Jan on the PBP Podcast

Today’s bikepacking races like the Tour Divide or the Atlas Mountain Race, but also Unbound XL and the Arkansas High Country Race, share the ethos of randonneuring events: They are self-supported long-distance rides. They include equal parts of adventure and performance. And they do without the sole focus on winners that you find in racing.

Those similarities are probably why the lessons learned from rando rides have been so useful, from technology to strategy. Without denying the appeal of these ‘modern’ events, it’s hard to beat the grand-daddy of them all: Paris-Brest-Paris. More than a ride, it’s a celebration of cycling unlike any other.

Recently, I had the joy of sitting down with Peter Curley, host of the PBP Podcast. Peter has ridden (and finished) two Paris-Brest-Paris himself, and his questions brought out great memories. Why super-human speed isn’t necessary for a fast time in long-distance events. How I learned how much I should sleep. What makes PBP so special… Enjoy!