The Wrap Up: Trans Am 2018

Top five fills out

Second place rider, first place bike

Touchdown in Yorktown

The Wrap: Day 16

The Wrap: Day 14

The Wrap: Day 13

The Wrap: Day 12

The Wrap: Day 11

The Wrap: Day 6

![16760](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2fgOa2t2FWig02QiKKgMS0/f78ff173c5759cc4f063487e6bb73a64/16760.jpg)

Top-ten Trans Am 2018 finisher Jason speaks candidly about his inspirations, planning, and experiences at this year’s race with The Packfiller Podcast. 

Listen [here.](http://packfiller.com/2018/07/03/pizza-and-beer-live-with-jason-oestreicher/)

Packfiller Podcast speaks to Jason Oestreicher

Tim Miller, a serial dotwatcher turned trail angel, spent last night on the roadside with Simone Bailey and Keith Rahn. Both hovering around Charlottesville with roughly 320km to go, the riders have each suffered race-altering mechanicals but are continuing to push on. 

Here’s Tim’s recent [Facebook post](https://www.facebook.com/groups/524758520982933/permalink/1700447123414061/) to the Trans Am page, after witnessing first-hand what it takes to complete a race of this scale: 

![TimMillerpost](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/lXanmAK6T6k0ameKWs6u6/f2681bc4803c01b238406101e05c32fa/TimMillerpost.jpeg)

Dotwatcher on the ground 

Although the race has been won, there’s still many more riders making their way to Yorktown. Eleven names now make up the finish list, with the most recent addition being New Zealander Drew Hartstone in a time of 22 days, 3 hours and 47 minutes. 

![Day22](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/113jUxP4j26uWwcA0McMyi/8d6caa750693682522388d2103dce239/Day22.jpeg)

Eight more riders look like they'll make it to the finish line today, pushing the total up to 19 – roughly one third of the active field. 

The clock hasn’t stopped

Lose yourself in this photo gallery from race photographers Anthony Dryer and Nathan Jones, accompanied by a commentary of the two weeks of racing so far, on CryclingTips. 

[__Breaking Records at the 2018 TransAm.__](https://cyclingtips.com/2018/06/photo-gallery-breaking-records-at-the-2018-trans-am-ultra-endurance-race/)

'Breaking Records at the 2018 TransAm' on CyclingTips 

The last two and a half weeks have been monumentally thrilling for both the riders and spectators of the Trans Am Bike Race. From broken bikes and lost racers, to controversial [‘HPV’s](https://transambikerace.com/rules/) and outrageous paces – here’s a look back at the past 19 days of competitive continent crossing:  

On 2nd June, 114 riders lined up at dawn in Astoria, Oregon, for the fifth instalment of the #TABR. Facing east, all that separated them from their end destination of Yorktown was  6,900km – the width of North America. 

![StartTransAm](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5b6olzIhsImkKkWqwS0GK2/c83107ddb21ecfcaf213951786fe3e77/StartTransAm.jpeg)

Last year’s winner-turned-insightful-race-commentator Evan Deutsch began posting his musings to the TABR Facebook page, kicking things off with this [day 1 analysis. ](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/1ejj2CpgjAIaMmigGUisq4?slug=words-of-wisdom-from-the-tabr-record-holder)

After the first few days of any long distance event, routines and tactics settle in and start to make their mark on the leader board. On day 4, Peter Andersen made his [first appearance in the top ten](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/5yZCwbt0MoSQ8UqsOMqIW2?slug=a-new-leader-once-again) – where he’d stay for the next 12 days. 

Austrian female Tanja Hacker’s race was going incredibly well until a [10-hour layover](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/5BPMxuhYSAYSMsiSoGiYE8?slug=back-on-track) at the summit of Lolo Pass caused some concern with racers and dot watchers alike. After a long rest she rejoined the race, but disaster wasn’t far away when, taking a wrong turn near Wisdom, Montana, Tanja became lost and would spend the next [17 hours off course.](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/17Ms7DjouSAgiQqC4IWkei?slug=tanja-hacker-back-on-track)

![Screen Shot 2018-06-07 at 18.11.18](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6oLX8BmEuWWqK2EACWwWKE/ea3ecd17e33b1025495bf8690692517e/Screen_Shot_2018-06-07_at_18.11.18.png)

One week in, leading British rider Darren Franks suffered the mechanical issue from hell: [a broken frame.](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/1eDRwwIqaicMGMiYEECe4e?slug=break-bike%3B-recover-hard%3B-engage-beast-mode) Unfortunately, this would spell the end of his race – but Darren fought on to acquire a new bike and complete the final section of the course. 

