Here you can find us:
Showroom Sa Mola 13
Carretera de Santa Margalida 1
07510 Sineu
Opening hours:
Wednesday-Sunday / 10am-3pm
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Pop-up Store Can Picafort
Hotel Valentin
Ctra. Arta-Alcudia
Ma-12, km 23.3
07458 Playa de Muro
Opening hours:
Daily 1pm-6pm (except Wednesdays)
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Photographer: Lukas Piel
Athlete: Farell Fogwe Tanah
Explore the Running and Recharged products.
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We all speak it: the universal language of sports. A language that has nothing to do with knowing Spanish, English or German. But one that unites and connects athletes all over the world.
This year, the Frodeno Fun(d) has been our main project to be supported with funds from the United in Humanity pot. We are very pleased that we have found a way to really make a difference. And not to forget: without every single contribution from the Ryzon community, none of this would be possible. We want to say thank you for that!
Click here to learn more about the United in Humanity Program.
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In recent months, offsetting emissions has repeatedly been part of the public discourse. Companies are criticized for causing huge amounts of emissions and simply “buying themselves free” by offsetting them – without making any efforts to reduce the CO₂e emissions they cause in the long term.
For us, that's no reason to stop. We remain a firm believer that every company should address its emissions. Because only together do we have a realistic chance of reaching the 1.5 degree target. In addition to financing climate protection projects, it is necessary to continuously reduce emissions as far as possible.
What climate neutrality actually means, what CO₂e emissions are and what our first steps were as part of our climate protection strategy for 2020, we explained in a blog article last year. Read here.
Important to know: The first step is always to calculate the emissions for a specific period of time. At the end of the year under review, this can sometimes take several months, since every little detail is included in the calculation.
In the calculation for 2021, too, we have initially concentrated on the areas of our company that we can influence directly: direct emissions caused within the company (electricity and heat generation, vehicle fleet, volatile gases) and indirect emissions through purchased energy, business trips and employee mobility.
Other indirect emissions that occur outside the company in the manufacture of raw materials and preliminary products, through external logistics, the use and disposal of products and other processes have not yet been the subject of our calculations.
Since 2021 we have had a new store in Girona (Spain), whose emissions have now also been included in the calculation for the year.
After completing the calculation, we were able to determine that our absolute emissions have increased compared to the previous year. We were able to attribute this to the fact that, in contrast to the pandemic year 2020, there were more sporting events and related business trips. In addition, our team has grown significantly in 2021. The good thing: despite the absolute increase in emissions, we were able to reduce our per capita emissions. For us, this means that over the next few years we should further reduce those emissions at our locations that are largely fixed and independent of the number of employees.
As in the previous year, we financed a combined climate protection project in 2021. This project enables us to support regional climate protection projects in Germany and at the same time to offset our emissions through a certified, international climate protection project. In this way we can close the financing gap in global climate protection and at the same time get involved regionally.
After we financed a forest protection project in the Brazilian state of Pará last year, this has now been replaced by a forest protection project in the neighboring state of Amazonas. It is VCS-certified and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You can find details about the project here.
The regional project in Germany includes tree plantings that promote the conversion of structurally poor forest stands and monocultures into more resilient mixed forests that can better adapt to changing climatic conditions. You can read more details about the regional project here.
In the coming months we would like to concentrate in particular on further reducing our emissions. Our long-term goal is to permanently reduce the ecological footprint that we leave behind.
After completing the calculation of our CO₂e emissions for 2020, we decided last year to switch the power supply for our headquarters and shop in Cologne and also for our new shop in Munich to 100% green electricity. For this we changed our electricity provider in May 2022 and now obtain 100% green electricity from hydropower via Polarstern.
Further planned reduction measures:
In the forthcoming emissions calculation for 2022, we will also take our new shop locations in Munich and Mallorca into account. We are also preparing to expand our climate protection strategy to other areas of the company. We know that there is still a long way to go. We are all the happier if you accompany us on this path.
]]>In Salt, the children are used to being given something and then being taken away without further explanation: social projects that don't last, people that come and go.
When we started the project they fought over bikes and helmets and spent many hours thinking that tomorrow they might not be able to enjoy the Frodeno Fun(d) anymore. I remember trying to explain to them that we had signed a 10-year contract. that they would not suffer. That we would still be there tomorrow and next week.
The community has now understood that we will be there for the long term. Everyone respects the rules on the pump track because we also play a very important role in the schools with our school program. All fifth graders come to us at least once per school year. For me, the best thing about these two years is seeing that the community accepts and trusts us. And to see that some of the children who have been there from the beginning - the older ones - are now volunteering to help us for free.
What are your plans for this year and where are donations most needed? What can a single donation do for the pump track?
Our most valuable asset is our 25 purple Canyon dirt bikes. We always make the necessary repairs, but after two years they need a proper check-up and some parts need replacing so our kids can use them safely.
We also offer our school program throughout the year. This means that there are free courses on our pump track in the mornings. In the afternoon we offer courses at very affordable prices, so they are open to all children who love cycling. For example, we can use the donations to pay the trainers.
Which people can benefit from the Frodeno Fun(d)?
All children who want to improve their technique with the bike. The Frodeno Fun(d) is an integrative project where all children have the same opportunities.
If you would like to help support the Frodeno Fun(d) as well, you can do so with your purchase from the United in Humanity Collection. The profit amount from the sale goes directly and without deductions to the Frodeno Fun(d). You can find all the details here.
]]>Often we can experience this feeling during sports. We start running or driving - and soon we notice how we are getting lighter and lighter. With every meter we throw off ballast and detach ourselves from what is happening around us. Until we finally get into a kind of limbo.
We believe that movement is the key to momentarily detaching ourselves from all the distractions this complex world throws at us. Under the right conditions, we can give our mind a break and distance ourselves from the issues that concern us in everyday life. Moments of complete lightness and freedom give us space for creativity, for daydreams, new perspectives and ideas . The State of Levitation may feel different to each of us. One thing is certain: If we want to have a positive impact on this world, then we need more moments of weightlessness to regularly draw strength and keep our inner balance .
These moments of absolute lightness in sports are something that we cannot consciously control. However, there are a few tips that might make it easier for you to access your State of Levitation .
A routine can help you find your unity and flow more easily. This routine can encompass many things: from your gear, to fueling and hydration, to mental preparation for the workout. Breathing exercises, music, or visualizations can help you arrive in the present moment even before the session. In order to be able to complete the unit without stress, you should also plan enough time.
"Coffee is my morning routine. Weighing, grinding, pressing coffee beans, weighing the extraction with the scale and so on. The sequence of the individual preparation steps is my island of peace. No matter how stressful the day will be or how nervous I am before a competition , the ritual grounds me and gives me a reset for the day. I consciously take my time for that." – Jan Frodeno, three-time Ironman World Champion
Vary your training routine with different training types, terrains and routes . In this way you also set new stimuli on a mental level and avoid boredom.
"Some days I'm tempted by fast units that require a lot of focus. On other days I just let myself drift and try to perceive my surroundings with all my senses. That also means spontaneously turning off when I feel like it. Take this freedom I am fully aware." – Fabian Jung, co-founder of RYZON
Electronic devices can also cause subconscious stress during exercise. Be it the smartphone, which embodies constant availability, or the running watch, which allows us to constantly monitor our pace. With all the advantages of these tools - treat yourself to a digital break when doing sports. Consciously build in units in which you focus on yourself and your analogue environment and perceive what it does to you.
Intensive training usually requires a lot of focus and mental energy. It is all the more important to regularly incorporate units that focus on having fun . Exactly these units remind us why we love our sport so much. In order to get into the State of Levitation , we don't necessarily have to travel alone. The right company can also help us to leave everyday life behind us for a while and to feel light and free.
"Sometimes it's the complete focus on the pain in the interval or the uplifting feeling when it's finally done. Sometimes it's a good chat with friends on the group ride or the village sign sprint won. For a while we leave everyday life behind for a while behind us, feel light, free and enjoy the moment" - Tanja Erath, former professional cyclist
Find a speed that doesn't require mental energy to maintain. Surrender to the moment and see what happens.
