4th January 2024
The Year Ahead & New Horizons | MASON Riders 2024
Horizons change as we head into the new year. It's time to reflect on the year just gone and look forward to the adventures ahead.
As we stand on the start line of the New Year, we're taking a moment to reconnect with our esteemed riders, reflecting on their thrilling escapades of 2023 and peering into the exciting prospects awaiting them in 2024. Join us as we delve into their cycling journeys and aspirations, capturing the essence of their boundless passion for the road ahead.
Joe Sasada
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
Too many to choose from, both on and off the bike. Traversing the Guajira desert and La Linea wax palm route in the Central Cordillera(both in Colombia), were right up there. Wild camping beneath Cotapaxi Volcano in Ecuador, and Canon del Pato in Peru also. Off the bike, the chance to meet so many awesome other bike tourers in this weird little south American bikepacking community, and making some (I hope lifelong) friends. And of course, the cultural immersion into the Andean (especially Peruvian) communities has been truly special. Oh, and publishing on bikepacking.com was a nice box to tick!
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
The dogs out here chase different! But the hardest thing has been dealing with a couple of health setbacks (stomach issues, and worse) which have required prolonged time off the bike. Mentally challenging to deal with that all far away from home, but also a great chance to enjoy some more extended periods in different places rather than passing through each place for a night or two. So overall a positive experience despite the challenge.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
So much! Some practical lessons (learned the hard way) like not to any assumptions when it comes to route planning/resupply etc. And some more mental lessons. How to be alone for extended periods without going crazy. And the art of patience. Sometimes the body says no, and you have to respect that. I’ve always taken pride in being a resilient person and I really needed it at times this year.
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
The big goal will be to “complete” my South American tour, whatever that looks like. Currently, the loose plan is to ride from North Argentina down through Patagonia to Ushuaia, by around April time. Thereafter to ride the roads which escaped me this year in Peru, Bolivia and North Chile. Namely the Peru Divide, and down through the Bolivian altiplano, and across the Atacama desert. Plans have a funny habit of changing on this trip though!
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
I think after hauling my 40-50kg fully loaded RAW up and down the Andes for the best part of 2 years (tempting fate here, let’s hope anyway), I’ll be ready to ride something in the sub 10kg region again…I’ll be on my best behaviour throughout 2024 and maybe 2025 Santa will deliver me a new Definition! By then, I’ll be looking forward to reconnecting with the Lanes, cafes and pubs around Bristol, no doubt.
Philippa Battye
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
Highland Trail would have to be race high, perfect conditions and a top 10 finish so I couldn't ask for much more.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
I can't remember feeling scared.. my premptive fears tend to stop me getting in scary situations. I do remember feeling fear for others though, lighting storms in the Pyrenees aren't to be messed with!
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
That it's important to be instinctive, and to listen to your own needs even if it means blocking out external noise telling you to do something else!
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
Hmm. No. Haha. I'm interested in delving deeper into the experiential and immersive nature of racing... not sure that's a goal though.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
I'd be happy on any mason bike!
Tomas Montes
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
The highlight of my cycling trips this year was the Rab Athletes' Meeting in Scotland. It was my first time cycling among the lochs, forests and wet, imposing mountains of the north and the company couldn't have been better. Being able to meet the other members of the team doing what we like the most without any worries for five days I think it deserves to be highlighted as the best of the year.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
My lowest moment this year was during the wonderful Gather Festival we organised in Zero Neuf, in the Ariege region of France. That weekend I think I started to realise that I needed to stop somehow and the physical effort and the heat made me not feel like cycling and taking pictures, something that has always given me energy, joy and happiness.
What was the most unexpected event to happen to you/came across along the way?
It wasn't a physical obstacle or technical difficulty, but it did happen during a recent weekend of solo bikepacking with my Mason RAW where I realised I had to ask for help from the people I love the most because my mental health was going through a dark period and I had to admit it.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
I have learned that we need to be better advised by our loved ones, and to listen to me, and that stopping is not always a failure.
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
To enjoy every day on the bike because it's up to me to make it an adventure.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
All of them. But I would love to add to my RAW a Bokeh with 2 sets of wheels and that would be my perfect garage for all kinds of adventures.
Angus Young
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
The whole Ht550 experience, from pushing myself to the limit all the way to the line to sitting in the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum post event welcoming other finishers in I couldn't have asked for a better week.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
Without doubt the final few hours of SRMR pre-scratch I was so empty that it was a case of only being able to ride 50m at a time before needing to stop. I lay down in the 30 degree sun and sat there shivering, things were not good.
What was the most unexpected event to happen to you/came across along the way?
If i'm being totally honest I would say scratching from the Silk Road Mountain race, without meaning to sound arrogant I came into the race in good form and was confident in my ability. Unfortunately, from a couple of hours in It became very clear that getting round wasn't going to be easy and after failing to ever get over the ood poisoning that I started with I pulled the plug after 1200km.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
Perhaps be even more careful about what I eat pre-event!
