TAMP Season 8 Episode 17 The Sahara Raid Experience Part II with Skyler Howes

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The Sahara Raid Experience - Skyler Howes on Rally Prep, Pacing, Road Books etc.

Clive is joined by factory Rally Raid rider Skyler Howes, Anna Gilbert and Adam Burton. Anna shares her perspective on racing with an autonomic condition and fundraising for POTS UK. Together, they discuss preparing for an introductory desert rally, pacing yourself over long stages, and navigating with a road book while staying safe. Skyler also talks about his new team arrangement with Joyride Race Services and ZX Moto, and shares practical advice on training, nutrition, protective gear, recovery, and adapting a bike’s suspension.

In this episode

• Skyler explains how Joyride Race Services and ZX Moto are working together on a new rally program.
• He discusses why seat time is the most important preparation for long days on a bike.
• Skyler shares his simple “30 30 30” morning routine: 30 minutes after waking, 30 grams of protein, and 30 minutes of exercise.
• Anna describes how her autonomic condition affects her energy, blood pressure, and heart rate—and asks how to manage fatigue during a rally.
• Skyler explains why managing risk and avoiding mistakes matter more than trying to make up lost time.
• He shares how he plans hydration and calories for long stages, including why liquid fuel can be easier to consume on the bike.
• Skyler discusses rally gear, including airbag vests, hydration packs, desert goggles, earplugs, and chapstick.
• He explains how to use other riders as a reference without losing track of your own navigation.
• Skyler gives a road book primer, including how to stay ahead of the notes, use “pin drops,” and recalibrate your trip meter.
• He outlines his stage-end routine: recover, prepare for the next day, and get to sleep as soon as possible.
• Anna explains her fundraising effort for POPS UK and how listeners can find the donation link and prize details on her Facebook profile.
• Skyler reflects on the value of taking on a difficult challenge for the memories, camaraderie, and personal growth.

Key takeaways

• Prioritize seat time. Getting comfortable with long hours on the bike is central to rally preparation.
• Test your fueling and hydration plan. Choose food and drink you can actually consume while riding, and find what works for you before the event.
• Manage risk rather than chasing lost time. A mistake can’t be undone by riding recklessly afterward.
• Stay engaged with the road book. Tracks can help, but following them blindly may lead you away from the route or a critical danger.
• Use known points to reset. If you’re unsure of your position, return to the last point you know was correct and recalibrate.
• Prepare for tomorrow as soon as you finish today. Recovery, gear prep, and consistent routines help make long events more manageable.
• Make comfort the goal when adjusting a bike. Change suspension settings in small steps, and keep track of your starting point.

Notable quotes

“You either complete it or you quit.”

“Anyone could navigate. It just depends on how fast you can go while doing it.”

Listener note

Anna shares that she is raising money for POTS UK. She says the JustGiving link and details of the associated prizes are available through her Facebook profile @F'ootpegs

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