Take it easy . The less doggedly you try to get into a flow, the more likely you will find yourself in it. You will see: the lightness will come all by itself at some point .
In this guide we explain in detail what makes a good rain jacket and give you information to find your perfect rain jacket for running or cycling.
There is no general answer to this question. Depending on the area of use, there are different requirements for a rain jacket. Basically, however, the following applies: a good rain jacket as the outermost layer in layering should keep out wind and rain and be abrasion-resistant. At the same time, a jacket that is worn for sports must of course be as breathable as possible . A low weight and a small pack size are particularly advantageous in changeable conditions, as the jacket can be stowed away more easily when not in use. Anyone who is often out and about in the dark and values good visibility should pay attention to reflective elements on the rain jacket when buying it.
The so-called water column provides information on whether a rain jacket can be described as water-repellent or waterproof. It is given in millimeters and tells you how much water the rain jacket can withstand before the moisture penetrates through the material.
The higher the water column, the more waterproof the material. In general, it can be said that a rain jacket can be described as waterproof from a value of 5,000 mm. Anything below that means the jacket is water repellent . In Germany, the standard value is even much lower, so that the material only has to withstand a water column of 1,300 mm in order to be called waterproof.
How reliably the jacket as a whole really keeps the rain off depends on other factors, for example:
To measure the water column, a piece of the fabric is clamped into a holder. A cylinder is then placed on it, which is gradually filled with water. The water level rises by ten millimeters per second. This results in an increase in water pressure on the material to be tested. The maximum value is reached when the material is soaked and three drops have formed and penetrated the fabric.
When it comes to the waterproofness of a garment, not only the amount of water plays a role, but also:
All of this should also be considered when purchasing.
A particular challenge in the development of rain jackets is finding the right balance between weather protection and breathability . As soon as a rain jacket has a membrane, the fabric is waterproof and windproof. At the same time, the membrane also restricts the breathability of the jacket. There are now technical solutions that increase breathability compared to conventional membrane rain jackets. These are also used in RYZON's membrane rain jackets, so that a permeability of 20,000 g/m2/24h is achieved according to the B1 method .
Rain jackets without a membrane generally have higher breathability than rain jackets with a membrane. If your rain jacket should only protect you from occasional showers , a water-repellent rain jacket without a membrane is the right choice. For example, discover our Phantom LightShell Jacket .
Before you decide on a rain jacket, you should ask yourself in which situations and under what conditions you primarily want to use it. Which function should be in the foreground?
Should the rain jacket be completely waterproof and be able to withstand heavy continuous rain ? Or is it enough if it protects you from wind and short showers and is very light, breathable and easy to stow away? Does she have to warm you up? Is visibility in the dark important to you?
You should clarify all these questions for yourself in order to be able to make an informed decision.
Area of use: Moderate temperatures / wind / occasional rain - eg in the transitional seasons
Area of application: wind and continuous rain
Discover all our rain jackets for running and cycling:
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I have a very great basic trust in myself that I adapt to what happens along the way. Also of the strain, of cycling. A basic trust that I can make realistic decisions. And can also manage my fears and my doubts.
For Wiebke, life is about exactly that: being free and broadening your own horizons. That's why her goal for 2022 was to drive from Hamburg to the North Cape. Without planning an exact route, she simply drove off at the beginning of August and camped wildly the first night. Throughout the trip, it was particularly important to her to remain spontaneous and always be guided by her own needs.
It's about being good to myself every day and making the right decisions for me. That's what traveling is all about.
After 30 days and 3,500 kilometers she finally arrived at the North Cape - exhausted and tired, but happy, full of contentment and gratitude. The impressions, the self-awareness, the people, the nature, to have grown beyond yourself - no one can take that away from her.
With the film about the journey, Wiebke wants to inspire and touch people. Empowering them to find their own adventures and dare to set out. And she did it together with her best friend Fabienne from school, who filmed, edited and produced the travel documentary. Most of the film music was composed and produced by Claudia Döffinger, a RYZON colleague from Cologne. That's also what it's about: celebrating a project by three women. Empower each other and make each other visible.
What is your next adventure or project?
You still need the right equipment? Discover here the RYZON clothing that Wiebke has accompanied on her journey.
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At the beginning four questions that can help you to make the decision for or against a purchase:
Why do I want the product?
do i really need it
If something needs to be replaced, could the old product be repaired?
If I want to buy something new, is the product available from sustainable, fair labels?
If you have basically decided to make a purchase, we would like to give you the following points:
Become aware of the impact of the clothing industry on the climate, people and the environment.
3-8% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the fashion industry. This is more than the share of air and sea freight combined ( source ). Would you like to learn more about it? You can calculate your clothing carbon footprint here.
Look at certificates.
When it comes to sustainability, independent certificates issued by third parties play an important role. They certify the authenticity of what is communicated through a company's marketing. At RYZON, for example, we use Oeko Tex 100 and ISO 9001 to guarantee you sustainable production.
Ask for.
If you're not sure about a brand's approach to sustainability, then ask. We are happy to answer your questions. If you're looking for new brands or want to know how sustainable your favorite brand is, check out sites like Goodonyou or ReMake . They critically question the apparel industry and are your go-to place when it comes to the independent evaluation of brands.
ThinkTwice.
Not sure if a product is right for you or if you really need it? Sleep on it one more night.
How we at RYZON work to make our products durable and help you consume responsibly?
We hope this guide will help you with your next purchase decision and we welcome your feedback.
]]>When running and cycling, it's easy to wear too much rather than too little. With careful and suitable selection, however, two to three layers should always be sufficient - depending on the conditions - to be able to enjoy the run or the ride. All you have to do is understand the basic principles of layering and the functionality of the material technologies used in the different layers.
The system can basically be divided into three layers : Base Layer, Mid/Middle Layer and Outer/Shell Layer.
In this guide, we'll take you through the principles and functionality of each layer and show you options for each layer, so you'll be able to create your own custom layering for the right conditions.
The base layer top or functional shirt acts as a "second skin" that absorbs sweat and transfers it to the outside for evaporation. This is the only way to create a comfortable, warm feeling on the skin despite exertion and sweating. The base layer can be a short-sleeved functional shirt or a long-sleeved functional shirt, depending on your own temperature sensitivity and external conditions.
Our Ritual Baselayers are made from a multi-dimensional stretch fabric with gentle compression, knitted from polypropylene fibers. Polypropylene is the lightest synthetic fiber on the market. It is 34 percent lighter than polyester and 20 percent lighter than nylon. Polypropylene is hydrophobic, keeps warmer than wool due to its good insulation properties, is skin-friendly and odorless.
Merino wool is also a common material for the first layer: it is skin-friendly, thermally insulating and absorbs moisture extremely well. Merino functional shirts are also very suitable as base layers.
Ritual Undershirt Light – running and cycling
Ritual Undershirt Longsleeve Light – running and cycling
Ritual Merino Longsleeve Baselayer - running and cycling
Ritual Bike Merino Undershorts Men – Cycling
The second layer over the base layer serves to block wind and trap body heat that would otherwise escape. Products with a roughened back are particularly suitable as a middle layer for running or cycling, as they optimally wick sweat further away from the skin and thus prevent moisture build-up. A fleece-like structure on the back creates an air space between the second and first layer, which traps body heat. In addition, the materials chosen should be quick-drying.
Merino wool can also be used for the mid-layer. Merino wool is used in combination with synthetic yarns in our Element Merino Athletic Longsleeve Tee and the Ritual Thermal Midlayer . The latter consists of an innovative two-component knit construction that combines the best of natural and synthetic fibers. With merino wool on the inside, this product offers natural comfort, thermoregulation and odor resistance. The hard-wearing polyester exterior optimally wicks moisture away without allowing body heat to escape. The Ritual Thermal Midlayer can also serve as a warmer base layer option.
The great benefit of using merino wool is the pleasant wearing comfort and the unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio. Merino wool's structure has a natural bulk that efficiently traps body heat between the fibers, making it warmer than any fabric of synthetic origin of comparable weight.
Merino wool also works beautifully in the heat as it naturally regulates body temperature.
