Significant Choices
Remote Control
The Silk Road Mountain Race presents resupply challenges for all riders, passing through small and remote towns infrequently and requiring riders to plan ahead more than at most other events. Jenny’s kit list includes a water filter and plenty of space for food, snacks and water to ensure she could comfortably endure the long remote sections of the route without running into difficulty.
(Sub)Zero Rated
There aren’t many events taking place outside of winter that require sleeping equipment rated for subzero temperatures but with snow regularly featuring at the Silk Road Mountain Race, all riders need to be prepared for weather extremes. Alongside a -12C rated sleeping bag, Jenny carried enough layers to endure the coldest days and nights while still being able to travel light enough to enjoy the warmer days. A large, 17L saddle bag provides enough space to swallow a larger sleeping bag and multiple layers – something a lighter setup would struggle with.
Perfect Balance
Jenny’s setup is a masterclass in distributing weight evenly across a bike. By keeping water and other heavy items in her Full Frame Pack and Downtube Pack, she was able to free up space for lightweight items spread out across the rear and front of the bike. This kept handling neutral and ensured her bike wouldn’t become unwieldy over technical terrain.
Tough By Name, Tough By Nature
Looking at Jenny’s palmares, it’s clear that she excels in challenging terrain and enjoys the challenge of tougher, more remote races. She’s able to stay calm in the face of adversity and push through tough situations to open up significant leads over her nearest competitors. Of course, being tough is nothing without planning and preparation and it’s clear that her first Silk Road Mountain Race played a large role in helping her be able to come back stronger and faster for 2021.
