Alex Wall reflects on IncaDivide: lessons from an extraordinary adventure

Alex Wall’s experience in the IncaDivide was a mix of awe-inspiring moments, brutal challenges, and valuable lessons. Though he ultimately decided to withdraw, his reflections highlight the beauty of Ecuador’s landscapes, the camaraderie of ultra-cycling, and the importance of preparation and adaptability. Despite the hardships, Alex remains enthusiastic about taking on similar adventures in the future, albeit with smarter strategies.

Ecuador: breathtaking beauty and unforgettable encounters

Alex praised Ecuador’s stunning landscapes, describing the experience as transformative. The journey took him through huge mountain passes, gravel roads, and beautiful rivers, with each new view offering something extraordinary. He also noted the warmth and hospitality of the local people, who left a lasting impression with their friendliness and kindness.

While he celebrated the excellent food, Alex humorously lamented the quality of the coffee, though he acknowledged it wasn’t a serious concern in the grand scheme of things. These cultural and natural elements added richness to his journey, making it a memorable adventure despite the challenges.

Challenges that forced a tough decision

The physical and technical challenges of the race tested Alex to his limits. Knee pain plagued him over the last few days, making it difficult to continue, while mechanical failures compounded the difficulty:

• Brake issues: His rear brake stopped working entirely, leaving him to rely heavily on the front brake—an unsafe situation on Ecuador’s steep gravel sections. Efforts to fix the brake failed when he stripped the bolts, adding frustration to an already brutal course.
• Unforgiving terrain: Alex described the steep uphill and downhill sections as “absolutely brutal,” forcing him to do something he rarely does—push his bike up and down hills. This terrain pushed even seasoned riders to their limits.

Despite his efforts, the combination of physical pain and mechanical issues made it clear that continuing the race would be unsafe and unwise.

The emotional toll of ultra-cycling

Alex opened up about the emotional challenges of the race. Missing his wife and the comforts of home in New York added to the mental strain, especially during moments of isolation. These experiences underscore the emotional resilience required for ultra-endurance cycling, where riders are often alone with their thoughts for long stretches in difficult conditions.

Reflecting on the experience, Alex admitted that he had “learned a lot” and felt he had grown from the journey. Despite the hardships, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and learn from the adventure.

Lessons learned and advice for future participants

Alex shared key takeaways for others considering similar challenges:

1. Energy management: He emphasized the importance of pacing, likening a cyclist’s energy reserves to a limited number of matches. Every time you push your heart rate too high, you “burn a match” that you can’t recover—a critical concept in an endurance race.
2. Smarter preparation: Alex admitted he would approach future events with better planning, such as using a lighter bike frame and refining his overall strategy.
3. Support and camaraderie: He praised the efforts of his companion Andreas, who helped him navigate language barriers, arrange accommodations, and provide encouragement. Alex also commended the race organization for their excellent support and communication, which kept participants informed and safe.

A positive outlook for the future

Despite the difficulties, Alex remains optimistic and enthusiastic about ultra-cycling. He described the experience as a “real adventure” and expressed excitement about participating in similar events in the future. While he acknowledges the need for smarter preparation, he feels no regret about his decision to join the IncaDivide.

The journey was more than just a race—it was an opportunity to grow, connect with others, and experience the world in a unique and challenging way. Alex looks forward to his next adventure, armed with the lessons learned from Ecuador’s breathtaking but unforgiving landscapes.

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