On day 9, Marcel Graber and his controversial velomobile moved into [first position](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/PDoqgPdiI62C6OEU68GI8?slug=the-wrap-day-9) – which he'd hold for the remainder of the race. 

Now behind Marcel and his recumbent machine, Newton Bike Shop at [#Mile2588](https://dotwatcher.cc/post/5NFwl9KJA4mkUEy4qCM2AQ?slug=%23mile2588) in Kansas (just over half way) was prepping itself for a steady stream of bikepackers rolling through its doors in need of food, a bed, spare parts, or all of the above. 

[[ instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj27OSFhIR3/" ]]

Collisions with vehicles have plagued this year’s race, with four incidents in total, and three in Kansas. We send our very best wishes to everyone involved, and speedy recoveries for all. It does appear that these tragic circumstances have stimulated positive conversations however, with the director of the Adventure Cycling Association [promising to push for safer conditions.](https://www.facebook.com/groups/524758520982933/permalink/1689526037839503/)

The flat plains of the Mid West were also the proving ground of the velomobile’s ability at long-distance racing, and last year’s winner Evan weighed in on the mounting discussion: 

>*“…The caloric intake is absurd. The fact that you are racing through towns and meeting people that have no idea a bike can travel more than 20 miles per day is absurd. Riding through 100 + degree heat and snow in the same race is absurd. Adding some Velomobiles to the mix and seeing how it plays out is just adding to the absurdity. No one's livelihood is at stake. Remember this race is simultaneously the most important thing you are doing in your life at that very moment, yet pales in comparison to some of the true adversity of what some people are facing.”*

For the next six days, Marcel maintained a tight grip on his lead (and his ferocious pace) until his record-breaking arrival in Yorktown. Positions swapped hands behind him, but his performance was unequivocal. 

![MarcelFinish2 DavidLynch](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/15GKy4XUKyswmA2Ek42cqo/666ebd9949c99423b01e766683d7ad9e/MarcelFinish2_DavidLynch.jpg)

This finish line picture and its distinct lack of fanfare sums up the nature of bikepacking races perfectly: there’s no crowds, no award ceremony, and no prize money. It’s a solo endeavour from beginning to end, and a sport that rewards only in experience and adventure. Keep watching the dots. 

Indiana Shultz has made it to Yorktown in third place. Greeted by pizza at the monument, his final time was an impressive 17 days, 15 hours, and 25 minutes – just six hours more than last year’s winning time. 

![Indiaapizza](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6zFqKhb8ekEMaAkACwoSe4/8a76cb0fc0b29b62ac6f3460e0195da6/Indiaapizza.jpeg)

Five hours later, Dave Lewis and his velomobile arrived in fourth place, captured here by race winner and fellow recumbent pilot Marcel: 

![Davefinish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6KajYQFEJyewIW8IMAk2k0/22ea32c569b76e928d3e65aafc47cae3/Davefinish.jpeg)

Kraig Pauli is 300km away, and should complete the top five rider list late tonight. Beyond him, there’s a gap of almost 900km – right back to the Breaks Interstate Park checkpoint – where Donncha Cuttriss, Jason Oestreicher, and Tim Tait are all pushing on towards the last leg of the race. 

![Back5](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4kalUOXIbCgMWW4iAyiCCg/02b517c154baaf87d0c75e0c98746b11/Back5.jpeg)

![Peter finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3KhCAC4b8sKk68uWcSQcE/b4a3543852ec91ef8858ca22929de0d5/Peter_finish.jpeg)

With a time of 16 days, 20 hours, and 41 minutes, Peter Andersen seals his long-held position of second place in the 2018 Trans Am Bike Race. 

While his time may not have been enough to beat Marcel’s velomobile, it’s still 13 hours ahead of Evan Deutsch’s winning time from last year, and 330km ahead of his closest rival Indiana Schulz – an incredible achievement. Congratulations, Peter. 

