Haute Route Alps or MTB Transalp?

[Dr Luxurious]

Planning my big adventure for next year and at 51, my first vacation / major trip EVER. Really.
I want to do a least one of these in my lifetime, hopefully both. But I ain't gettin any younger...
Which would you do first (or maybe only).
Hoping to hear from those who've done them


https://www.hauteroute.org/events/overview/alps-2021-en

https://bike-transalp.de/en/

[martl]

I don't know what your preferences are,
but if it was me, and had the fitness level, i'd do the Haute Route rather than the MTB Transalp as a race. I still would do an MTB Transalp but on my own time, not in a race.
Its much more fun to take in all those magnificent views in some solitude and stay over night in those beautiful mountain cabins, than rush through the landscape full of adrenaline and in a competition. For some reason, this does nt mother me as much in a road race or century.

Again, thats just me. YMMV

[Joel]

Here's one thing to consider. The Haute Route covers some amazing cols. But be aware it's a race. I have not personally ridden it, but have chatted with others who have. It's pretty intense.

Instead what we have done is covered many of these same roads on our own, and at a pace whereby we can stop to enjoy a cafe or a lovely view - or just pull up in some random French village and have a lesiurely lunch and then push back on.

It's all about the pace you want to enjoy it at.

Enjoy!

[Dr Luxurious]

Re: H-R is a race. Yup. In it to win it. Or at least not be Lanterne Rouge
Same with Transalp.
I like racing and want to do these while I still have it in me.

I figure they're both introductions to these areas and I could always go back and cruise them later. Plus I like that the logistics of lodging and food are taken care of versus trying to figure that out all on my own without knowing anything about the locations.