Taunus Bikepacking No. 9 is done. Before everyone heads home, we’re at the finisher party to celebrate. We catch up on the highs, check in with riders as they arrive, and talk about why it's so hard to pack up and leave. Here’s to the Taunus spirit.
20 Jun 2026
No. 9-08. Flash of Courage
Day 6 is a masterclass in resilience. Across the field, the theme is "breakdown": mechanical failures, flat tires, and physical exhaustion haunt the field.
Riders are being forced to adapt to a brutal spectrum of conditions, from the draining, stifling intensity of extreme heat to the sudden, jarring chaos of a thunderstorm washout. Yet, the collective spirit remains astonishingly positive as they overcome the odds through creative, sugar-fuelled hydration strategies and sheer mental fortitude.
As we approach the finish line, the narrative is shifting from the raw intensity of the race to the impending triumph of the final party.
19 Jun 2026
No. 9-07. Method in the Madness
As the Taunus route reaches a fever pitch, the focus turns to the women’s front-runners. Erika’s tactical masterstroke sees her edge ahead, while Annika remains stoic under the relentless summer sun. Across the region, the rising temperatures turn the town of Limburg into a vital oasis, forcing riders to innovate their cooling strategies. Amidst the physical exhaustion, we delve into the introspective side of ultra-cycling, exploring how the road serves as a sanctuary for reflection. Finally, we arrive at the finish line, where our riders find the one thing they have been dreaming of: a well-deserved rest.
18 Jun 2026
No. 9-06. Feldberg Finale
The Taunus Bikepacking odyssey reaches a milestone as the first riders cross the finish line. After over three days of relentless terrain, Janek secures the top spot on his third attempt, finally overcoming the technical hurdles of years past. We explore the introspective nature of this event, hearing from riders finding catharsis in the struggle, and those forced to confront the heartbreaking decision to scratch. From logistical mishaps to the unwavering spirit of the middle pack, we capture the highs and lows of the long road home.
17 Jun 2026
No. 9-05. Race to the Tower
Day 3: the adrenaline has faded, leaving only the grinding reality of the road. While our mid-pack riders fight their own quiet battles, the race at the front has turned volatile; every mechanical tweak and hour of sleep becomes a tactical move. It's a day where resilience is tested against exhaustion, forcing our riders to find their limits.
16 Jun 2026
No. 9-04. Shuffling the Deck
The adrenaline of the start line is gone, and now, the real race begins. This is the day the ferry deadline dictates everything. In this episode, we follow our riders as they try to navigate the 'Ferry Factor'; that non-negotiable bottleneck that forces everyone to find out if their "perfect plan" survives reality, or if they’re scrambling to catch a ride that’s already left the dock.
15 Jun 2026
No. 9-03. The Rhine Gambit
As our riders roll out of the campsite, the real test begins. In this episode, we follow the field as they leave the comfort of the start line and head into the maze of the Taunus.
We track the early tactical gambles, the engineering marvels of the custom bike builds, and the deceptive reality of the Rhine ferry bottleneck. As the sun dips below the horizon, the Taunus shows us both its beauty and its bite.
14 Jun 2026
No. 9-02. Edge of the Wild
As the Taunus region settles into an electric, nervous energy, the 99 riders have gathered at the Eppstein Project campsite for Registration Day. A leafy, terra-cotta landscape of meticulously prepared bikes, last-minute tire decisions, and the quiet camaraderie of a field preparing to be swallowed by the course.
In this episode, Ross and Paola capture the final hours before the start line. We navigate the "race-within-a-race" logistics of the looming Rhine Ferry bottleneck, and hear the stories of riders facing everything from unpredictable mud to the heatwaves ahead. As the sun drops behind the hills and the terrace beer garden hums with anticipation, we set the stage for the staggered start.
The gear is checked, the patches are on, and the silence of the forest is about to be replaced by the rhythmic click of bicycle hubs. The Taunus adventure begins at dawn.
9 Jun 2026
No. 9-01. Inner Terrains
Welcome to the Taunus Bikepacking Adventure podcast — a daily audio dispatch from the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful and well hidden ultra-cycling events.
As 99 nervous riders gear up for the ninth edition of the event, Paola Handley and Ross Brannigan are ready to deliver a second batch of podcast episodes.
In this preview episode, we talk to a whole new generation of riders lining up this year. Their backgrounds and motivations are as diverse as their approaches to the ride. What unites is them all is a strong desire for adventure.
Over the coming week, Paola and Ross will take you on a true rollercoaster ride through Taunus, with all the ups and downs the riders experience along the way.
22 Jun 2025
09. Reflections
The host reflects on the Taunus Bikepacking experience, exploring themes of grief, growth, and friendship as the journey concludes and leaves a lasting impact.
21 Jun 2025
08. Touring Mode
This episode explores the experiences and stories of bikepackers in the middle of the pack as they savor the final hours of their journey.
20 Jun 2025
07. Mothers of Speed
This episode explores the experiences of two mothers who achieve top-ten finishes in a bikepacking race, highlighting their motivations and challenges as they compete.
19 Jun 2025
06. Solo Spirit
This episode explores the mental and physical challenges faced by bikepackers during a race, highlighting the resilience and unexpected strength found while overcoming obstacles.
18 Jun 2025
05. Different Worlds
The Taunus Bikepacking Podcast explores the contrasting experiences within the Taunus Bikepacking Adventure, highlighting both the intense solo race and the communal journey, revealing the generosity encountered along the route.
17 Jun 2025
04. In It Together
The Taunus Bikepacking Adventure follows pairs of riders as they navigate sun-soaked vineyards and sleepy villages, facing physical strain and equipment failures in the second day of the race.
16 Jun 2025
03. Fresh Tracks
The Taunus Bikepacking Adventure begins with heavy rain, testing riders on steep roads and brutal gradients, as they form bonds and face challenges.
15 Jun 2025
02. Calm Before the Storm
The Taunus Bikepacking Podcast captures the pre-race atmosphere at the Taunus Bikepacking Adventure as riders arrive, prepare, and share their excitement before the event begins.
5 Jun 2025
01. What Awaits
The Taunus Bikepacking Adventure podcast introduces the voices and motivations behind an unsupported cycling event across the rugged terrain of Germany.
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