First Ride: Continental Terra Adventure
Positioned at the edge of MTB, Continental introduces the new Terra Adventure: a gravel tire for tons of grip on trails, mud, and loose terrain.
Traka: Packing List for the Unsupported Gravel Race
Katrin and Herbert took on the 360 km at the Traka Gravel Race. Check out their packing list and the video with their tips in the article!
As one of the most important gravel races in the old world, Traka is often referred to as the “Europe's Unbound”. Our colleagues Katrin and Herbert tackled the longest distance of the North Spanish classic at 360 km. In the video, they share tips on how to prepare properly and show what the perfect packing list for an unsupported gravel race can look like.
What is Traka?
“The Traka” is one of the biggest and most popular gravel bike events in Europe and takes place every year in Girona, in the north of Spain. The event combines sportive competition with a festival atmosphere, attracting cyclists from all corners of the globe.
With distances of 100 kilometres for beginners, 200, and 360 kilometres, the route goes through varied, natural gravel paths around the Mediterranean landscape of Catalan Girona. Besides the sportive aspect, the event offers a colourful supporting program with music, expo, and culinary offerings – a true highlight in the gravel calendar!
Video
The Traka places great emphasis on ethics, camaraderie, and environmental consciousness.
Katrin's and Herbert's Gear Tips for Gravel Races
Continental Terra Adventure – Rough Terrain Gravel Tires
If you're riding your gravel-bike mostly on loose ground and rough terrain, then the Terra Adventure is the right tire for you: With its aggressive profile, trail carcass for extra puncture protection, and plenty of grip, it was the right choice for the Traka Race.
- Application Gravel Off-road All-rounder for Trails and Bike packing
- Sizes 45-622 (28x1.75), 50-622 (28x2.00), 55-622 (29x2.20)
- Carcass Trail, 110 tpi
- Compound Grip
- Hookless-compatible yes
- E-Bike Approval yes (25 km/h)
- Weight 532 grams (ETRTO 45-622, weighed)
- Colours Black/Black, Transparent/Black
- Buy Continental Terra Adventure
Here you can see our Continental Terra Adventure Gravel Tire Test!
If you mostly ride trails on your gravel bike, the Continental Terra Adventure is the tyre for you. © bc GmbH
I was surprised how cautiously some other riders rode on the descents. Thanks to the Terra Adventure, I always felt very secure.
Wahoo ELEMNT Ace – Bike Computer with Wind Sensor
With its large, high-resolution colour display, extensive features (including a wind sensor!), and a powerful battery, the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace has set out to scare the competition. How Katrin experienced the Traka race with this device, she tells us in the video.
- Display: 3.8 inch touch colour display, 16 million colours
- Dimensions: 125 × 70 × 20 mm
- Weight: 208 g (weighed)
- Battery, runtime: Lithium-Ion, 30 h
- Storage: 64 GB, 2 GB RAM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN
- Localization: Dual-Band GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- Sensors: Barometric altimeter, gyroscope, compass, accelerometer, wind pressure sensor, ambient light sensor
- Buy Wahoo ELEMNT Ace
With a large touchscreen, long battery life and wind sensor, the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace offers a well-rounded feature set. © bc GmbH
I appreciate the Wahoo ELEMNT Ace for its massive battery life and wide range of functions.
evoc Hydro Pro 3 Hydration Backpack
The Hydro Pro hydration backpack from evoc has a capacity of 3 liters and includes a 1.5-liter hydration bladder. It is lightweight and sits high on the back, making it especially suitable for mountain biking. The main compartment and the two pockets on the chest straps have enough space for tools and more. In two mesh pockets, you can store gels or bars that you need quick access to. The Airo-Flex waist belt ensures a comfortable fit, while your back is well ventilated thanks to the 3D air mesh.
- Volume: 3 liters
- Hydration bladder compartment: 1.5 liters
- Features:
- lightweight hydration backpack with a high fit on the back
- 1.5-liter hydration bladder
- constructed like a vest
- two chest pockets
- Buy evoc Hydro 3 Pro Hydration Backpack
With a total volume of 3 litres and a 1.5-litre hydration bladder, the evoc Hydro 3 offers compact performance. It fits like a vest and sits close to the body. © bv GmbH
A cheerful international field of participants, high willingness to help with breakdowns! Good spirits remained unbroken even in the last 100 km.
Thule Roundtrip Road Bike Case
If you're planning to bring your bike on a long-distance or flight journey, you'll need a secure case. The Thule Roundtrip Road is a bike case that superbly accomplishes this main task, leaving no stone unturned in disassembly and packing as well.
