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Route 89 is a toolkit for first-time self-supported ultra racers. No hype. Just practical systems for the part that decides outcomes: decisions, logistics, and execution.

If you do one thing: start with the Ultra Race Scorecard. It picks the right first race before you burn weeks on tabs, gear lists, and conflicting advice.

Already picked a race? Jump to 5-Piece Kit → Route Blueprint. Want the full system end-to-end? Get Unlost.

1. Choose your first ultra (the Scorecard)

Choose a race that fits your constraints before you commit to a training block, travel costs, and a setup you don’t need.

The Scorecard is a one-page filter: score each factor 1–5, add up to /20, and pick the lowest total that still excites you.

It scores:

• Time demand (calendar + training + days away)
• Terrain difficulty (climbing / exposure / weather)
• Surface mix (how unpaved/rough/technical)
• Cost & barriers (entry + travel + logistics)

Inside your download

• Printable /20 scorecard
• Notes section (shortlist your top 1–3 + why)
• Filled examples to calibrate quickly

2. Pack minimal (the 5-Piece Kit System)

Most first-timers don’t fail because they’re undertrained. They fail because they’re overloaded—physically and mentally.

The 5-Piece Kit System stops the packing spiral by forcing every item into one of five modules. If it doesn’t earn a slot, it doesn’t go.

The five systems:

• Ride (move / navigate / see / power)
• Body (wearable protection)
• Recovery (warmth + safe sleep)
• Repair (solve 95% of mechanicals)
• Admin (legal / hygiene / first aid)

3. Build a route you can execute (Route Blueprint)

Staring at a blank map is paralyzing. The Route Blueprint replaces infinite choice with a repeatable workflow: define the objective, build a baseline, scout resupply, and pressure-test risk.

This is the print-and-write field manual version of the method (designed for people who can ride, and now need to learn how to plan).

Inside the workflow:

• Define your objective (Speed / Adventure / Safety)
• Build the “Cage” baseline (distance + elevation reality check)
• Build a Resupply Grid + identify a single point of failure
• Connect chokepoints and make intentional routing decisions
• Run the pre-ride checklist (download everything, recon, safety net)

4. Want the complete system end-to-end? (Get Unlost)

If you want everything in one place—mindset, kit, route, fueling, race week, and execution—Get Unlost is the full playbook.

It’s built to cover what training plans don’t: the logistics + decision-making that keep you moving when things get weird.

Covers:

• The Ultra Mindset (operator thinking + rule of ugly)
• The 5-Piece Kit System
• The Route Blueprint
• The Fueling Engine
• The Race Week Playbook
• Executing Race Day

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Support: bram@route89.be
Include your Gumroad receipt/order number if you have it.

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