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If you had to name, the most epic Gravel race in Europe then Badlands would probably come top of mind. The breathtaking unsupported bikepacking race in the south of Spain makes the heartbeat faster for every Gravel rider. With its spectacular desert mountain ranges, Andalucía reminds you more of the Rocky Mountains. No surprise that it was the scene of countless western movies such as Indiana Jones. We visited with Carlos Mazón, the founder of the Badlands gravel race, who tells us more about the race and exploring its unique location.
I have always admired professional cycling, the epic of yesteryear, the mythical climbs, but above everything, the fact of discovering great places, new places, and traveling around the world.
As I explored my surroundings by bike, I fell more in love with the 2-wheeled means of transport; the feeling of freedom, the strength and the engine we have inside that allows us to overcome barriers, obstacles and that empower us to cross continents.
My physical condition improved step by step and the trips were getting longer and longer. I wanted to experiment, and I set out to cross the United States participating in one of the hardest ultra-cycling routes: the TransAm Bike Race 2015. At that time, I had already made several trips with saddlebags but none like this one: so extreme, so light, practicing bike packing. All I had with me was what I could carry in my bike for 3 weeks, I started my own adventure, 'mindfulness', an unforgettable challenge. A competition like the old ones: with epic, with pain, with agony, and with personal overcoming.
I fell in love. I was proud of myself, of realizing how far I can go. Since then, I have taken part in long-distance races at least once a year. But in Spain, by that time, there was not any kind of these races, and I felt the need to share my land. Rich in contrasts, in people, in gastronomy and with an unbeatable variety. Green, Rocky Mountains, deserted beaches, coves, plains, endless pastures, forests... Countless corners that I try to show in the long-distance events I organize, often away from the clichés of sun and beach quite common for Spain.
For 5 years, I have been discovering Andalusia and I am astonished by its tracks and the potential of the terrain for a gravel event. That´s how Badlands came about. A route that combines 3 semi-desert areas (Gorafe, Tabernas and Cabo de Gata) with the highest pass in Europe (Veleta). Places that surprise most people, even locals, who once lived with western movies and the film industry that in other times characterized that place. Contrasts and nooks that hardly anyone would think could be at such a close latitude.
I am proud that these types of races are so welcoming, proud that they become the goal and motivation of many people to train for several months. They constitute their time to disconnect, to give the best of themselves, to enjoy the route, to marvel with the corners hidden behind each curve and most importantly, to share it with the rest of participants through social media, to complete the circle of this kind of ultra-cycling events to become part of this crazy big family of riders. That is Badlands, that's my world, Carlos Mazón
The route starts in Granada and immediately begins to climb up to Collado Alguacil after 8km at 10% with 1500hm, which is then followed by a long gravel descent to the desert of Gorafe. The next 100km undulates consistently, resulting in a gain of more than 1000hm until you reach the astronomical station atop Calar Alto at 2168m. For the next 50km, the route descends again to almost sea level through the desert of Tabernas, the warmest place in Spain and continental Europe, an authentic hole in the middle of nowhere. From Tabernas, the route climbs up to Sierra Alhamilla at 1260hm before descending again towards the seaside. The next 100km are almost completely flat until you reach Almeria through Cabo de Gata along the Mediterranean sea. Starting from Almeria is a constant up and down in Sierra de la Contraviesa, reaching 1500hm with views of Elejido and 'the Plastic Sea'. After a descent back to sea level, the next 100km climbs steadily to the Pico de Veleta at 3200hm. Before a 60km descent with one 5km climb in between will wait on the way back to Granada. In total, the route is 760 km with 16000hm to be overcome.