Ritual Thermal Midlayer - Running and cycling in cold conditions
Element Merino Athletic Longsleeve Tee - Running in mild conditions
Scope Athletic Hooded Jacket - Running in cold conditions or as a top layer in mild conditions
Scope Athletic Hooded Sweater - Running in cold conditions or as a top layer in mild conditions
Signature Thermal Longsleeve Bike Jersey - Cycling in mild to cold conditions (depending on outer layer) or as a top layer in mild conditions
Generator MerinoShell Jersey - Cycling in cold conditions or as a top layer in mild conditions
As soon as the first two layers are optimally chosen, the third should normally be the last and outermost layer (except in extreme conditions). These are usually jackets or vests. The outer layer should keep out rain and/or wind and be robust. Ideally, this layer is also as breathable as possible and allows moisture to escape while keeping wind and/or water out.
We offer different solutions for this layer that suit different weather and temperature conditions.
Windproof and water-repellent for mild conditions
Windproof and water-repellent for cold conditions
Wind and waterproof
One final note at the end: for longer runs or rides in extreme and changeable conditions, it's beneficial to have an option for all layers, even if you don't start out wearing all of them. If it is too warm, layers can always be easily removed. If you are cold but do not have enough clothing with you, it can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous. So our tip: better be prepared for the unexpected.
We wish you a lot of fun with your units out there, no matter what the weather. If you have any questions about layering, we will be happy to help you. Simply use our contact form .
Aura Performance Headband
Lightweight, quick-drying material / Protection in mild conditions / All-season product
Aura Thermal Performance Headband
Mid-weight, quick-drying fabric / Protection in cold conditions / Brushed interior for moisture wicking and warming function / Ergonomic cut to sit snugly over the ears
Aura Performance Beanie
Lightweight, quick-drying material / Protection in mild conditions / Can be folded down into a shorter hat
Aura Thermal Performance Beanie
Mid-weight, quick-drying material / Protection in cold conditions / Brushed inside for moisture wicking and warming function / Close-fitting and designed to fit under a bike helmet / Cable hole and ergonomic cut to sit perfectly over the ears
Aura Performance 5 Panel Cap
Running cap with windproof outer fabric / slightly roughened inside for moisture absorption / reflective print
Arise Neck Tube
Lightweight, quick-drying material / Protection in mild conditions / Ergonomic cut
Radius Leg Warmers
Transitional companion / Full leg protection / Mid-weight, quick-drying stretch fabric / Close fitting / Brushed interior for moisture wicking and added warmth
Radius Knee Warmers
Transitional companion / Knee protection / Mid-weight, quick-drying stretch fabric / Close fitting / Brushed interior for moisture wicking and added warmth
Radius arm screens
Transitional companion / Arm protection / Mid-weight, quick-drying stretch fabric / Close fitting / Brushed interior for moisture wicking and added warmth
Arise Running Gloves
Running gloves made from a quick-drying stretch material / protection for mild and cold conditions / brushed inner side for moisture absorption and additional warmth / high abrasion values / close-fitting / wind-resistant
Arise Thermal Cover Gloves
Wind and waterproof cycling gloves / protection for cold conditions / material from Schoeller® / close-fitting and with reinforced palms / optional waterproof and fully reflective coating that can be stowed on the back of the hand
Gravit Insulated Overshoes
Lined overshoe with Primaloft padding / protection in cold conditions / water- and wind-repellent outer fabric / waterproof zip / reinforcement on the heel and bottom / easier entry thanks to the Velcro opening on the bottom / reflective elements for increased visibility
Gravit Reflective Overshoes
Waterproof and fully reflective overshoe / protection in mild to cold conditions / made of stretch material, which encloses the shoe appropriately / reinforcement on the heel and bottom / easier entry thanks to the Velcro opening on the bottom
"A good friend recently finished her first triathlon. Classically, an Olympic distance at a small event in the region. Not a mammoth project, behind which specific training camps, large financial expenditure or even months of targeted planning would have been.
However, what took a little longer was the process of making up my mind to give triathlon a chance. I had been encouraging Lara to do this for a long time - after all, she enjoys all three sports and yes, with a healthy dose of ambition . So far, however, my attempts had been in vain.
But not because Lara didn't feel like doing a triathlon. Secretly, she has been dreaming of a very specific middle distance in Austria for a long time. For them, however, this goal was in the near future. All three sports in a row? And then in front of an audience? She didn't trust herself.
However, when it became known that the local triathlon event would finally take place again after a two-year Corona break, she suddenly caught fire: A race course on familiar roads, no travel stress, her own bed the night before and that in combination with many familiar faces along the route who would cheer her up when things got tough - that gave her the necessary security to secure a starting place at short notice.
Still, I heard concern in her voice as she asked me for a few final tips for the big day : "Do you think I'll even be able to do this? Or am I just making a fool of myself?”
Maybe I have to go back a little to show how unfounded Lara's insecurity was: Ever since I've known her, she has been a passionate runner and has already finished several half marathons. When she had to take a long break from training due to an injury during her studies, she discovered road cycling for herself. Since then she has regularly gone on long tours, including bikepacking for several days. She taught her how to swim freestyle as a teenager while on vacation with her parents. Out of boredom, as she puts it. A mutual friend who holds swimming seminars for sports students occasionally writes her a few plans, which she then diligently completes in the indoor pool.
Objectively speaking, more than just solid preparation over the years, which would easily be enough without specific coupling units or change training to go into a race on the Olympic distance without any pressure. So where does the fear of not being up to the challenge come from?
I often see this cautious attitude in triathlon beginners. Compared to their male colleagues, they are much more critical of themselves and dare to compete much later, even though they really want to. We women usually think less competitively and are instead more skeptical when it comes to assessing our own performance level. While men are more concerned about how well they will do in comparison to their training partners or peers in their age group, we fear that we will not even get to the finish line and that we have overestimated everything - primarily ourselves .
Completely wrong: In a competition, it is not just about being better than others. No one who takes on the challenge of triathlon can be ashamed. First and foremost, it's about enjoying an extraordinary and extremely versatile sport together . About testing your own limits. In the end, the race is the price for the exhausting training, which sometimes means that we have to clench our teeth properly. The competition is the deserved reward and should be enjoyed accordingly. Of course, triathlon in itself is a sport that can seem a little scary for beginners at first glance. Immediately you think of big time trial machines, disc wheels with deafening idling or athletes with model bodies and maybe feel a little intimidated by it.
Triathlon requires more effort than other sports, yes. But in the end it is as simple as it is ingenious : First swim, then ride a bike and finally run. It is important not to go full throttle everywhere, but to use your strength correctly and stay with yourself. Especially when it gets tough. All things in which we women are by no means inferior to men. why?
Of course, a woman cannot train exactly as if she were a smaller, slower man. But that is not an obstacle either. The fact that women and men in sports, like everywhere else, are naturally different and therefore have different needs has fortunately been proven in recent years with the help of sports science and then in the field of training planning, nutrition and Clothing Much made up for. It is not difficult for a woman to go into a race just as confident, healthy and strong both physically and mentally .
So I had no doubt that Lara would finish her race. But the best thing for me as a triathlete was seeing how much fun she had doing it. "I've never done anything so strenuous," she said. Beaming. The feelings of happiness at the finish had paid for everything.
She has already registered for a next race and would also like to find a trainer who will support her in this project. "I'd rather have a trainer," she adds, laughing. Worrying about not being able to do something or making a fool of yourself is a thing of the past. What remains is a newly won passion and a healthy dose of self-confidence .
I would heartily recommend anyone (or anyone) out there like Lara who is even contemplating trying a triathlon to just do it. Dare."
Want to do your first triathlon? Discover our triathlon collection for women , which Franzi also uses for her training and competitions.
]]>The velodrome in Rostock is the birthplace of many cycling legends. Jan Ullrich, Paul Voss and André Greipel all discovered their passion for cycling here. When we visited André in his home country last month, he reminisced with us about the beginning of his career.
As a young cyclist, the velodrome was like a second home for him. Here, drenched in sweat, gasped for air after hard training sessions, fell for the first time and won his first medal. More importantly, however, that time spent at the velodrome in André sparked a lifelong fascination with cycling.
The Ryzon x André Greipel collection pays homage to his career. It reflects the pure passion that took André from the moment he sat on a bike for the first time.