![MarcelFinish2 DavidLynch](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4Y1XuEc2VyEacS4UQCK2wc/4286c41c1aa8a472653d3ff70bca6979/MarcelFinish2_DavidLynch.jpg)
*(Photograph by David Lynch, [posted to Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/524758520982933/permalink/1686045558187551/))*

Marcel Graber has won the 2018 edition of the Trans Am Bike Race. It’s a record year – both for the new fastest time, and the means of travel. Congratulations Marcel, a ride to be truly proud of. 

![Marcelfinish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2MNurALTksOCmQ2CKeMUyM/251a9a8f8b6a457de63b6d603e6de1c6/Marcelfinish.jpeg)

Second place Peter Andersen is 310km behind, riding through Charlottesville en route to Yorktown. 

![3rdand4th](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5j2gQxE9q0W4GeasyCym0A/abc4a403d24d0a4cfc08d9ead913112b/3rdand4th.jpeg)

There’s a battle on for third and fourth place, also between bicycle and velomobile, as just 24km separates Dave Lewis and Indiana Schulz. Keep watching the dots. 

It’s all down hill from here. For Marcel Graber, at least, with 226km separating him from the finish line – and a new race record – in Yorktown. 

![Front16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3xbRMBbAMU24CWEysmEW2W/ecfb465fe5be1290ad8bd8b96af04dea/Front16.jpeg)

Peter Andersen is the same distance again behind him in second place, and has been matching the leader’s pace for the best part of two days. 

![Raceflow16](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/zxIPmfySEooqim4II2OSy/0aa67a637b7a27bdca097acac8a5c500/Raceflow16.jpeg)

Back on the bike and getting to grips with the incredible demands this race puts on your body, Darren Franks is forging ahead on his new ride. His tracker is still active, but after flying to St Louis once he'd taken delivery of the replacement in Jackson, his position of 9th place on the leaderboard is invalid. 

[[ instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkJtdnuhutJ/" ]]

Long-standing front runner Indiana Schulz recently made it to Virginia in 4th place, and is closing the gap on Dave Lewis’ velomobile. 

[[ instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkKYXbSHXCH/" ]]

And back in the bunch, approaching the middle of Colorado, Gately Williams has made it to Breckenridge in a thankful mood. 

[[ instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkHBmZDDfXX/" ]]

Keep watching the dots. Some might be finished soon, but as Gately's post shows, there's a long way still to go for many of this year's riders. 

Marcel Gerber made his way to the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains last night, the last significant stretch of challenging terrain between him and the East Coast. One hundred and fifty miles behind Marcel, Peter Andersen picked up his race pace and put in some long hours on Friday and Saturday to overhaul Dave Lewis in the battle for second place. By Sunday afternoon, Peter had 100 miles between him and Dave's velomobile.

Velomobiles don't fare as well in the hills as bicycles, but the differnce may not be so pronounced in the Appalachians, which aren't known for their demanding gradients. In the 580km between Breaks Interstate Park and Charlottesville, they'll be climbing 7250m, a very different prospect to the riding in Missouri and Kentucky. The [race flow chart](https://dotwatcher.now.sh/post/28m469MrjquGACc0KYYIoc?slug=analyzing-race-flow) will make interesting reading this weekend – will Peter be able to cut into Marcel's lead as the race climbs Mt Rogers and, 200km later on, the Tye River Gap.

Whatever happens, the riders are all in for a hot and sticky couple of days, with humidity staying well above 80% throughout the night. With only a couple days left for the riders at the front, the pressure to push on through the heat, humidity, and climbs could lead to challenging racing, especially as they all have 6000km of racing in their legs.

![Screenshot-2018-6-17 appy proper](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1gPnZImx2og6KgGKA0OUCw/e0656eb03c1b9c9c12468f9598e47730/Screenshot-2018-6-17_appy_proper.png)


Leaders Reach The Last Appalachian Hurdles

At 6,735km long, the Trans Am Bike Race (TABR) is the longest ultra-distance bike race out there. Traversing the USA from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia, the route covers the Rockies, the plains of the Mid-West, and the Appalachians, on its cross-continental path. A true test of stamina, and a calendar highlight for riders and dotwatchers alike.

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