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
Plenty of plans are flying around my head but ill be back to SRMR to redeem myself for sure.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
It's now been 5 years that I have been riding for Mason and I've been lucky enough to have the pick of the bunch. There may be a road event or two on my calendar this year so I would be keen to get on an even quicker road setup.
Lisa Pfeiffer
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
My 2023 was so full of adventure, I think it was the most intense year I had so far cycling- wise. It started with a podium finish during the Race Around Rwanda in February and apart from an awesome race experience it was also my first time to travel to Africa. The breathtaking views, the energy of the locals and the sprint for the women's second place - all of those moments are some of my all time favourite memories.
However, not only did I enjoy to explore places as far away as Africa, but as well touring in my home region, Thuringia, which makes for many beautiful days in 2023. Preparation for an event I had always been dreaming of participating in, the Transcontinental Race, was a lot more fun whenever I had the chance to train in my favourite hills.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
During the TCRN09 I learned a lot - and aside from cycling through the Balkans, which was definitely another highlight of 2023, I learned to be patient with myself and to let go of certain beliefs. I endured some of the hardest moments, but I look back with gratitude. What started as a race soon became a journey which didn't stop at the finish in Thessaloniki.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
Probably more than ever I realised how important it is to listen to one's own version of what bikepacking is. That it's not something that can be defined by others, by rules or rankings, but only by what you experience on your very own and unique journey. Growing beyond your limits, thriving in solitude and connecting with people you meet along that path to listen to their version of this world - those are probably the most beautiful reasons for me to ride a bike.
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
My goal for 2024 is exactly this: Find even more of that, discovering where my own path leads me, always on two wheels with a heart full of curiosity for the variety of perspectives, roads and people out there.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
Since I especially enjoyed the rough off-road sections during my races of 2023, so my dream bike of choice would be the Mason RAW - the perfect bike to discover even more remote and wild places in 2024.
Claire Frecknall
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
Riding Montanas Vacias with the route creator, Ernesto, was another highlight, seeing the work he has put into building something for the good of the local communities and his care for the environment was beautiful to see, In a world where there is a lot of focus on racing, big entry fees, big events and media coverage his take on bikepacking is very refreshing.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
My one ultra race of the year was Seven Serpents and the racing element came to a fairly quick end after my pairs partner suffered from some mechanical issues on the first day… the weather was biblical so to be honest I wasn’t too upset to be able to take things a little slower and find some cute B&Bs along the way. The first bridge crossing was closed due to high winds and even when it eventually opened it was a terrifying experience, the low barrier felt like insufficient protection from the trucks and caravans being buffeted by the storm.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
My 2023 has been pretty busy, not so much racing but plenty of adventures… We continued the route but touring rather than racing, the weather improved and we spent time vulture-watching on Krk and arrived at the finish in Trieste fresh enough to travel up to the Soca Valley for a few days at the end too. Sometimes its about finding joy in the unexpected.
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
For 2024 I have a bikepacking trip to Gran Canaria booked for February, Id love to visit the Balkans in the spring and I've sent in an entry for Badlands as a pair, still waiting to see if we get a place.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
My Bokeh is my do-everything bike, but I've loved riding the RAW for routes that have proved tougher than a gravel bike can handle.
Michele Miani
What were your race, ride, and backpacking adventure highs?
Participating in Greece's Hellenic Mountain Race stands out as a high point. It was a challenging battle against nature's elements, where I faced the unexpected, including navigating a flooded river on a freezing night. The year also involved smaller yet thrilling events like Grevet Graz-Vienna and a same-day gallop at the Oktoberfest in Monaco.
What was the lowest or scariest moment of the year's adventures?
One unforgettable low came during the Hellenic Mountain Race when I crossed a flooded river one icy night, exhausted after just a few hours of sleep over three days. It was a chilling moment, figuratively and literally, amidst a gruelling challenge.
What was the most unexpected event to happen to you/came across along the way?
This year has been quite calm for me. I didn't engage in any huge events. However, it was brimming with delightful outings and adventures. One unexpected turn was during the springtime run in Switzerland at "Dead Ends & Dolci," a charming event crafted by friends. Exploring Ticino's hidden gems with my trusty My MASON INSEARCHOF led to unexpected joys, especially amidst a sea of light road bikes.
Did you learn anything from this year's adventures?
These adventures reinforced the importance of perseverance and the joy found in the unexpected. Each experience, whether battling elements or exploring with friends, taught invaluable lessons in resilience and the thrill of the unknown.
Do you have a big goal for 2024?
For 2024, I aim to participate in numerous events, perhaps smaller ones that allow me to utilise all my MASONS. Spring involves organising something exciting with a friend, while autumn might see me exploring Morocco's trails with my MASON INSEARCHOF.
Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?
Absolutely! The Mason Exposure steals the spotlight—a true work of art in the gravel world, especially because it's crafted from steel, my beloved material. The craftsmanship and design make it a bike I'd love to add to my collection.