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He has just reached the first milestone. After around 7,300 kilometers with almost 80,000 meters of altitude difference, he has mastered the Giro D'Italia. Every day he sat in the saddle for about 10 hours and covered an average of 235 km. As if that wasn't enough, within a week he was hit by a car and mugged by a stranger.
Erik has written a guest article in which he introduces himself and gives impressions of his first stage.
Next up for him is Copenhagen, where the Tour de France will start this year.
Who am I?
Hey, I'm Eric. I'm 20 years old, I'm from Gütersloh, I graduated from high school in 2020 and I was still doing classic cycling until a year ago. Through stations like RSC Rietberg and later RSV Gütersloh, I slipped into the state squad, which in the following years made me part of the U19 Bundesliga squad. Since the end of last year, I've moved away from racing a bit. I just want to try something new. To do things that didn't exist before and maybe try to inspire a few people or even enrich cycling a bit.
What am I doing?
Normal doesn't convince me. Actually, I'm always looking for something new. At any moment, around every corner, something can happen that I have not experienced or seen before. I think that's what makes cycling and long-distance cycling so appealing to me. There has to be something else between training and studying, right? That's what I asked myself, at least after I finished high school.
So I started a project based on Lachlan Morton's Alt Tour, which certainly didn't exist before. In 2022 I will ride the three biggest cycling races in the world, the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España including the transfer route and without support. In total, there is a distance of over 20,000 km and over 220,000 meters in altitude to be mastered.
A task that no one has ever mastered.
At the time of this blog post, the Giro has already been completed. I had to drive almost 7,300 kilometers and 80,000 meters in altitude to finally arrive in Verona. In some moments, training or studying seemed much easier to me than pushing your body to its absolute limit for 30 days at a time. Some days just go by themselves. The weather is great, the elevation profile looks reasonably humane and there is enough food and drink. The world seems perfect. Other days I had to force my legs to move at all. In just one week I was hit by a car, mugged by a homeless man and hit a stationary scooter at 30km/h. By the end of that week I had abrasions all over my body. My feet were open from below, so every step hurt. I could hardly stay on the bike because I had only slept a handful of hours for days. But I knew if I got through this, it wouldn't get any worse. And so it was. In the end, as planned, I rolled into Verona on May 28th.
Why am I doing what I'm doing?
Basically simply because I'm in the mood for it. I want to see something of the world, be sporty, do something new, experience something, change something, be socially involved. I now feel like all of these things are included in my project. It makes me incredibly happy and at the same time proud to be able to do what I feel like doing.
What do I want to stand for?
I want to inspire or motivate to want to change something. Of course, not everyone has to do something that no one has ever done before. But each is capable of one of their own extraordinary feats. You just have to start and persevere.
What am I volunteering for?
Together with the independent organization VivaConAgua, which is committed to building wells in needy areas in order to guarantee everyone clean drinking water, I am using my project TripleAltTour to collect money for this good cause. It is particularly important to me that my project does not just remain a pure sports project. If I already have a small reach, then I can also use it for a good cause.
So: If you want to support me and my project, you can find the link to my fundraiser on my website erik-horsthemke.de .
]]>But there are also cases where you send us garments that we cannot repair or recycle. That is particularly unfortunate. Because today, less than 1% of clothing collected for recycling is turned back into new textiles or garments. The majority is further processed for low-value purposes such as insulation before being incinerated or landfilled.
Our products are designed to accompany you for many years. Because it is clear: every single RYZON product also uses resources from our home planet. Most of the environmental impact of our products comes from the production of the garment. It is all the more unfortunate when it loses its functionality as a result of an accident and can no longer be used as a whole.
However, individual components such as the material of the product, pockets or zippers can still be used depending on their condition. As part of her bachelor thesis, our colleague Tina made it her mission to save these lost parts and breathe new life into them. The result is several unique pieces that are as unique as the history of their components.
With the ReLine project, Tina, together with RYZON, wants to go one step further towards the circular economy by extending the lifespan of RYZON products and creating unique items from them. Tina wanted to deal with the clothing in the same way that you would take your bike to the workshop or repair it yourself. Upcycling not only allows the products to be reused, but even gives them an enormous upgrade.
Tina decided to design a possible bikepacking collection. Various pockets, storage options and accessories offer practical space for objects to be transported. The deceleration of traveling on and by bike is reflected in the concept of the collection. Thoughtful upcycling is an art. And besides, it's a form of taking responsibility, as part of the fashion industry.
The result of this elaborate precision work is absolutely worth seeing. The resulting unique collection will not be available for purchase, but may be exhibited for viewing. That was also the focus of the ReLine collection: it was not about the interest in selling the products again, but about the question of what RYZON can do to create added value from the products at the end of the product lifecycle.
Maybe this collection will also serve as an inspiration for you to create something new from old clothing.
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“Pavement to the left, median to the right,” my buddy Bene and I repeat like a mantra as we head west out of Inverness. Hands and legs shiver a bit, the panniers gently rock back and forth during the first few meters.
A week awaits us with bikes and tents along the North Coast 500, a 500-mile route through the wild north of Scotland. Steep coasts, bays, lakes await us, approx. 10,000 meters above sea level spread over a thousand small hills, Highland cattle and rugged nature, so rugged that you almost arbitrarily surrender to the power of the elements.
Heading west through the Highlands we cross the Bealach na Ba Pass, the UK's highest pass at 626 metres. In countless serpentines we struggle the heavily loaded bikes step by step up the road and fill our lungs with Scottish air. After almost 100 kilometers we reach the coast on this first day, which we will always have on our left until our return to Inverness in just under a week. Soon after, we start looking for a place to sleep for the first night - wild camping is allowed in Scotland - and find what we are looking for on a hill overlooking the sea and the opposite Ile of Skye. For dinner, there's spaghetti carbonara out of the bag, gummy bears and a breathtaking sight, alone in nowhere.
The second day begins with a gas filter coffee and a thousand hills, always with a view of the Ile of Skye, small lighthouses, large bays and countless sheep. After two hours we reach a tiny village with a café and treat ourselves to bagels and several pieces of cake. Strengthened, we continue to the only supermarket on the way for today. Places with shopping facilities are few and far between in the north of Scotland and so we have to think in the morning where we will pass a supermarket for the day and how long the supplies will have to last. The limiting factor is usually the water, as there is simply no space on the bike for more than approx. 4 liters.
With every kilometer we drive and every hill we cross, the landscape changes a little bit, a new bay opens up to our eyes, a new lake becomes visible and the next mountain range pushes itself in front of the horizon.
The second night we camp on a high plateau and make our first acquaintance with Scottish midges - small mosquitoes that are a real nuisance in north-west Scotland and make everyone outside uncomfortable in the morning and evening and near water. Instead of having breakfast in front of our tent, we often only have breakfast after a 1-2 hour drive in the next town, where the mosquito clouds are not that bad. After three days we have about 420 kilometers and more than 6,000 meters of altitude behind us and are completely overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of the rugged landscape. We find our next sleeping place on a mountain ridge overlooking the sea and the rugged coast.
The next day begins cold, foggy and with the first raindrops, which become a real cloudburst after an hour. The mood drops with the rain and I have a first low. To make matters worse, the only café for the first 50 miles of the day at Balnakeil Bay doesn't offer indoor seating and doesn't really serve anything to eat. In the supermarket next door we get something to eat and try to wait out the downpour - after half an hour and countless rain radar checks we come to the conclusion that nothing will help and we have to continue driving in the rain. After an hour on the bike, however, the rain stops and mystical fog accompanies us for a while. Then the fog makes way for the sun and at the latest with it the good mood returns. We drive along a long fjord, "Loch Eriboll", and rolling terrain, some tailwind and breathtaking, constantly changing landscapes make the next few hours pure enjoyment.
During the day we reach the north-east coast of Scotland and the rugged, wild landscape turns into rolling hills. With them also come the fields and gates, sheep and Highland cattle to our left and right. However, this also reduces the chance of finding a hidden place to sleep and so we search unsuccessfully for at least 20 kilometers for a nice campsite for the night. The planned 130 kilometers for the day become 150 kilometers, after which we finally end up in the small town of Thurso and find a campsite to our rescue. Running water, showers, a view of the sea, no midges - feels like a wellness hotel. Overnight and during an extensive breakfast with a camping stove in front of our tent, we gather new strength.
