can be beautiful. It creates moments of connection, with locals and with each other. And yes, being able to talk to someone for an hour or ride together for a while can lift you up a lot more than any energy gel. But even then: you carry your own gear, solve your own problems, ride the route kindly provided and scouted by Jesko.

Why the hard rules?

In a way, it is “just” a bike ride.. So why not let someone bring you that missing shifting cable? Why not take a shortcut if no one sees you? Well, because it is not just a bike ride.

1. Level playing field: First of all: Because the rules are the game. Like in any game - say Skat - if you don’t follow the rules, it’s no longer fair, and no longer fun for anyone playing. In ultracycling, that means everyone faces the same conditions.

2. Protecting the spirit of the ride: Finishing an ultra - really finishing it, by the rules - is an incredible feeling. You’ve cycled the whole thing. You’ve managed to find solutions to the problems. You’ve faced your own worst moments and moved through them, all by yourself. That’s where the transformation lies. That’s why it matters. Yes, it is hard. Incredibly hard. But also beautiful.

3. Maintain integrity: Even in events like Taunus, there are people who “race”. And even for those who don’t, finishing something like this can be special for so many reasons. I’ve heard from people who were once told they’d never be able to do sports again – and yet they finished ultra races like these, sometimes with tears of joy in their eyes. Without some rules, the line between “bike ride” and “challenge” blurs. And when someone breaks these simple rules, it can diminish the achievement of those who didn’t. The pride we feel after finishing an ultra that was really, really hard is tainted when it’s not earned through integrity.

4. Meaning through hardship: The constraints make every small win – finding food, fixing your bike, pushing through exhaustion – more meaningful. As humans, we tend to assign more value to things that are hard. At the finishers’ party, we all know: we’ve been through something. And that connects us.

If that’s not your kind of riding - that’s completely fine. There are many beautiful and rewarding ways to explore the world by bike. But when you enter an unsupported ultracycling event, you enter into a sort of contract - with yourself, and with the others on the route.

It is really hard to accept that you have to scratch from a race or event because you forgot to take the shifting cable and the bike shop can’t help you. It is difficult to accept you have to turn around when you realize your navigation has failed, skipping sections of the mandatory route. But it is part of the game to come prepared and take everything you need. To find creative solutions when things go wrong, to find your way. Mistakes happen to everyone. It is how you deal with them that makes all the difference. Mindfulness and patience are key skills, not only in these situations, but in everyday life. And if you take risks by not packing everything, packing lighter, or even just because you didn’t plan thoroughly, it can quickly end your ride. That is the game. If your solution is just to hope no one will notice, you might simply not be ready for the demands of the event, as harsh as it might sound.

If you take a look at the route, you quickly realize Taunus Bikepacking is not about taking the easy road.

There are only 99 places. This year we had 212 applications. Jesko had to turn down more than half of them who would have loved to ride this event. Sticking to the simple rules shows respect for not only the other riders on the course, but even the ones that didn’t even get a chance to be on the start line. That’s why it’s so important to have a level playing field. So that everybody involved can have the adventure they deserve.

A personal note: Ultracycling has changed my life - and changed me as a person. I was a shy and anxious child. I was afraid of the dark, afraid of the unknown. Routines made me feel safe. I didn’t like stepping outside them. I also didn’t trust myself or my body. I never saw myself as athletic. Like many women, I also struggled with body image for some time in my life. Ultracycling helped me overcome a lot of that. I’ve learned to sleep outside, alone. I’ve learned to take up space in the world, to trust my own judgement and my body. I’ve learned to be proud of my achievements, and I am learning to set myself ambitious goals, even if I might fail. I’ve come to appreciate my body for what it can do, not just how it looks. I’ve learned that I can get through hard things - and that’s a skill I now carry into many parts of my life.

That’s the freedom the rules give you. You earn your strength. And no one can take that from you.

The boundaries define the terrain - but within them, you find out what you're capable of.