On August 2nd, 2024, I took part in the Gravmagedon, a gravel race that traverses some of the most stunning regions of Poland and the Czech Republic. This event is set in the iconic Karkonosze and Izerskie mountains, with a challenging mix of fine gravel and technical single tracks. The race offers two categories: gravel and MTB, each with long and short distance options. Known as one of the hardest gravel races in the country, Gravmagedon is notorious for its steep ascents and lightning-fast descents.
After my first ultra-adventure in 2023, where I tackled a gravel race in Poland, I knew I wanted to explore another part of the country by bike. As a lover of mountains, the choice was obvious: I had to sign up for another gravel race in the mountains. This time, I opted for the long distance—342km with 8,000 meters of elevation gain. There was also a shorter option of 150km with 4,000 meters of elevation. After last year’s experience, I knew I needed to prepare thoroughly for this demanding challenge. I began my preparations in March, and with the help of my son Filip, I created a training plan. Everything was going well, and the much-anticipated race day was drawing closer.
Finally, the time came to travel to Szklarska Poręba, where I would start my holiday back in my home country. On Thursday evening, at the pre-race gathering, the main topic of conversation was the safety of cycling on Friday. The weather had been fantastic all week, but Friday’s forecast was only “good,” according to our chairman😂 The organizer tried to persuade participants to switch to the shorter distance race, which had been extended to 180km, or to start on Saturday instead. However, not many of us took the bait. After speaking with several participants and some well-known YouTubers, I decided to stick with my original plan: to start on Friday morning and face the weather, the hills, and my own weaknesses head-on.
By Friday morning, my excitement had reached its peak. I arrived at the starting line early to cheer on new friends I had made the night before. My start was scheduled for 7:40 AM. Unfortunately, because the organizer allowed participants some flexibility in their start times, most had already set off, and I missed the chance to join ‘the train’. Lesson learned for next year.
The first part of the race felt like a never-ending ascent. Riding mostly alone, I couldn’t help but wonder if the entire race would be uphill. Once I hit the first descent, I started catching up to those who had started earlier, and that’s when the race truly began for me. I found my rhythm and flow until I hit Przełęcz Karkonoska. To my astonishment, we faced a monstrous climb within the first 30km. It was here that I realized I had once again underestimated the challenge, just like the previous year. However, the reward for conquering the climb was a fantastic descent, which allowed me to get back into my flow. The route was never boring—difficult and MTB-like in places, exactly how I like it. I wasn’t disappointed, and despite the fog that reduced visibility, I was flying through the course. The only thing missing was the views due to dense fog.
As the day wore on, my legs were holding up, but signs of fatigue were beginning to show. My focus was set on reaching the second checkpoint at 277km. I knew I could rest there, change into dry clothes, and enjoy some hot food prepared by the local Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich. Highly recommended by experienced participants, Domek pod Orzechem, where the checkpoint was located, lived up to its reputation for hospitality. I had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand.
After some much-needed nourishment and fresh clothes, I decided to push on. At this point, I knew I didn’t have much left in the tank, but with only 64km to go, I couldn’t give up. I wasn’t alone—Dobiesław and I paired up for the final stretch, while Darek and Jakub, who I had cycled with earlier, stayed behind for a bit more rest.
What followed was the most difficult time of my life on a bike—or walking with the bike, for that matter! The organizer seemed determined to finish us off with a series of steep climbs at the end. By this point, I regretted not switching to the shorter distance. My body was completely spent, my legs felt dead, and my hands were struggling to safely manage the fast descents. Every kilometre felt like ten, and the ascents were nearly impossible to climb. I experienced moments of deep doubt, but I pushed through. At the finish line, I told myself, “Never again.” But within 24 hours, I was already planning how I’d tackle the race in 2025!
Despite the physical and mental drain, I loved every moment of it. The difficulty, the struggle, the memories—they stay with you forever, leaving you hungry for more
English (UK) 
Polski