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Trans-Andean 2024 - A costly and delightful experience soured by inadequate organisation, which opte

MealsAs stated on the event main page and within the itinerary, all meals included as standard. Day Two – 15th January – Breakfast and Dinner were supplied, but no lunch.Day Eleven – 24th January – No dinner supplied at Hotel. As stated on the event main page and within the itinerary, all meals included as standard. Day Two – 15th January – Breakfast and Dinner were supplied, but no lunch.Day Eleven – 24th January – No dinner supplied at Hotel. An event of this magnitude, proper sustenance, adequate sleep, and optimal fitness levels are essential. However, when it comes to providing nourishment and rest, the organisers fell short. While some factors may be influenced by availability, there were instances where these necessities were severely lacking..Day Five: Breakfast consisted of one hard-boiled egg and some bread. Despite other food being available. Day Ten: The evening meal was tasteless, almost void of nutrition.PitstopsAs the event progressed, pit stops became more efficient. However, in the initial stages, food shortages were a common issue. For instance, on the second day, the lead group consumed all the Empanadas, leaving none for those following behind. This wasn't a fault of the group but rather a matter of insufficient supply. Additionally, the available drinks were limited to water and soft drinks, with no provision for electrolyte drinks. In comparison to European or Western sporting events, whether single-day or multi-day, the provided food and beverages were markedly inadequate considering the energy demands of each day's activities.. The initial placement of the pit stops proved to be insufficient, often still in the process of being set up when the lead group arrived. As the event progressed, there was improvement, with pit stops established approximately every 40 kilometres. However, these placements remained problematic at times, as they were determined solely by distance using an online map, without prior reconnaissance. A significant issue encountered during the event was the insufficient rest facilities and lack of shade at many of the pit stops, exacerbated by the scorching weather conditions. Numerous rest stops could have been strategically relocated by just a few kilometres or less to incorporate towns with parks, seating, and ample shade. For instance, on the exceptionally hot fourth riding day from Mendoza to Balde, covering nearly 250 kilometres, there was a notable absence of suitable facilities for lunch.AccommodationOn the large, the accommodation was clean, tidy and great. Day Ten: The accommodation turned out to be extremely disappointing, as the original venue had unexpectedly cancelled the booking, leaving the organisers scrambling to secure a last-minute replacement. The Rat Race Hotel, hastily chosen as an alternative, failed to meet expectations, with the organisers admitting they hadn't inspected the venue beforehand.As a result, participants found themselves crammed into overcrowded rooms, with up to five individuals sharing space, which raised concerns about hygiene and comfort. One bathroom appeared to have faecal matter on the wall, and the majority of rooms had only a single power outlet, forcing four riders, each with multiple devices needing recharging, to share. Frustrated by the subpar conditions, which included sagging beds, many participants took it upon themselves to seek alternative lodging arrangements.Upon further investigation, it was discovered that several nearby hotels had plenty of available rooms, offering a far more suitable and comfortable option for accommodation. RouteCreating a coast-to-coast route that traverses the Andes presented significant challenges. Participants found themselves navigating treacherous roads, with reports of groups of riders being forced off the road by passing lorries, particularly along Route 7. However, a conversation with a bike shop in Buenos Aires revealed an alternative, safer route to the north.Day Four, the rider briefing did not mention safety for the very technical descent. The GPS files were not updated accurately. Despite receiving an amended file for riding on day 8 due to a change of hotel, the file for day 9 remained unchanged. Consequently, the initial route out of town on day 9 did not align with the GPS provided, causing the devices to continuously attempt to direct us to the starting point of the original route.CoffeeFor an organisation that prides itself on its coffee, the coffee supplied was Nescafe. Understandably providing good coffee could be logistically difficult, but not impossible.

Date of experience: Jan 28, 2024