Wow! HT550 was something else. I'm glad I got that out of my system, and now I understand why people keep coming back to this one. It’s 550 miles of a rollercoaster filled with beauty, rough climbs, biting midges whenever you stand still for a moment, and some of the most technical, steep descents of my life.

From the start, the race was a whirlwind of emotions and physical challenge. The initial climbs were exhilarating, with a rather calm beginning and many lovely dot watchers along the course providing that extra mental boost. Their cheers and encouragement were much appreciated in the expansive terrain. However, the thrill was soon tempered by steep ascents and hazardous descents, pushing my limits to the edge. Moments of sheer exhaustion threatened to overshadow the excitement of the race, but proper sleep and a good meal worked wonders, bringing me back to life.

The route led us through valleys that reminded me of the stunning landscapes from the Avatar movies, rugged mountain trails, and serene forests. The natural beauty was awe-inspiring, with views that seemed to stretch forever. I remember the sunrise over the mountains, casting a golden hue over everything, making the fatigue momentarily fade away. Although the weather was relatively mild, I found myself faffing plenty with rain-gear to stay dry from the rain. The wind picking up on the final push on the climbs had something magical, as if the terrain was warning us of the changes ahead.

I really needed to build up experience, confidence, and prepare accordingly to be able to take on such a crazy race. It required more than just physical endurance; strategic planning and practical knowledge of the terrain was a must. Confidence and experience were super important, as every decision—from pacing to hydration, hours of sleep, and eating despite my mouth becoming painful from all the chewing—could make or break the race. Even-though I hardly encountered mechanicals (one puncture), I had to be prepared to fix whatever could happen out there. I learned to read the landscape, assess my energy, and trust my instincts, which became crucial in the most isolated stretches of the race.

In the end, completing the HT550 was proof of how much I have grown as a rider and racer in remote off road terrain. Crossing the finish line was a moment of relief, a culmination of days of relentless effort. The experience was a reminder of the delicate balance between nature's beauty and its harshness, and the mind required to navigate it. The race left a mark on me, teaching invaluable lessons about endurance, preparation, and embracing the magical moments of flow and the tranquility that come with it. It was a journey of self-discovery, meeting ones demons, and an enduring celebration of the wild, untamed heart of the HT550.

HT550

Hellenic Mountain Race