Born to Ride: The brutal yet breathtaking bikepacking event based in France

Photographer Arthur Vaillant shares some photographs of his fathers attempt at the Born to Ride bikepacking ultra-distance challenge, organised by Chilkoot.

In June 2019, I followed my father on a bikepacking ultra-distance challenge, the Born To Ride, organized by the brand Chilkoo in France.

He crossed a part of the country and also travelled through Switzerland and Italy to finish in the south of France. 

The route takes the riders across several points of interest like Mt Cenis, a high mountain pass and the border between the Cottian and Graian alps. The weather was very bad during this trip which made the event much more challenging. It was such a hard experience, physically and psychologically, but finally, his efforts were rewarded.

With 746 miles (1200 km) of road and a total elevation of 39370 ft, this endurance event was an amazing experience for both me and my father.

Photography © 2020 Arthur Vaillant. All Rights Reserved.