Northwest Competitive Adventure

The winner and his prize!

Congratulations to for taking first place at Smoke n Fire 400! A challenging course for anyone, and Dan did it all on the singlespeed!

2 days, 20 hours, 14 minutes

Thank you to for snapping this photo at the finish!

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Thank you to sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

for your support of our volunteer-run team of athletes and our free-to-compete events

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Curious about challenging yourself on longer rides or getting into self-supported racing? On March 22, 6:30 pm Pacific Time, Northwest Competitive Adventure athlete Meaghan Hackinen is hosting a free online session about bikepacking & competitive self-supported racing. Whether you're contemplating your first overnighter, have experience with longer tours, or are curious about dipping your toes into multi-day events, this presentation is for you! Bring your questions for the Q&A.

About the presenter: Meaghan Hackinen races is a Transcontinental Race, Trans Am Bike Race, NorthCape4000, Alberta-Rockies700, and Paris-Brest-Paris brevet finisher. She holds the women’s FKT for The Big Lonely, BC Epic 1000, and World 24-Hour Time Trial Championships.

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Thank you to our 2023 sponsors & industry supporters:





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The Big Lonely is ON! If you're not already following .big.lonely head over there and watch the stories!

12h into the race, our athletes are moving along quickly. (pictured) is at Mile 100. is a few positions and 6 miles ahead of Colton.

, who is relatively new to ultra gravel racing but is well known for winning a few years in a row, sits in 6th overall. is in 7th overall with right on his tail. Dan is leading the singlespeed category.

The highly experienced is in 5th overall and leading the women's race, staying stoked and still moving consistently as the day draws to a close.

Last year's winner, is pushing the pace at the front. He's about an hour ahead of his 2021 time, and unless he overcooks himself, he likely won't stop and sleep tonight. Last year, Ben slept for a couple of hours in a Prineville hotel before the long push to Pilot Butte and the finish. This year, his competition is stiff, with J.H., and all trading places as the leading 4 riders in the race.

Darkness is coming, and the Northwest Competitive Adventure athletes competing in the Big Lonely will soon see how truly lonely the Ochoco Mountains are at night.

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He's off!

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Ben Handrich - - started his ITT attempt on the route this morning. He's targeting a sub-48h finish.

Follow along at the link in our bio, and be sure to tune in to follow the Grand Depart on March 25th!

Also.. check out that beautiful new bike! will be an awesome opportunity for Ben to get to know his new rig in preparation for something real, real big later this year!

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