Day 5 begins with a short detour to mainland Britain's most northerly point and continues with long rolling hills, sheep pastures as far as the eye can see and the rough sea always on our left. When looking for a place to sleep, we leave our route a few dozen meters above sea level and turn towards the coast. Next to the boat landing stage in the small town of Dunbeath we find another paradisiacal place for the night. We set up our tent on a small beach overlooking an old castle at the other end of the bay. After setting up the tent, we are offered a hot coffee by a complete stranger who is standing a few meters away, which is incredibly good and warms us up. We end the day at sunset with a view of the sea and two canned pale ales that we've been looking forward to for half the day - it doesn't get any better than this.
The next day will be the toughest in terms of external conditions, actually we'll be riding in the rain and fog the entire afternoon. We drive as long as we can, hoping that the rain will stop and for lack of alternatives. We have to set up the tent in the evening in the rain and in the dark. The only consolation is that this is the last night in the tent, so it doesn't matter that we pack most of it wet the next morning. On the last day the sun is back and so the last 100 kilometers become a Tour d'Honeur. We make extended coffee stops again and review the last few days. In the afternoon we roll towards Inverness again, the traffic is increasing, the sheep pastures and rough nature less. Already after the first few minutes with traffic noise we miss the silence and solitude of the Scottish north. At the same time we are glad that our legs, back, bottom and head don't have to cycle for the time being. We are happy, proud and look back with pleasure on the past week, which gave us many unforgettable moments and the realization that the best thing is to just get on your bike, start riding and experience something.
The bottom line is 7 days, over 900 kilometers, approx. 10,000 meters in altitude, lots of coffee, countless bays, even more unique experiences.
]]>Project Horizon athlete Jonas Deichmann has circumnavigated the world in triathlon - and turned ours upside down. In 430 days he completed the Ironman distance 120 times. In numbers, that means 450 kilometers of swimming, 21,000 kilometers of cycling and 5,060 kilometers of running. Here you can find his RYZON favorites that accompanied him on the journey. We asked the extreme athlete and world record holder a few questions.
The motto of this year's Christmas campaign is: "The biggest achievements often remain unseen". What was such an achievement for you, an unobserved, challenging moment?
JD: The biggest achievement for me was completing the swim course. Swimming was by far the most difficult for me. So when cycling, also in Siberia, I felt in my terrain and when running too. I can do that. But when I was swimming, I had no idea what I was doing. I just started swimming and already on day 1 I realized: this is so much harder than I expected. And then arriving in Dubrovnik, that was the biggest achievement for me.
And that's exactly where you were actually alone the whole time, right?
JD: First of all, swimming is mentally incredibly tough because it's monotonous, nothing happens there. So just looking at water and plastic waste for 6-7 hours a day is really difficult mentally.
Have you really seen a lot of plastic waste in the sea? That's something we also deal with, recycling and sustainability. The bike jersey you were wearing is made from recycled material.
JD: Well I wouldn't say it's more polluted than other seas, or parts of Europe. But you see more plastic waste there than fish, of course. So also things like refrigerators, car tires and beer bottles and cans. It's unbelievable what you can see on the seabed.
But running, unlike swimming, you can do it.
JD: Yeah, I really enjoyed that too. So my running career is not over yet. Cycling is my favorite discipline and it will stay that way. But I'm also in the mood to do another big run somewhere.
And why are you running? You were compared to Forrest Gump in Mexico. In the scene in which the journalists are walking alongside him, he answers the question why he is running: “for no particular reason”. So for no specific reason. What would be your answer to this question?
JD: Exactly the same, actually. When I woke up in my tent in the morning, I felt like running a marathon every day.
If motivation were that easy for everyone - that would be nice.
JD: For me, it's ultimately these special experiences. When cycling and when running. It's really the little moments. Night camping in the Baja California desert or when the mariachis come by. Such encounters. So just the little moments, the things you're not used to, the things you're surprised by, and that's what I draw on when things get tough.
And do you think that you experience more of these small and special moments when you run because you are a little slower and can perceive them even more than when you ride a bike?
JD: The moments are different. When you ride a bike, of course, you have a lot more impressions of the landscape because you are simply faster. But when you run, you come into much more contact with the country and its people. So it's just different. Both have advantages and disadvantages. To sum it up, when you ride a bike you have more impressions, but when you run they are more intense.
Interesting. Were there such intense encounters while running, or encounters in general that left a lasting impression on you? Or ones that you think were really special?
JD: Yes, of course La Coqueta, the street dog, stands out. That was a very special encounter. She was so cool, she just ran 130 kilometers with me. And it changed everything for me. From the day after that I was in the National News in Mexico - and from then on I wasn't alone anymore.
This encounter not only sticks in your head, it also changed your life.
JD: Yes, definitely. From that day I was really famous in Mexico. And the moment when the attention really got even bigger, crowds of people came and I got a police escort, that was something very special. Something you don't forget. The police officers with their guns, that people ran with me, that's a unique experience. That changes you. But I also made a lot of friends on the trip, which I believe will remain friends with these people for a very long time.
That sounds even nicer. On the contrary: were there moments when you felt lonely? You said in another interview that you don't feel lonely in nature. But how do you feel when you are alone in nature?
JD: I'm comfortable in nature when I'm alone. I actually felt the loneliest there in Mexico, when the most people were there. Everyone suddenly wants something from you. At the beginning there were about 20 runners who ran along. That was cool, everything was wonderful. But when there are 200-300 running after you and you get a huge reception with journalists, the police and everyone else wants something from you. But you don't know anyone about it. Then you feel lonely. Because you're just alone.
I can understand that. Above all, it is probably difficult to find peace then.
JD: Yes. Sometimes I ran 50 kilometers and was done. And then I come into a village, there are 2000 people waiting for me. Everyone wants selfies and interviews and I really just want to go to the hotel and eat something and sleep. This is difficult.
I think I would feel the loneliest when driving through the frozen desert in Siberia.
JD: Oh, that was nice, in Siberia in the frozen desert.
What was the biggest motivation for you to go through with the project? In your lectures you speak of "from chocolate bar to chocolate bar", i.e. breaking it down to individual goals. But what's going on in your head aside from that? What is your inner drive?
JD: So it's more like why am I doing this? And not so small, how do I motivate myself every day. And ultimately, why I do it is the experiences, the encounters. They're just so intense when you do that. And there are so many things I can still talk about in 30 years. It's not the record at the end. What remains at the end are the experiences and the memories. It's so much more intense when you do it this way. And that's exactly what motivates me. Even if I look out of the tent in the morning and it's a bit uncomfortable, I still know: Hey, today could be a very special day. Something could happen any day that I've never seen before.
What was the biggest surprise on your trip?
JD: Of course that was the hype in Mexico. I could never have imagined that. I would never have imagined that I would become a folk hero overnight. It was just absurd what happened there. In Mexico City I was traveling with nine pick-ups and armored vehicles and 11 motorcycles, which cordoned off the entire city freeway. These are things that suddenly make you think, am I in the wrong movie?
And the biggest surprise in terms of: what scared you, what were you not prepared for?
JD: Those were the swim traverses. I really had no idea about swimming and approached the whole thing with optimistic naivety. Somehow it works. And such a crossing is already damn far. And it sucks when you're swimming alone miles from shore and there's current and waves. That's unconfortable. But you can hardly prepare for it. When it gets dark in the sea, the thought arises, what could be underneath me?
On such a journey you are very much alone with yourself. You like to be out and about alone, but have you sometimes lacked company?
JD: I generally like to travel alone. But for example when swimming, or in Russia, where no one speaks English, I was always happy when someone was there. People I know, with whom I can talk, that's really nice after a month. I was really looking forward to that too.
And are you already thinking about the next projects?
Yes, in any case. I'll tell you what I'm up to soon.
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Innsbruck – an autumn fairy tale
You really don't want to let it go just yet: the summer. With its heat and its oven temperatures. When beads of sweat run down your legs and arms. But that doesn't matter - the pass is the goal. The kit short-short, the water bottles almost empty again, the jersey open and you're thankful for every gust of wind.
