Mid-summer is the perfect time to take on a big gravel challenge. How big is big though? For Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Ibai Fradejas, his definition of big was 500 km of riding in 24 hours. Want to find out how he got on? Then you’d better read his story…..

The last weekend in June I set myself a personal challenge: to take advantage of the long daylight hours of the summer solstice to complete 500 km of gravel with more than 6,000 metres of elevation gain, solo, without assistance and all in less than 24 hours.

I set off even before dawn at 04:00, with motivation sky high and the route clear in my head. My body responded, the scenery was good... but the heat soon became an enemy. 

Temperatures reached 48°C in some sections, making every climb a double effort and every stop a necessity.

In spite of everything, I managed to cover 360 km and almost all the elevation gain in 16 hours. But then a summer thunderstorm forced me to stop and seek shelter in a hotel. The original 24-hour plan was falling apart and, although I wanted to continue, it was foolhardy.

The next morning, I set off again with the intention of getting home - 140 km still lay ahead of me. However, at kilometre 420, riding at over 40 km/h, a hard fall changed everything: several parts of my bike were smashed and the blow to my leg knocked me unconscious. There was no way to continue.

Some will see this as a failure. But when the challenge is with yourself, you decide how to interpret it. If you are too critical, you condemn yourself; if you are fair, you recognise the value of trying.

I prefer to stick with everything I've experienced. Because sometimes, it's not about getting there... it's about daring to get out. And in that sense, the challenge was a success.