When we first came up with the idea for parallels, we wanted to create an opportunity for riders to safely experience 24 hours of ultra-racing, without having to wake up and do it all over again the next day. We wanted to create a challenge that would push both experienced long-distance self-supported riders going for the longest line possible and newer riders looking for an achievable challenge.
We had no idea that 2020 would see a pandemic sweep across the globe and put an end to organized events and international travel for several months. Parallels quickly became an opportunity to encourage riders who have been cooped up indoors to get out for the longest ride local restrictions allowed and celebrate being outdoors on bikes.
This year wasn’t necessarily about going long, but some riders achieved incredible distances and no doubt gained a lot of insight into how to create an even longer ride next year.