Anisa Aubin, from Reading and Wokingham Cycling clubs, is an experienced ultra cyclist who has completed well know challenging events such as the Transcontinental Race (TCR) and Transatlantic way (TAW).
In 2020 she was one of 20 people who set off in the midst of a global pandemic to complete a different, rigorous format of the GBDURO adventure challenge where only 5 people finished.
The GBDURO20 required riders to be completely self-sufficient from start to finish while cycling the length of Great Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats. They could receive no supplies or assistance whatsoever for the duration of the ride. With the exception of publicly available water outside, riders carried everything they needed to be able to reach the finish.
Anisa in her own words:
“I started cycling with the goal of riding a 4,000km ride for charity, and then realised there was a lot more to learn for the journey, about the bike, the training, and myself (mind and body).
I learned from everyone around me; at the local bike kitchen, on club rides, and from Audaxers. My introduction to long distance cycling started with the Transcontinental, followed by the North-cape Norway to Tarifa Spain, the Transatlantic way, and the Paris–Brest–Paris (PBP).
Eventually, I started dabbling in off-road and when the pandemic hit and GBDURO (self-sufficient) was the only event option I took the opportunity to see what was possible.
I want to see more people encouraged to try new things, and not let other peoples perceptions of what you should be capable of stand in your way.”
During this episode Anisa shares more about her passion for cycling, what it’s like being on the bike day to day, plus how her body copes with these challenges when she’s being pushed to her limits.
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Show notes
Who is Anisa
Being based in the UK
Growing up in Africa
Studying for her PhD
Her love for the outdoors and passion for cycling
Her cycling journey which started 4/5 years ago
Being inspired by her cousins who rode the Tour Divide
Wanting to raise money for a Children’s Home
Deciding to get a road bike to learn the skills
Learning about the Transcontinental Race (TCR) and signing up for it
What is the Transcontinental Race
Being solo and having to look after yourself
Taking 15/16 days the first time doing the race
Magical moments from the TCR and falling in love with the bike
Learning more about herself from spending time alone in nature
Not knowing if it was possible to get to the end
Deciding to do the race again and why it was an accident
Having 24hrs to prepare before the race
Her experience the 2nd time around
Being able to relax once the race started
What a typical day looks like while out racing
How her body copes with the physicality of riding hard every day
Recovering after the races and starting to take more rest
Losing small motor function in her hands
Doing the GBDURO Adventure Challenge 2020 during Covid
Riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats (2,000km) and the challenges she dealt with
Being so focused that she doesn’t remember the weather
What cycling looks like now and how it fits into her lifestyle
How many bikes?!
Getting into rowing and working with a rowing coach
Being active everyday
Being a mentor to other cyclists
Being inspired by Carla Molinaro
The divide between the mental and physical side of the challenge
Top tips for mental toughness and resilience
Plans for 2022 - rowing, hiking and plans for walking the Camino
Planning some smaller UK walks
Connect with Anisa on the socials
Final words of advice
Social Media
Instagram @anaubie
Facebook: @DreamRiderAnisa
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