What started as an adventurous idea among friends has now become one of the most anticipated long-distance gravel races in the world. Transcordilleras, is an eight-stage cycling challenge across Colombia’s three mountain ranges. The race pushes riders to their limits while offering breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences. Covering 1,000 km with over 22,000 meters of elevation gain, this race is not for the faint-hearted.
The Route – A Test of Endurance
Transcordilleras is nothing short of legendary. Spanning 1,000 km from Choachí (Cundinamarca) to Jardín (Antioquia), it takes riders through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged peaks.
Key features of the route include:
-Over 22,000 meters of elevation gain – equivalent to climbing Mount Everest twice!
-Remote, off-the-map gravel paths that challenge even the most skilled riders
-A journey through Colombia’s rich biodiversity, passing through high-altitude páramos, dense forests, and picturesque towns
This course isn’t just about racing—it’s about survival, perseverance, and a deep connection with nature.
The Riders – Elite Cyclists Taking on the Challenge
Every year, Transcordilleras attracts some of the biggest names in gravel racing. Among them, Griffin Easter stands out—not just for his speed and skill but also for his kindness and connection with the local communities he encounters along the way.
Easter’s approach to the race is about more than just competition. He describes his motivation as a blend of defending his title (he won last year) and soaking in the beauty of Colombia—its people, culture, and landscapes.
We had the privilege of giving Griffin a pair of Berts for this adventure. It was incredible to see him standing on the podium every single day, proudly wearing his Bert shoes and sharing his infectious smile.
Yesterday, Griffin finished third place, sharing the podium with Lachlan Morton (2nd) and Simon Pellaud (1st). Today, we want to highlight some things that make Griffin not just an exceptional cyclist, but also an incredible human being.
All pictures by: @pipecano_photo for @transcordilleras
Read the interview below.
- Who are you?
I am Griffin Easter. 33 years from the United States. Rider for OpiCure Foundation Gravel p/b Orbea. Vice President of OpiCure Foundation.
2. Describe yourself in three words.
Hard working. Optimistic. Dreamer.
3. When and why did you start cycling?
My dad brought home road bikes when we were younger when US Postal was taking the TDF by storm. We had the dream to race the TDF one day.
4. Why did you come to Colombia and race for Transcordilleras again
Originally, I saw the documentary, ”Una Chimba” highlighting Pete Stetina and Laurens Ten Dem and wanted to experience it for myself.
5. How did you prepare mentally and physically for this challenge?
Physically I made sure to arrive to Colombia 10 days before the start of TC in order to acclimate to the altitude. Mentally, I focused o using my experience from the year before to help me better navigate the race this year
6. What was the best part of doing this adventure?
The fellow riders and geography of Colombia were the highlights for me. Also racing against Simon and Lachlan, class acts them both.
7. What was the most challenging part of doing this?
The most challenging part is the post race maintenance of bike, food, washing, shopping and preparing everything for the next day.
8. What is your (MUST ) gear to include on your bikepacking races?
My Orbea Terra and Garmin Edge 1040 Solar for mapping are musts.
9. Whats your favorite thing about BERT?
Bert shoes are durable yet lightweight. They also pack very well in my HMPL Design bags. It was really nice to have a post race shoe to wear for getting all the chores post race done.
10. What is your favorite ride, or place you have ever ridden?
My favorite place to ride, might now be El Sifón climb. That was absolutely incredible. Breathtaking literally and figuratively.
