M A U R I T A N I EL'AVENTURE EN LIBERTÉ

You will be treated to landscapes of great diversity, from the tabular mountains of the Adrar to the vast expanses of the Mauritanian Empty Quarter, passing th…You will be treated to landscapes of great diversity, from the tabular mountains of the Adrar to the vast expanses of the Mauritanian Empty Quarter, passing through stunning canyons where crocodiles still survive — true living fossils from the humid period.

I know Mauritania intimately, having been traveling across it for years — by 2cv, by bicycle, and on foot. I notably wrote a book dedicated to the country, detailing several thousand kilometres of tracks and off-road routes, with precise GPS recordings. Over the years, I have also developed a strong network of contacts across the various regions of the territory.

THE TRACE NOMADE IN A FEW WORDS :

_ Designed for fat bikes (80% sand),

_ A loop of approximately 1,125 miles starting from Atar,

_ Terrain breakdown: 0.3% tarmac roads, 45% off-road, with the remainder split between well-defined tracks and faint 4x4 traces of varying visibility,

Autonomy, a key factor :

_ It will be impossible to find any spare parts to repair your bike : you will

need to be completely self-sufficient.

TRACE NOMADE

The Trace Nomade is an extraordinary long-distance ultra-cycling project, covering a distance of 1,118 miles — an unprecedented adventure at the heart of the Sahara.

The event will take place in Mauritania, on a loop route starting from Atar, the capital of the Adrar tourist region. More details

Click the image to view the video

As part of the development of this Ultra event, I am looking for an organizer to help co-create and drive the project forward.

Experience in the ultracycling world is highly valued, whether as an amateur rider, a semi-professional athlete, or a former competitor who remains connected to the community.

Athletic and adventurous profiles are also welcome, especially if you have a strong interest in event organization and project development.

She should also be able to take part in on-site reconnaissance and validate the route by bicycle.

This ultra in the heart of the Sahara follows the spirit of the Iditarod Trail Invitational 1000 : navigation, off-trail riding, and complete isolation.

However, it stands apart with greater accessibility: a more rideable course (minimal pushing), milder temperatures (5°C at night and 35°C during the day), and an entry process with no requirement for a racing résumé (it’s up to you to be honest with yourself).

_ Two major sections of absolute off-road with no GPX track, requiring full navigation. The first spanning 75 miles and the second 236 miles. Only an entry point and an exit point will be provided. Two 100% sand sections with dune crossings, either direct or by going around (always possible but longer). It will be up to you to anticipate the best passages through these dune ridges to save time.

_ A 546 mi stretch with no oasis and not a soul to be seene. Your self-supported nutrition strategy will will be absolutely critical.

_ A 236 mi section without a single water source. Your hydration strategy must be flawless. Well locations will be provided along the rest of the route (don't forget your Micropur tablets).

_ Participants who manage their water consumption efficiently will be able to skip detours to certain wells and gain valuable time.

If you are ready to commit as co-organiser in the setting up of this Ultra, send an email to :

aventure 2cv

I am looking for an experienced adventurer, driven by a spirit of exploration, to complete the full ITI 1000 route by bike in complete self-sufficiency and without support.

The objective would be to set off just after the official start of this iconic race, in ITT (Individual Time Trial) mode, to benefit from the route marking and participants’ track.

(In ITT mode, because I don’t have the physical level of the athletes in this event, and because registration is restricted to riders with recognised sporting credentials).