Now the days are getting shorter, the trees are more colourful, the sun is at an angle, the light is getting warmer, the air is colder - autumn is in full swing and the first harbingers of winter are showing up in the form of fog in the valleys and snow on the peaks .
Just as nature says goodbye to its summer splendor, we want to say goodbye to long rides, hot asphalt, cool mountain lakes and dead-straight tanlines - let the outdoor season come to a worthy end before winter only has short bike trips to the door goes.
Innsbruck comes at just the right time – while you can stroll around the Inn in the sun or sit in a café enjoying the mild autumn temperatures during the day, you are already encountering the first snow in Kühtai. However, you have to work hard for this.
Along the Inn, out of Innsbruck, we are driven towards the mountains with the sun on our backs. The open waistcoats flap in the wind, the hubs of the slipstream riders whirr inside and you don't think about the meters in altitude that are still waiting to reach the Kühtaisattel: over 20 kilometers there are 1300 meters in altitude with ramps with an incline of up to 20%.
And so it begins at kilometer 15 – step by step by step. Together at the beginning, the group falls apart kilometer by kilometer. Everyone tries to find their own pace, their own rhythm. The initially unsteady breathing becomes more regular and you fall into a meditative rut. We are now, here, in the moment. With the bike, the mountains, the incline, the view, nature. From time to time you hear a soft curse or a louder 'F***' when the next ramp is waiting.
Shortly before the saddle we meet again; after the last tunnel before the pass, where you were brought back to reality from the game of light and shadow. The last (altitude) meters are covered together to reach the saddle together.
Exhausted, happy faces and bright eyes are the result of this increase. The scenery is stunning. The colors are morbid and yet invitingly warm. The cold air almost tangible and visible. The higher elevations are powdered from the first snowfalls of late autumn.
But there is no time to take a deep breath. The sun is approaching the mountain peaks, the slanting light bathes the mountainous landscape in cozy evening light. We want to use this for the descent into the valley.
The zippers are pulled up, the scarf, headband and gloves are taken out of the jersey pocket and the rear light is switched on. One last fist bump before heading back down the 1500 meters into the valley. The wheels race over the largely new asphalt with barely noticeable resistance. The cold wind cuts your face and brings tears to your eyes even when you're wearing glasses.
Everyone is concentrated, the focus is on you and what is happening to the side and in front of you. No one wants to fall, but no one wants to give in to that rush of speed either.
The asphalt and road markings fly by, you can see the places where you cursed a few hours ago and with every meter a greater contentment spreads through your body.
...safely we arrive back in Innsbruck. Now a hot shower and pizza. Lots of pizza. Then plans are made for the next day. After all, that was only day one of three.
In this post, Mike shares his adventure at L'Ultra-Trail® du Barlatay, a trail running event over spectacular mountain landscapes.
I just love to run! This is the answer to the question that is asked so often: why are you doing this?
All my life I've climbed hills and mountains, negotiated long straights and steep trails, failed many times, sometimes fell, but I never lost my passion for running. I've grown with the rhythm of the energies, with the simple attitude of running Ultra Trail for fun.
The routes are all different, you have to adapt to the environment, respect it, that's what makes trail running so appealing. Each run has its own story, its own route (which changes often along the way), its own time (with a fondness for the lights at sunset) and of course the privileged moments to spot the wildlife that I love so much .
And what about the competition? Yes, right, I can tell you about my win at L'Ultra-Trail® du Barlatay 103km/6600m D+! A track with an ultra-brittle profile! Start at 10pm - ideal to test your mental toughness and resistance to fatigue.
I divided the race into two different sections: night/day.
I ran the first 56 km with only my Petzl light visible, unsure of the markings (time/distance) since I always run without a watch, with a strong desire to sleep. Luckily at km 28 and 48 I have my friend Lars as an experienced gas station attendant and mental trainer who fills me up and distracts me. The sunrise and the team of volunteers at Pic Chaussy get me out of the night just in time to start the second part of the race. This one is much more comfortable and I finally have that very good feeling that you can only have on long journeys. I get my beer in a little less than 15 hours of effort! A wonder! THANK YOU l'Etivaz.
Next adventure: La Diagonale Des Fous, Reunion Island. Departing October 24th. At 22 o clock. That can not be a coincidence :-)
]]>The time together in Paris proved to be an opportunity for the product team to strengthen their own attitude towards sustainability and to gain insight into what sustainability means for Ryzon.
This made us aware again of our corporate responsibility and that, although we create timeless products, we are part of a global problem whose solution lies in the hands of all of us. For us, sustainability is not something that only describes our materials and raw materials, but an interplay of natural raw materials from a fair origin, a sustainable manufacturing process and high-quality products that are particularly durable.
What does sustainability mean to you?
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Elisa (30km)
Running - my favorite of the three favorite sports of all triathletes in the world: swimming, running and cycling. But what happens when you send a bunch of exactly these athletes, who are also at home in the Cologne lowlands, to a Glacier Alpine trail run on a three-thousander in Austria?
That's right, half the team grabs their heads in shock and says "Whaaat, do you really want to do that, who came up with the idea?"
A crazy idea last summer became serious towards the end of last year and we decided with eight girls to tackle the "Ryzon goes Pitztal Alpine Glacier Trail" project. Including two of us (including me), who had the great idea of running 30km directly over hill and dale, because we slowly "want to move on to longer competitions" (all triathletes know the sentence - but I've never been over 22km before walked and I can still count the few long distances on one hand).
The ideas back then: we do many long preparatory runs together, drive to the Siebengebirge to train on trails and the most important of all points, we still have forever until August 2021. Dandelion! Summer was approaching and almost all of us had to realize that time went by a little faster than expected and although we did our usual triathlon training, we didn't really walk a single meter in altitude.
So in mid-June we started a few more attempts to collect a few of the dreaded vertical meters in training and ran up and down the Jahn monument (Kölle's only "mountain") what felt like a thousand times (small spoiler: about 10 times up and down the Jahn monument). result in only about 120hm - so it remained exciting). At the beginning of August the time had finally come and we started our trip to the Pitztal. The very next day, starting numbers were handed out and pre-activation with a breath of mountain air was announced, which made everyone's nervousness rise significantly.
When the day of all days, Saturday August 7th, finally came, I realized that I was allowed to stand at the starting line with Anna Hahner and Co. in the elite field of the race - thanks to my target time given last year. Now I secretly wished for my usual environment back and prayed that it was still a triathlon that I would start right away. Unfortunately no, unfortunately not at all: the gun went off and I ran the first kilometer (next spoiler: but really only this one first kilometer) together with the elite runners. After that, everyone went straight into the first ascent, which meant for me: grit your teeth and firmly believe that the unspeakable calf pain will eventually subside and that the entire ascent will be worth it with the first glimpse of the Riffelsee and everything will be forgotten. It was like that in the end. With the first climb still in the legs, we went down through the only passage with spectators to the Riffelsee and then continued on some somewhat "flatter" passages until the next climbs (I stopped counting at some point) came. There were even a few via ferrata passages with ropes for us 30km runners, which I was very scared of beforehand, but weren't too bad during the run thanks to enough adrenaline in the veins. Over the 30km, I kept making new short-term runners: inner friendships, which resulted from the different running speeds and have stayed in my head to this day. The comradely atmosphere, nice conversations, walking up and down mountains together in breathtaking nature releases inner strength and willpower, which I have rarely been able to experience before! Despite all the positive feelings, a slightly uncomfortable thought kept coming to my mind: hold out until kilometer 20! Absolutely! Because from then on it goes downhill and you "just" have to let it roll! That's exactly how it was then. Having overcome the last "cliff" (sorry for the non-trailrun jargon), I finally saw the slightly wider gravel path, which made it possible to finally get a little more speed than in the often very narrow and rocky trails. Luckily, my legs carried me almost cramp-free the last eight kilometers with the thought mantra: "It'll be done in a moment; think about the moment afterwards; think about the happiness afterwards; think about how proud you can be of yourself when you do it done; this is your longest run so far; you can do it" to the finish. I did it and couldn't believe it myself!
Suddenly all tension fell away from me, which I didn't even know before that it was so present.
