3rd edition and new theme : the Mountain Bike

After 2 years dedicated to the light hiker, the machine competition proposed a complete de-dusting of the practice with innovations and designs on the fringes of industrial production. Enough to delight enthusiasts and convert new adepts to craft achievements. However, practices have diversified over time, nowadays we speak of velotaf', bikepacking, gravel, fixie, monstercross, fatbike, etc. New practices in vogue on bicycles that are not always adapted, these are perfect subjects for a machine competition rich in innovations.

The theme for 2018 is off-road adventure with the necessary equipment for autonomy and bivouac off the beaten track. The perfect opportunity for cameramen to answer two questions. How to transport bivouac equipment without hindering performance and how to venture anywhere with confidence? Without doubt an eco à la French Divide born in 2016 and which crosses France by the roads. This is a demanding practice because it requires flawless reliability of the equipment, the autonomy of the cyclist in the most remote places, all with a machine designed to meet the challenge.

The machine competition was held in the Château de Bruniquel (82 - Tarn et Garonne) from 14 to 17 June 2018. It was in the exceptional landscapes of one of the most beautiful villages in France that the craftsmen took up the challenges of the 2018 specifications.

A theme based on plan B

"B.//roads", such as Plan B, secon- dary roads, alternatives... You know the beginning but never the end, and you have to be ready for any kind of passage!

The specifications required the design and construction of a frame which, from the outset, integrated all the equipment that makes up a road warrior: carrying of the camp (shelter and sleeping, change of clothes, rain gear, evening heat), feeding and cooking, hydration, electrical production: rolling AND static lighting, recharging of electrical and electronic equipment, layout and location, tools, maintenance, repairs.

This (B)icicycle (B)aroudeuse de (B)ivouac pour (B)roads so ready to embark on the adventure at any time. No last-minute additions, but a bicycle entirely designed by one and the same person or his small team of tuning. As compact and light as possible, so as not to hinder a real off-road practice, sometimes "engaged", enduro even in some technical parts!

And if you have no idea what this type of bike and practice is all about, we invite you to read the articles of the French Divide in the magazine 200 - le vélo autrement n°14 and 18.

A preview in video : Directed by CREALENS

Events

The competition presented 2 tests in order to check that all the constraints of the specifications were respected:

Day 1: 100 km on paths with bike carrying, especially when crossing rivers. Arrival in a bivouac for a night in autonomy. Friendly picnic with the spectators on the bivouac area.
Day 2: 50 km of trails with a test of the capacity of the 5L of water on the bike. Arrival at the castle
Night special around Bruniquel castle to test the lighting.
Day 3: Stage Bruniquel - Puycelsi to have breakfast with the competition spectators in one of the most beautiful villages in France.