We are living in an age where someone producing a video can do so with high-quality (but comparatively inexpensive) equipment and then distribute it a no cost through YouTube. While producing some income for individuals, this formula has worked successfully for companies as a form of marketing but with increased sophistication this has become quite subtle. The creators of content seem to enjoy telling stories to draw us in and keep coming back for more. Two recent examples of this cover an epic bikepacking trip and some downhill daredevilism.
Precision Fuel & Hydration seems to be a relative newcomer to the sports nutrition scene but is a sponsor for high-profile athletes in triathlon as well as the Lotto-Dstny pro cycling team, plus the GCN and GTN YouTube channels. It has its own channel which has focused on how its products are used but just released a short film, βCracked,β about a couple doing the Badlands challenge in September this year.
The Badlands race, which has been run with slight variations since 2020, takes participants 800 kms across Spain along gravel as well as paved roads, with some 16,000 m of climbing. There is a five day time limit. Its name derives from the fact that it features Europeβs only true deserts, the Gorafe and Tabernas, as well as coastal segments. The highest point reached in 2024 was on the Pico Veleta at 3396 m ASL at. It is not entirely clear why the film is entitled βCrackedββdo you have to be cracked to even attempt a race like this, or that the effort is enough to break you, or is it about the dry broken landscape? Or maybe all threeβ¦
The rules for this bikepacking event (which prefers not to be called a βrace,β ha ha) are pretty straightforward. Participants come either as solo entrants or in pairs and are expected to be self-sufficient. This means no outside support and extends to not even booking accommodations ahead on the route. Carrying your own supplies, especially water, is a challenge when there are some seriously empty stretches and in August you know that it will be hot in Spain. And as is typical for bikepacking events there are no prizes except the satisfaction of completing a brutally hard ride. This was still enough to attract nearly 350 riders this year (and registration for 2025 has already closed).
βCrackedβ follows Bradley Shenton and Danni Shrosbree, a British couple riding together in the Pairs category. There is a short account of what the event is and we see how the couple has packed nutritional supplies. This all comes from Precision but thatβs about the extent of the product promotion. Bradley seems to be the more nervous of the two while Danni remains impressively stoic throughout the adventure. Preparation for a difficult trip like this is key and there is a flashback to the couple riding in Britain and testing out their setups, particularly for night riding, when things can go wrong pretty quickly.
As the couple grinds their way onward through nearly three days of riding, one has the sense that Spain is empty but nonetheless offers great beauty even in desolate places, although riding through sand on a beach may not be the most fun when already exhausted. One senses the exhilaration of completing the ride at the end and βCrackedβ is a nice tribute to the dedication of those involved.
βCrackedβA Badlands Documentaryβ
Featuring Danni Shrosbree and Bradley Shenton
Presented by Precision Fuel & Hydration
26 minutes, released on November 18, 2024
YouTube link: www.youtube.com
Speaking of exhilaration, last week βTrust: Descending the Dolomites with Safa Brianβ was released by Italian helmet and sunglass manufacturer Kask Sport. Brian βSafaβ Wagner is a Los Angeles-based former bike messenger-turned filmmaker. He is probably the fastest descender outside of the pro peloton and is noted for his spectacular videos.
A lot of famous roads have been under his wheels on his YouTube channel but this video is somewhat different in that there is behind-the-scenes material. Kask invited Safa Brian to come to the Dolomites for a week, an invitation nobody would turn down, and he and his crew proceed to ride a number of descents in the famous Sella Ronda region, and still have enough time left to do the Passa Fedaia, which has often featured in the Giro dβItalia (as well as in the 2003 remake of βThe Italian Job.β
The video nicely demonstrates the teamwork needed to produce these short but very intense videos. There are drone shots (de rigeur in these days of excellent and affordable technology) of course to show the spectacular scenery. However, the most impressive work comes via the helmet-mounted camera affixed to a gimbal used by the following motorcycle ridden by Nicholas βBuckyβ Bautista. Handling skills by both riders have to be at the highest level as the bicycle is much lighter than the motorcycle and will react differently in the corners. The weather is a factor as well as rain will affect road conditions plus cold means that tires are not as grippy as in the heat.
βTrustβ is well-named. Cyclists attempting these kind of descents need to have confidence in themselves and their equipment as well as the team that makes the video possible in the end. Having ridden several of the passes featured here myself, it is impressive to see someone descend them at what be the ultimate limit of skill.
βTrust: Descending the Dolomites with Safa Brianβ
17 minutes, released November 20, 2024
Featuring Safa Brian; Camera and Drone by Alex Colorito
Presented by Kask Spor/Circle X Projects
YouTube link: www.youtube.com
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