I was allowed to experience an overwhelming feeling of joy in that moment. And that together with the greatest girls in the world, who were waiting for me two meters away and welcomed me at the finish line with loud cheers! That's the best feeling ever! I was able to enjoy the moment for a short time, but then all of a sudden I had a completely different feeling: thirst, water, sugar - and preferably quickly! Now the joy of the refreshments at the finish and finally being able to have a drink in peace took over and I first had to fill up all my storage tanks before I could continue to enjoy the entire scenery and the finish line. I also saw my running friends that I found on the route again at the finish and had a short chat with everyone. I didn't feel the exertion in my legs too much in the first few hours directly after the run, so I worked up the next few hours with Ziel-Coke in my stomach. But the hammer came the next day with full force and the sore muscles promised to stay and not go away quite so quickly. Exactly this feeling manifested itself on the second day and boom, there it was and stayed: the sore muscles of my life – for a whole week!
But even this can't have been that bad after all, because a day later in our cozy eight-bed room with a youth hostel feeling, we decided to choose the next trail run competition directly and would like to persuade all sorts of people in the world to do the same sign up to have this incredible rollercoaster of emotions and experience too! In conclusion, I am very satisfied with my time and the overall 7th place in the women including the elite field and can now say: triathletes can also run trails - albeit a bit slower and more carefully (especially downhill), but possibly with all the more joy and fun on the matter!
Marie (16km)
For me, running is the easiest way to switch off and leave all the stress of everyday life behind for a few minutes. But running also allows me to gather new energy, recharge my batteries and the best ideas come from running. I started running during my studies. Basically, I wrote my bachelor thesis during the course. The longer the run, the more creative I became and suddenly I was able to formulate the sentences very simply. I completed my bachelor's degree a long time ago, but I kept running.
But how does a hobby runner, who only knows the mountains from skiing in winter, come to drive from Cologne to the Pitztal for eight hours in order to run 16 km and 850 hm voluntarily?
The answer: I didn't really know what I was signing up for.
I just heard that three more girls from Ryzon are going to start. A quick check to see if I had the weekend off and then I simply said, okay, I'll come with you without even knowing what I'm going to do there.
The first question on the day of arrival was: Have you trained for this? The general answer was yes, well I ran a couple of times but not really.
Well, so we were all perfectly prepared.
I didn't feel really in shape, but I just wanted to. Desire to finally have a competition again and desire the excitement and atmosphere at such events. I didn't have any expectations and I didn't set myself a time goal, I just decided to enjoy the run and have fun.
When I stood at the front of the starting line on Saturday morning, I was already very nervous. But after the first meters I was completely in my element. The first 600 hm were in the first few kilometers and I had the most respect for the climb. So I divided my forces nicely. Nevertheless, I was very happy when I saw Nils, our photographer, shortly before the end of the climb, because I knew then that I had survived the worst part of the route - at least that's what I thought at that moment.
After we had circled the Riffelsee, it went downhill. First I enjoyed the beautiful view and just let it roll. But I quickly noticed that going downhill isn't so easy either.
My thoughts have been circling around, worrying about twisting my ankle or falling down the slope to my left. At the same time, I didn't want to lose any time, because I knew I was on the right track.
Eyes shut and go for it. I should have practiced that.
Arriving at the bottom without a fall, a wide gravel path led the last few kilometers to the finish. Here we were able to step on the gas again. At some point I looked at my watch and saw that I could finish in less than 2 hours 30 minutes.
That's when I got ambitious: that would mean I had a chance of being in the top ten.
My endorphins kept rising and when I crossed the finish line my watch read 2 hours 27 minutes! Made!!!
Only one of our girls squad had made it to the finish before me and hugged me.
I was completely overwhelmed. It wasn't quite enough for the top ten, but nevertheless I was seldom as happy as after this run.
Now it was just a matter of waiting for the others to come. When everyone was there, the relief was more than visible on every face.
After the tension and the adrenaline had slowly gone, we all just longed for relaxation. The legs were heavy and slowly I realized that I would probably have the worst sore muscles of my life. And so it was!
But it was worth it. Born out of a crazy idea, we have all become trail running fans. That means: train properly next year and then the 32km are waiting for me.
But no matter what distance. One thing is clear: this won't be my last trail run.
Luke tells us how he experienced the inferno.
Your last major project was the Race around Rwanda last January. What has happened to you since then?
After Rwanda, I enjoyed the long Swiss winter on cross-country skis and made big plans for the Transcontinental in summer. In May, however, it was clear that the race would also be canceled this year due to Covid. At the time, I was jogging and swimming again for fun. My fascination with triathlon never died out completely. It didn't take long before I decided to get back into the triathlon business. I never did that consistently. My last triathlon was in August 2018. Accordingly, getting started with structured running and swimming training was pretty hard at first, but I was super motivated by registering for the Inferno Triathlon in August. In June I took part in the first DeadEnds&Cake event.
Why exactly did you decide to do the Inferno Triathlon?
This is one of the toughest and most traditional triathlons you can do. The hunt for times only plays a subordinate role. The whole race is an adventure! With its 5500 meters of altitude difference, a section on the MTB and the goal at 2900m, the day demands everything from you. It's like stepping out of your comfort zone into the unknown. It's these races that fascinate me the most in triathlon. If you don't ask yourself the question before you start: How fast will I be? but: Will I even make it to the finish? In addition, the race is much smaller and more familiar than one of the big races and then this view all day long!
What was your preparation like?
As I said, I only started swimming and running again in May. Don't expect miracles in 3 months and I've tried to be consistent in all 3 sports including running in the mountains as much as possible. The Inferno was supposed to be my comeback with a focus on fun and less results-oriented. Which turned out to be pretty good in the end.
What goes through your mind during a competition like this (and any other challenge)?
some! From fuck this to fuck yeah. As always, you have your ups and downs throughout the day. Usually I have a certain song that I listen to a lot before the race and I try to sing it to myself in the hard moments to distract myself from the pain. As long as you keep going, the next high is bound to come. Over time you learn how to trick your head and create positive momentum again. It also always helps me to remind myself to have fun, even when it's super hard right now. I had the toughest moments on the second half up to Kleine Scheidegg with the MTB and during the run from KM5 to KM9. it was just way too hot, way too steep and the gravity too strong. From then on, only Coke helped. Well known as a magic potion.
What did you take with you from the Inferno Triathlon?
The toughest races are the best! Re-entry successful! Super happy with the race how it went. Completed an absolute bucket list race! The feeling when you reach the finish line at 2900m cannot be compared to anything else. I can really recommend this race to everyone who likes extreme experiences!
Now I can't wait to keep working hard and get back on the starting lines. There's still a lot to do before I'm competitive again. More adventure triathlons of this kind will definitely follow... and maybe one or the other ultra cycling event.
]]>ARTIST: RAPHAEL SCHUMACHER
MODEL: RUBEN ZEPUNTKE
PRODUCT: GENERATOR ARROW SONIC BIKE SET
"How do I bring a consistently structured athlete out of the comfort zone? My solution: create a framework in which I can proceed instinctively to approach people, clothing and movement. A framework that, above all, does not limit the possibilities . A framework in which Ruben and I have the opportunity to act spontaneously and playfully."
- Raphael Schumacher
"The power and versatility of the sport and the collection are embodied in the unequal relationship, but are nonetheless intertwined (activity vs. focus). Ruben chose to be trapped, figuratively, with various undefinable (graphic) layers.
All in all, from carefully staged shots to spontaneous moments, this provides my perspective on the collection and the triathlon."
- Raphael Schumacher
Discover now:
The Generator Arrow Bike Bib Shorts
The Generator Arrow Bike Jersey
Who am I?
I'm Marc, 39 years old, living in Cologne. I studied geography and Asian studies in Bonn, but have now been working as a freelancer in the event and trade fair sector for over 10 years.
What am I doing?
Working freelance allows me to work normal hours through the winter so I can head out and explore the world in the summer.
I am a globetrotter, adventurer, bikepacker and I love to travel the world on small and large adventures with my bike.
Why am I doing it?
I got into bikepacking after a two-year backpacking tour through Asia. At some point I found it boring to drive around by bus and train, I wanted to travel independently and without a schedule and not have to stick to any departure schedules.
