Komoot and Badlands launch the BADLANDS UNPLUGGED route

For Immediate Release

Potsdam, May 23rd 2024 - Adventure platform komoot launches a new bikepacking route designed by the team that created Badlands, one of the most iconic gravel cycling events in the world. BADLANDS UNPLUGGED is a bucket-list worthy bikepacking route that will grab the attention of adventurous cyclists who wish to experience the wild landscapes of Eastern Andalucia at their own pace.

The route is now available to all as a komoot Collection, and adds to komoot’s ever growing resource of over 300 bikepacking adventures across the world. 

In 2018, an idea was born to create a gravel route in Spain that would link the unique landscapes of the Gorafe Desert, the Tabernas Desert and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Since the event was initially launched in the format of an unsupported race, many cyclists have traveled to the region to explore the landscapes featured throughout various editions of the race.

BADLANDS UNPLUGGED is a new route for bikepackers curious to experience the region without the pressure of competing in an unsupported race. The route is rideable throughout much of the year, and is launched with an accompanying guide, including practical details on accommodation and resupply options.

The route itself features remarkable diversity: the forests of the Sierra de Huétor, the deserts of the Gorafe and Tabernas, the Mediterranean coast of Cabo de Gata and the great mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of which is Europe's highest cycling climb, Pico Veleta at 3,396m. The influence of the different civilisations that have inhabited this region throughout its history, such as the Iberians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims, is visible across the region’s culture, gastronomy and architecture.

The first edition of the bikepacking race Badlands took place in 2020, and has been supported by komoot since its inception. Seasoned professional Lachlan Morton won the inaugural race, barely stopping as he rode the 700 km race route, cementing the event as an internal destination that would attract global talent over the following years. 

For competitive cyclists, this year will be no different with the 5th edition of Badlands taking place in September.

Key route information 

• Distance: 760 km (470 miles)

• Elevation: 15,000 m (49,000 feet)

• Waytype and surface: Mixed terrain - singletrack, unpaved, rural and mountain roads

In April this year, the Komoot Women’s Rally took place on a variation of the BADLANDS UNPLUGGED route. Over the last four years, komoot has been working with ambassador and ultra-distance cyclist Lael Wilcox to host a series of bikepacking rally events designed to encourage more women, trans, and non-binary riders to take on bike adventures, build relationships, and help and encourage each other along the way.

Lael raced Badlands in 2022, but only after she’d toured the route with her partner Rue. In April, they were both joined by the komoot team and 70 other women to explore the region together.

Learn more about the Komoot Women’s Rally here.

Find more bikepacking route Collections and adventure inspiration in the komoot Discover Feed.

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Media Kit - Free to use images and route map - https://newsroom.komoot.com/en/media_kits/233648

The BADLANDS UNPLUGGED handbook can be found here.

For interviews and quotes with the route creator David, or longer form content about the BADLANDS UNPLUGGED route - please contact jonathan@komoot.com.