- A rolling transport case for road and cyclocross bikes with all necessary transportation accessories
- Assembly stand with an adapter for various fork insert sizes and frame dimensions
- Secure attachment to the stand thanks to a plastic tightening strap
- Completely detachable tripod mount
- Click-in mechanism to secure the assembly stand in the case
- Integrated wheel transport compartments with brake disk pockets and Velcro fastenings
- Inner pockets for small parts
- Storage with pictogram marking for components and case accessories
- Case sides can be fully opened and folded down
- Compactly foldable for storage
- Buy Thule Roundtrip Bike Case
If you want to pack your bike securely for air travel, the Thule Roundtrip bike case is a reliable solution. © bc GmbH
Topeak E-Booster Digital – electric mini pump
The electric mini pump is a useful companion for all cycling adventures, from MTB to bikepacking. Made from sturdy aluminum and fiberglass composite, it promises durability and reliability on the go.
The small compressor with the digital pressure gauge can achieve up to nine bars of pressure, is compatible with Presta/Sclaverand as well as Schrader car valves, and can be easily attached to the backpack or the bike frame, so it is always ready when you need it.
- Compact mini pump for MTB, road, touring & trekking
- Digital pressure gauge for precise pressure control.
- Compatible with Presta/Sclaverand and Schrader car valves for versatile use.
- Pressure up to: 8 bar
- Weight: 160 g
- Buy Topeak E-Booster Digital
With the Topeak E-Booster Digital, you can inflate your tyres effortlessly on the go – and get precise pressure readings, too. © bc GmbH
The Topeak E-Pump is awesome. The desired pressure can be preset.
Gobik Grit 2.0 K9 Bib Shorts
The Grit 2.0 K9 Bib Shorts from GOBIK are ideal for bikepacking and off-road touring. They offer storage space in the back area as well as subtle, seamlessly processed side pockets made of elastic material for accessories. The shorts are made from breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fabrics with UPF50 sun protection and temperature-regulating functionality. The Elastic Interface seat pad and antibacterial graphene yarn ensure high comfort. The elastic material guarantees an optimal fit for summer adventures on asphalt or gravel.
- High-performance cycling shorts, perfect for use in the summer on road and gravel tours
- Breathable material ensures optimal temperature balance and freshness.
- Integrated UV protection protects the skin from harmful sun rays.
- Stretch fabric offers maximum freedom of movement and a perfect fit.
- Antibacterial properties keep unpleasant odors at bay and ensure a fresh wearing experience.
- Equipped with a high-quality Elastic Interface seat pad for enduring comfort on long distances.
- Buy Grit 2.0 K9 Bib Shorts
While training for the Traka in the High Fens, Kathrin still had to combine her Gobik K9 bibs with thermal leg warmers. In the Spanish sun on race day, that was no longer necessary. © bc GmbH
Must-have side pockets on the Gobik Bib: sticky gel packs stay put until the waste zone
Gobik Infinity Jersey, unisex
This short-sleeved jersey with a "second-skin" fit delivers pro-level quality, combining UV protection, elasticity, and breathability. Advanced materials and optimized construction make it particularly aerodynamic, improving air circulation and speed. Bonded seams not only reduce weight but also increase comfort. The thermo-sealed waistband is equipped with silicone for optimal grip. Three back pockets offer space for essentials. Small, smart details like reflective elements and a zipper cover round off the minimalist design.
- Unisex summer cycling jersey with short sleeves
- provides effective UV protection
- Stretch material for optimal freedom of movement
- Breathable material ensures excellent ventilation, keeping the body cool and dry
- Buy Gobik Infinity Jersey
The Gobik Infinity jersey is especially lightweight and suits both men and women. © bc GmbH
Northwave Razer MTB Shoes
The sturdy shoe is characterized by its durability and excellent wearing comfort, allowing you to fully focus on your ride. A Velcro fastener ensures a secure fit, without pressing or slipping. Ideal for all MTB and gravel enthusiasts who value quality, comfort, and functionality. With these shoes, you're well-prepared for bike adventures.
- MTB shoes with a 2-hole system equipped with a practical Velcro fastener for quick donning and doffing
- Perfect for use in the terrain thanks to robust construction and specialized sole
- Offers excellent hold and stability on the pedal and in terrain
- Optimal fit and comfort for long tours in the saddle
- Durable materials ensure longevity and protection under all conditions
- Buy Northwave Razer MTB Shoes
The Northwave Razer is a lightweight yet durable MTB shoe – a solid choice for gravel races with a strong off-road focus. © bc GmbH
The Northwave Razer has proven itself with a good fit and grippy profile on numerous push and carry sections
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