So I combined my two passions - travel and sport -, assembled a bike, got equipment and just set off on my first big bike tour. For the first time alone with the packed bike heading east. From Cologne to Istanbul. Still no idea about the whole bike tour topic (the term “bikepacking” didn’t really exist yet), no smartphone or navigation system, no fixed route, no real time limit. Everything new and exciting.
The plan was to fly back home from Istanbul by plane. But when I arrived in Istanbul, I changed my plan and decided to cycle back. It just didn't feel right to get on a plane to get home. It seemed too easy, too boring. I just wanted to stay on my bike and see what's waiting for me around the next bend or hill. The cycling fever grabbed me and hasn't let go of me since.
Various tours lasting several months followed, eg through the Caucasus and Central Asia.
In the meantime, I almost only ride my bikes off-road. I just want to have fun cycling, enjoy nature and not feel constantly hassled by cars.
What do I want to stand for?
The constant thought of performance is repugnant to me.
I want to be on the road regardless of best times or comparisons. I don't care about numbers, not about how far or how hard I rode. It's about enjoying it, enjoying it and having a good time. Alone or with friends.
As soon as I sit on my bike, I feel total freedom and independence.
I love the feeling of sitting on a packed bike, having everything I need with me and setting off into the unknown. To be able to experience adventures, to get to know foreign cultures and to feel nature is something very special.
It's nice to inspire other people to experience the same or similar things. To take away their fear of the new, the unknown, so that they can boldly start new adventures.
In June, Marc was on the Veneto Trail with his friends. The bikepacking event for mountain bikers took place in Italy and here you can read how he experienced the adventure and the time together.
Finally. It starts again. A different country, different languages, different smells, different food. After a long time and the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, we finally pack our bikes again, load them into the van and drive to Citadella (Italy) to participate in the Veneto Trail.
The Veneto Trail is an unsupported bikepacking adventure for mountain bikes.
450 kilometers and 10,000 meters in altitude are ahead of us in one of the most beautiful corners of Italy, over the Po Valley to the Dolomites.
It is not a race, there is no time limit. It's just a dedicated bikepacking event where you can test your limits and those of the material.
We planned enough time for the trail to be able to really enjoy the first trip in a long time. Five days is realistic and relaxed given the weather and terrain.
Even the first ascent to Monte Grappa is tough. On technically quite demanding single trails, it goes uphill at 30 degrees from sea level to over 1700 meters. The following downhill makes all initial curses forgotten and everyone has a big grin on their face. We end the day with pizza and beer and lie down to sleep next to an old church. The selection of the sleeping place is not really optimal, since the church bells tear us out of our sleep every hour. Learned something again.
After a restless night, the first technical problems occur the following day. The material clearly suffers from the heavy scree descents. Andrea, the organizer, doesn't recommend a suspension mountain bike for the trail for nothing. But it is also quite mobile with our bikes. We just keep telling ourselves: “Every bike is a mountain bike”. My mechanical brakes still see it a little differently and sometimes really reach their limits.
The third day is the most spectacular of the entire Veneto Trail in terms of landscape and route. It goes steadily uphill, with another breathtaking view of the Dolomites waiting behind every bend. It goes up to 2277 meters, the highest pass of the entire trail. Sometimes it is so steep that you push more than you drive. The last part of the pass is really rough, we have to carry our bikes for several hundred meters and wish we had hiking shoes instead of cycling shoes with a click system.
Once at the top, we enjoy the view for a moment and then set off on the spectacular descent.
After that we stock up on food and beer for the evening and tackle the final climbs of the day. We keep an eye out for suitable places to stay overnight and, when it is already getting dark, we actually find a shelter. As the clouds are getting denser and darker, we are overjoyed to have discovered this hut. It even has an oven and we can dry our damp, sweaty clothes.
We start the fourth day with an easy downhill and have a long break for breakfast. Perfect for recharging cell phones, cameras and sat navs. The official trail is impassable due to landslides, so we have to switch to the road and make quick progress.
We are surprised by short hailstorms and have to seek shelter several times.
Due to the weather we decide to climb the last big pass of the trail the next morning.
We reach a ski area that is almost deserted in summer. After a decent dinner and a few beers, we look for an abandoned house to spend the night there, protected from hail and storms.
The next morning we start early and wait a long time for the only espresso bar to open. Only to find out that the bar is closed today. So without breakfast and coffee on the 1611 meter high pass.
The descent has it all again. Rough gravel passages and slippery, damp single trails require our full concentration again.
70 kilometers remain to the finish and we only have the so-called "Prosecco Hills" ahead of us. These appear tiny and simple compared to the mountains of previous days. Short, steep climbs at 35 degrees await us. It's not just the climbs that demand everything from us, the scree descents are also technical and sometimes really steep. So steep that a passenger falls badly and the Veneto Trail is over for him and us. What an end to an otherwise great trip and great events.
Since we couldn't finish the Veneto Trail due to this serious accident, we'll have to come back next year and finish it off. Maybe then with a full-suspension mountain bike.
What do you need on a trip like the Veneto Trail? Our Horizon Ambassador project relied on the following products and was prepared for all weather conditions on and off the bike. He had the following products with him:
Sydon Athletic Rain Jacket (in fact, Marc really liked the running jacket when packing his bike because the hood protects against rain and the jacket is comfortably loose)
High-quality Japanese fabrics are known for their particularly fine and technical fabric structures. This also applies to the LightShell material, which sets new standards in terms of weight, breathability and wind protection.
The ultra-light polyamide fabric with an extra fine yarn structure also impresses with its slight stretch and soft feel. The running jacket doesn't crackle and the environmentally friendly DWR impregnation lets you run home dry even in light rain - without sacrificing breathability. The taped seams and elastic cuffs also keep the wind out. When you're not wearing it, the jacket compresses down to golf ball size. So you can easily stow them away and have your hands free on all your adventures.
The jacket that is conspicuously inconspicuous in the background so that you can fully concentrate on your training.
The jacket envelops you as light as a feather and offers you enough room for movement and full performance.
Our photographer Lukas staged the Phantom LightShell Jacket. Airy. Easy. floating.
Discover the Phantom LightShell Jacket now.
For us, access to water is so normal that we don't even think about how much water we use, drink, or just let it flow down the drain.
Other people know exactly how much water they use. What is normal for us is still a luxury for many people around the world. Access to fresh drinking water is difficult in many countries.
Access to clean drinking water is not guaranteed for everyone in Uganda either. Viva con Agua wants to change that. Viva con Agua has already drawn attention to the global water situation with campaigns in the past. Now the association from Hamburg wants to collect donations with its latest project, the Ride4Water, and thus not only provide schools and communities in Uganda with drinking water, but also create a new awareness of hygiene through hygiene projects on site.
The Ride4Water is a cycling event that aims to draw attention to the global shortage of drinking water.
From July 5th to July 11th we will cycle together as many kilometers as we can and thus raise awareness for Viva con Agua's fundraising goal. All participants are connected virtually, can see how many kilometers have been driven and also get together in teams.
We at Ryzon are also taking part in this campaign and have created a team to collect kilometers together.
The following link will take you directly to our team. Register with Ride4Water using the link , connect your profile to your Strava account (optional) and join our team. From July 5th to 11th, ride as many kilometers on your bike as possible and track them, manually or via Strava, in the Ride4Water portal. Feel free to share the campaign (#RIDE4WATER) on Instagram and tag us ( @ryzon_apparel ) and Viva con Agua ( @vivaconagua ).
With all the fascination for virtual solutions, we are all the more pleased that analogue meetings are finally possible again. That's why we've planned an extra cycling unit for July 10th, where we'll meet to ride together for the Ride4Water in the Cologne area. You can find information about this in our newsletter and on our social media channels.
Join our team now and ride with us for Viva con Agua. We would be delighted if you decide to make a donation to the association. Team Ryzon will also donate an amount to Hamburg at the end of the week.
The goal of Viva con Agua is to collect a total of €50,000 to support the “One WASH Uganda” program with 6 newly built wells and to be able to train so-called “water user committees”.
Here you will find all further information and FAQs about the campaign.