RUSH300: My longest day on a road bike

What exactly is the RUSH300?

The RUSH300 is a road cycling event all about pushing yourself to new limits together. In guided groups, tailored to different speeds, you cycle a full 300 kilometres from Saalfelden through stunning Alpine landscapes. There’s also a ‘Light’ version covering 160 kilometres. Thanks to refreshment stations along the route, support vehicles and a mechanics’ service, you’re perfectly looked after and can ‘just’ concentrate on the ride.

The start: From Saalfelden to Pass Thurn

The time had finally come. Accompanied by the early morning birdsong, I set off for the start. After a few brief chats with familiar faces, we participants joined our preferred pace groups before we finally set off. The first few kilometres through the Saalachtal valley passed almost as if in a dream – which was probably also down to the fact that the alarm had gone off at 4.00 am. By the time we reached the first bends on the climb up to Pass Thurn, however, the tiredness had finally vanished. My heart rate rose, my legs found their rhythm, and the cowbells of some of the spectators provided extra motivation. After reaching the top of the pass, having covered around 75 kilometres, we arrived at the first refreshment station. Here, we had the option of switching to a different pace group or opting for the shorter 160-kilometre route.

Cycling kilometres together

I was happy with my group and felt ready for the full 300 kilometres – so off we went. Our route took us through Tyrol and eventually across the border into Bavaria. The hours leading up to the next refreshment stop were filled with pleasant conversations and new acquaintances. Together, we enjoyed the pleasant temperature and the idyllic cycle paths. 

A personal milestone at Lake Chiemsee

After lunch and with half the route behind me, came the part I’d been particularly looking forward to: the stretch around Lake Chiemsee. We made good progress along the water’s edge and soon passed the 200-kilometre mark. My longest cycle ride up to that point had been 180 kilometres, which is why I was already delighted to have reached this milestone. So two-thirds of the journey were behind us. We still had 100 kilometres to go.

The final kilometres to the finish line

Before long, we were back across the border into Tyrol. Although my legs felt fine, I could feel the effects of all those hours in the saddle. Luckily, I’d tucked a few gummy bears into my jersey, which gave me enough energy to last until the last refreshment station at kilometre 255. The finish line was already in sight, yet the final 45 kilometres felt longer than the first 100. But together with my group – where we all motivated each other – we rolled across the finish line after more than 10 hours of cycling. We did it!

The Preparation

You don’t just set off and cycle 300 kilometres on a road bike. Good preparation makes all the difference. Long rides in the weeks leading up to the event help you get used to spending many hours in the saddle. But the little things are just as important: eating enough carbohydrates the day before the event, a thorough equipment check and a nutrition strategy for the ride. The group training rides offered as part of the RUSH300 are particularly useful. Not only can you test your fitness there, but you can also practise riding in a group and managing your nutrition over long distances.

What remains are the memories

What remains of the RUSH300 is not just the 300 kilometres cycled, but above all the memories of a special day. The impressive Alpine scenery, the many encounters along the way and the unique atmosphere make the event far more than just a long road cycling tour. Anyone who takes up the challenge will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience – and the realisation that 300 kilometres are easier to cycle together than alone.

If you’re now keen to take on this challenge yourself, you can already make a note of the date: the next RUSH300 will take place on 4 July 2027 – and perhaps that will be the day your very own adventure on two wheels begins.

Photos: Ole Zimmer