Here we go again!
So I’m back again for the 4th time, racing the Transcontinental Race. It starts In Burgas, Bulgaria on 27th July at 6am CEST (4am GMT). I’m looking forward to getting back on the road, but I’ve not had the best preparation. I imagine the expectations after last years 2nd place mean they are quite high, however I’m not as fit or as close to race weight as I’d like, so have taken the pressure off myself; my goals this race are to have a go, see how I feel and enjoy myself as much as possible.
I’m looking forward to getting to the start in Burgas and meeting all the riders, new and old, and exploring what ridiculous adventures the Transcontinental Race team have in store for us this year!
Dot Watching – what is that?!
Dot watching is how you follow me on the Transcontinental Race. There is no TV coverage, no radio, but there is a better way… Each rider in the race has their own satellite tracker assigned to them, which can be followed on a tracking site in the form of a dot on a map, but you can also interact with me and other riders on social media. No assistance can be provided though, but words of encouragement are most welcome! Some more info below, but you can really get immersed in the race this way.
How to follow me – Rules of Engagement
First thing to mention is that this is a solo self supported race, where any form of outside assistance is not permitted. Any communication with me on the road must not be assistance. “Keep going, you’re doing great” is just fine, but any information about other riders positions, my position or similar is not allowed unless the same information is provided to all the other racers.
Dot Watching
Official Dots: http://www.transcontinental.cc/
TBC Dot watching sites – URL’s guessed based on previous years. Will confirm before the race:
- Trackleaders: http://trackleaders.com/transconrace19
- Free route/frrt.org TBC
One of the most interesting things with the dot watching is using the many different resources on the internet to follow progress. Watch the tracking site seeing where a rider stops, then zooming in on Google Street Maps to have a look what is there, look on weather sites to see the conditions they are facing, then check social media to see what they’re saying. A truly unique way to get an insight into the race!
Dotwatcher.cc
New this year is the fascinating site for all your dot watching needs: dotwatcher.cc
This site will provide some brilliant insights into the race from veterans providing commentary and updates. They also track other races, so worth checking them out! Plus this year, watch out for Rider takeovers on their instagram stories feed.
Also, check out this post from previous years TCR: http://www.transcontinental.cc/blog/2016/7/29/prepare-yourself-for-the-task-ahead-dot-watching
And a post from Brooks blog:
http://www.brooksengland.com/en_uk/blog/confessions-of-a-dot-watcher.html
Social media
My hash tag: #TCRNo7cap2 – Cap #2
It’s not just me!
There are 300 entrants to the TCR No. 6, so there are plenty of others to follow. In fact, there are so many other stories out there to get hooked on, it would be a shame to just follow my dot! Get involved, get tweeting and chatting with the dot watching community.
Official channels:
twitter hashtag: #TCRNo7
TCR Social Media:
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thetranscontinental/
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/transconrace
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/transconrace/
- YouTube – watch out for vloggers.
- Blog: check out http://www.transcontinental.cc for updates
Sponsors Socials
- Apidura: twitter & instagram: @apidura
- Fizik: instagram: @fizikofficial
- PedelEd: @pedaled
It’s worth following the hashtag #TCRNo7 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to get all the updates from the rest of the riders, dotwatchers and media following the race.
Other riders to watch:
There is an exciting field of racers to follow out there. Check out the full rider list here:
https://www.transcontinental.cc/tcrno7-riders
mattonabike.com 