Yak Attack - The World's Highest Bike Race

Phil Evans is on to something. Seven years ago he got the idea that traveling Nepal's rugged and rewarding Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike would be one hell of a stage race. The following year he put his curiosity to rest and organized a six day bike race and the rest is progressive history. Phil's heart beats for two things. Epic mountain bike racing, and the people who are willing to follow him into his dreams. The first year was not too far from being just a dream. Phil's reality was that the international racers from abroad didn't know much about the race, so registration was sparsely filled. Secondly, Nepal's local riders, although talented enough to compete at an international level, had little more than a humble handshake to offer for an entry fee. But like all visions that are pure and worthy, the obstacles are being hurdled and Phil's reality is now something so much more than just another stage race.


Today, the Yak Attack is an 11 stage, 400km gauntlet of weather conditions, third world culture, and mountain biking endurance. Contestants will cover 12,000m of elevation gain during the 11 days. On stage 9 the racers will re-define their limits of physical and mental stamina as they hike their bike over the world's highest accessible mountain pass. The formidable Thorong La Pass is an entire stage. Those who still stand at the starting line for Stage 9 at 4:00am will have to ascend 1000m up frozen snow and punishing weather conditions. The 5 km leg takes them to 5414m above sea level. This 2 to 5 hour challenge is the biggest of many wild cards that racers are dealt during the competition.


It turns out that Phil has not only built a destination bike race through Nepal's most profoundly beautiful countryside, he's put together the world's highest mountain bike challenge, and a race that ranks top 5 hardest in the world. Last year my wife Carena Dean stumbled upon the Yak Attack webpage and was intrigued by Phil's challenge to any woman who would like to have a chance of being the first international female to complete the race. So after a year's worth of training and preparing, my wife and I left Squamish, B.C. to embark on a challenge and journey of a lifetime. I followed the race on foot, walked long hours, supported my wife, and took pictures of our experience as she raced the Yak Attack against two other female contenders Sonya Looney (Topeak, Ergon) Colorado USA, and Mizuho Fujihara from Japan.

The race starts in Kathmandu and kicks off via group ride right from the Kathmandu Guesthouse gates. The racers ride together thru the city and make an official start once they reach the outskirts of Kathmandu. The next four days are a typical stage race in hot weather, jeep roads and populated countryside.


The pace changes when the riders leave behind the streets and civilization of the past four stages and enter the the Annapurna trekking circuit. From here, it's a bewildering mix of hike a bike sections, cable suspension bridges, donkey trains, and Nepali culture to name a few. As each day climbs steadily to new elevations, the majestic beauty of the Himalaya's reveal themselves with each new corner. By stage 8, the course is a snaking singletrack cut in the steep flanks of Nepals 7000m Annapurna range. Riders are reduced to a winded attempt at pedaling up the gradual incline as they approach 4000m elevation.


Stage 9 is a true test of willpower. A 4am start begins with mountain bikes shouldered to their backs however most comfortable for the next 2-5 hour hike. The next 1000m will take racers into the Thorong Las Pass. Freezing temperatures, altitude, isolation and exaustion await those that have survived the challanges of the last 8 stages. Once at the top, it's still down 20kms to the day's finish. Depending on the snow conditions of each year, racers can ride all the way down or they may be faced with thigh deep snow on the slopes. We endured one of the snowiest and coldest to date.


The last stage is a 67km descent from the snow capped mountains to the tropical lowlands. A rough but fast jeep track brings the racers to the town of Tatopani where the Yak Attack winner is decided. The small town is home to apple orchards and natural hot springs. A fitting spot to finish the race and celebrate the hard work over apple pies and an enthusiastic soak in the springs. In the end, Sonya Loony took the prize for first female with Carena coming in second and Mizuho Fujihara in third. There is yet to be an international male or female to win the Yak Attack overall, but Peter Butt made waves by finishing third and being the first international to podium. So anyone looking for an ultimate challange with travel and adventure and a chance at making some history, visit the Yak Attack website and apply for 2013. As a carrot, Yak Attack is offering an entry fee refund to any international racer who wins the race.

yak-attack.co.uk

Frequently Questioned Answers:

1. Any mountain bike works. Hard tails, 29ers, and dual suspension XC race bikes are all acceptable.
2. Be prepared and train. Arriving hours later than the rest of the racers is hard on support crew.
3. Average race time is 3 hours a day. Between 30 to 60 kms in length.
4. Personal gear is by weight allowance. Porters transport your bags each day by foot. They usually arrive hours later than you so be prepared to hang out in your chamois.
5. Doctors are present. People can get ill. It's an unfortunate wild card. Those who cannot continue, must return back the way they came.
6. At 5414m everyone experiences hypoxia. Mild mountain sickness could get serious if symptoms are ignored.
7. Temperatures range from plus 30 C to -20 C
8. Terrain is not technical. It does however, have hazards that could be consequential. People, livestock, boulders, steep shoulders, mud, snow, loose wash and stone stair cases are all part of the 3rd world roads that make up the circuit.
9. Yes, quite possibly the coolest thing you've ever done.

For more detailed accounts of the race by:

Jeremy Dean - www.inasia.blogspot.ca
Facebook - Yak Attack - The photo odysey
Carena Dean - carenadean.blogspot.ca
Sonya Looney - www.sonyalooney.com
Jeff Kerkove - www.jeffkerkove.net

If this all sounds wonderful but not sure you want to commit to such an endever, get your feet wet in the trans Nepal -
www.extremeworldchallenges.com

If a bike trip to Nepal sounds good but you don't want to race, be sure to visit these two reccommended companies:
himalayansingletrack.com
www.nepalbiking.com/dawn_till_dusk_biking_in_nepal.aspx