Last weekend, the sixth edition of the Border Bash Bohemia Camp took place in the region of Czech-Saxon Switzerland, a stunning and uniquely beautiful national park that straddles the border between Czechia and Germany, known for its sandstone rocks and vast forests. Returning to this event after two years and having missed the previous edition felt like a family reunion, with plenty of familiar faces, yet an opportunity to forge new friendships over the course of three adventurous days.
International participants, new campsite, unique atmosphere
As in previous years, most of the participants came to the camp from Germany, but we also met several people from the UK, Czechia, Netherlands or Poland. The atmosphere was once again very international, naturally inviting to share cycling stories, such as those of bikepacking across different countries, completing ultra distance races, or some sharing their mutual enthusiasm for frame building.
The camp started on Thursday, September 5th, with riders arriving from various locations – some even on cargo bikes, emphasizing their commitment to cycling – while others cycled directly from Berlin. There was a palpable sense of anticipation on the eve of the first full day, as some participants wondered whether the change of venue would affect the camp’s distinctive atmosphere.
The new campsite’s cabins offered more comfort and space than the previous location, although the old bunk beds had their own charm. A few newcomers seemed a bit timid, perhaps unsure of what to expect. However, by the next morning, everyone seemed to be in great spirits and thoroughly enjoying themselves. After all, it’s not about the facilities but about the people you share these adventures with. It quickly became clear that Border Bash is an event with a genuinely inclusive, friendly, and laid-back atmosphere where newcomers feel welcome and can easily blend in with more experienced participants.
Friday Bash: icebreaker and fun games
Perhaps this is the magic of the Friday Bash, the first of the three days of riding, which helps create the camp’s unique spirit. We started our ride together as a group, heading into the surrounding forest and straight into the first few short but steep climbs, which required some hike-a-bike for some.
Along the 73 km route, there were several stops to complete small games and challenges organized by the sponsors, with prizes for the luckiest participants. Spinning a hula hoop, aka the HUNT rim turned out as the most challenging one eventually! We had lunch at the Posedla site in the nearby town, allowing us for a quick visit to the custom saddle builders’ factory. The route was highly enjoyable, primarily following gravel roads, and where we did use the road, we completely avoided traffic. The pace was moderate, with frequent regrouping so that no one was left to ride alone.
Back at camp in the afternoon, riders had time to relax and chat at the sponsors’ booths and enjoy the warm late-summer weather, which lasted throughout the camp. For those interested, Neza Peterca from What Happened Outdoors hosted an insightful workshop on outdoor clothing repair and maintenance, sharing tips valuable for everyone planning a bikepacking trip or an ultra-distance race. Impressively, Neza came to the Border Bash Camp directly from Kyrgyzstan after participating in the Silk Road Mountain Race.
Later in the evening, DJ Feinkosttwang spun vinyl records to set a party atmosphere for those who still had energy, while the more tired participants could enjoy a cozy campfire. Many of us were dot-watching the participants of the Bohemian Border Bash Race, who were arriving at the finish in camp one by one in the late evening hours, cheered on by the campers. It was inspiring to see them arrive, having completed a grueling course of 1,400 km, with over 24,000 m of climbing within just one week. Congratulations to the race winners, Rasmus Bozyk and Betti Bögl, for completing the race in 126 and 162 hours, respectively.
Saturday: The Bash and the Bohemian Border Bash Race ceremony
Saturday featured the main ride of the event, with several distance options: the Little Bash (79 km), The Bash (124 km) and the Epic Bash (173 km). Having done the Epic Bash two years ago, this time, however, we opted for the medium distance, considering the hot weather and the current fitness level.
A group of about five of us formed, including Josh Ibbett (and his broken derailleur, forcing him to complete the whole route on a fixed gear). We stayed together for most of the day, enjoying several long gravel sections before stopping for lunch by the Elbe river. We then headed into the woods for the final 40 km, entirely on gravel, with several rolling hills that tested our endurance as fatigue set in. About half of the participants chose to do the Little Bash, while the rest went for The Bash, with only one brave rider this year tackling the Epic Bash and arriving in the evening after sunset.
Saturday night included the Bohemian Border Bash Race winners’ ceremony, and a storytelling of participants’ testimonials. Uwe Horn, a three-time finisher of the race, received special recognition for completing the race the most times and shared how his passion for the event has grown each year. He also inspired his friend Oliver Lotze (and us listeners), who, despite pulling out of his first attempt, improved gradually each year and has now successfully crossed the finish line of the Bohemian Border Bash Race for the second time. The ceremony wrapped up with a big bonfire and it was time for a party once again.
Sunday: The Winzig Bash and farewell
Those of us not pressured by a long journey back home embarked on one final ride. The Winzig Bash served as a farewell to Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland – or rather, a “see you next year” – as we rode through the most iconic roads, surrounded by sandstone rocks and deep forests, rolling smoothly over the sparkling champagne gravel one last time at this edition of the camp.
Throughout the three days, we rode on the Ghost Asket Pro. The bike was comfortable and easy to handle on the terrain, providing plenty of stability with its 50 mm tires, which were more than sufficient for the mostly smooth gravel.
The 7th edition of the camp is scheduled to take place from 11th September to 14th September 2025, promising another thrilling chapter in the event’s history.
As we look forward to what the next edition will bring, we also extend our thanks to the organizers and sponsors – Ghost Bikes, Ortlieb, Hunt Bike Wheels, Chimpanzee, Sport Import, WTB, Lezyne, Dynamic, Ciovita, Posedla, QUOC, Ass Savers and Bohemian Coffee House – for making this event possible and for their technical (and caffeine) support throughout these four wonderful days.
