About

Route 89 is a toolkit for first-time self-supported ultra racers. Not motivation. Not “crush it” energy. Just practical systems for the part of ultra cycling that decides outcomes: decisions, logistics, and execution.

Me

I’m Bram Somers. I ride self-supported ultra-distance events and build the tools I wish existed before my first start line. The Transcontinental Race made one thing painfully clear: in an ultra, you’re not an athlete. You’re an operator.

I like minimalism with an edge: leave out everything that doesn’t earn its place. In your kit, your route, and your plan.

Why Route 89 exists

Self-supported racing is mostly a moving problem-solving project:

  • Choose a race that fits your constraints
  • Pack a kit that covers 95% of problems without turning your bike into a truck
  • Build a route you can actually execute
  • Keep the engine running (fuel, sleep, decisions)
  • Stay calm when the plan breaks

Route 89 reduces uncertainty so you can move forward: consistently, safely, and with a clear head.

What you’ll find here

  • Practical systems over motivation talk
  • Simple frameworks you can reuse
  • Clear, minimal, field-tested tools
  • No spam, no hype.

Start here

If you do one thing: use the Ultra Race Scorecard, a one-page filter (time demand, terrain, surface, cost/barriers) to pick a first race.

Already picked a race?

Want the full system end-to-end?