Unveiling the Secrets of Ultra Cycling, Sleep Deprivation & Gravel with Transcordilleras Winner with BuzzAlong
Video Unveiling the Secrets of Ultra Cycling, Sleep Deprivation & Gravel with Transcordilleras Winner with BuzzAlong
Video Unveiling the Secrets of Ultra Cycling, Sleep Deprivation & Gravel with Transcordilleras Winner with BuzzAlong YouTube Channel.
Unveiling the Secrets of Ultra Cycling, Sleep Deprivation & Gravel with Transcordilleras Winner
The Thrilling Adventures of Ultra Cycling: An Inside Look at the World of Unaided Racing
In the world of cycling, there’s a breed of riders who push the limits beyond the traditional race distances and terrains. These are the ultra cyclists, the ones who take on the unaided, unsupported challenges of racing across hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, often on gravel or off-road surfaces. For these riders, it’s not just about speed or competition; it’s about embracing the unknown, discovering personal boundaries, and experiencing raw, unfiltered adventure.
Meet Juliana Manrique, a director, cinematographer, and ultra cyclist from Bogota, Colombia. Juliana is no stranger to the world of ultra cycling, having emerged as the winner of the 2023 Transcorderas Unsupported Race Across the Colombian. In a recent episode of the Barcelona Cycling podcast, Juliana shares her journey into ultra cycling and provides a glimpse into the thrilling adventures and challenges of unaided racing.
Discovering Ultra Cycling: Embracing the Unpredictable
Juliana’s journey into ultra cycling began as a chance encounter with Lael Wilcox, an influential figure in the world of cycling, who was in Colombia scouting for a conservation project. Juliana was immediately drawn to the spirit of adventure and the allure of discovering new places, especially in a country like Colombia, where cycling is gaining momentum. The idea of unaided racing, with its emphasis on self-reliance and facing the unknown, resonated deeply with Juliana, and she found herself captivated by the prospect of pushing her own boundaries.
Ultra Cycling: A Test of Endurance and Adaptability
As Juliana delved deeper into the world of ultra cycling, she discovered the unique challenges and rewards of racing in different terrains and regions, from the lush landscapes of Colombia to the rugged gravel roads of Europe. One of the key differences she highlighted was the resupplying aspect, noting that in Colombia, the abundance of small towns and resupply points made it easier to stock up on essentials, even in the midst of the night. In contrast, racing in Europe posed challenges of navigating longer stretches without resupply and adapting to varying weather conditions, highlighting the need for adaptability and strategic planning.
The Mental and Physical Demands of Ultra Racing
In off-road events like Transcorded, Juliana emphasized the intense physical demands of navigating steep climbs and rough terrain, where the need to push harder and maintain momentum becomes crucial. She discussed the mental fortitude required to handle the unpredictability of extreme weather and sleep deprivation, recounting moments of exhilaration, self-doubt, and even tears. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, where the sheer joy of being immersed in the adventure is juxtaposed with moments of deep introspection and physical exhaustion.
Preparation and Equipment: The Keys to Success
When it comes to preparing for ultra races, Juliana stressed the importance of tailored training, including high-intensity workouts and long hours in the saddle. She also emphasized the need for adaptable equipment, such as her open bike that allowed her to switch between gravel and road configurations with ease. Her choice of tires, specifically the Pirelli Cinturato, reflected a balance between speed and durability, offering traction on gravel roads without sacrificing performance.
Navigating Sleep and Rest in Ultra Racing
As the conversation turned to the nuances of sleep and rest in ultra racing, Juliana candidly shared her experiences, including the pivotal moment in Transcorded where a storm forced her to take shelter and rest in the middle of a mountain pass, highlighting the critical role of sleep deprivation management. She spoke on the necessity of carrying essential sleeping gear, such as emergency blankets, and the importance of strategic rest stops to maintain mental clarity and physical well-being.
The Thrill of the Unknown: Embracing the Challenge
Despite the physical and mental demands of ultra cycling, Juliana’s passion for unaided racing shines through, evident in her upcoming participation in the Brazil Biking Challenge and her aspirations for the Transcontinental race. Her words echoed a sentiment that resonates with many ultra cyclists—the thrill of the unknown, the allure of unexplored territories, and the transformative nature of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits.
As her story unfolds, Juliana’s journey into ultra cycling serves as an inspiring testament to the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of personal growth. It’s a world that beckons the daring and the determined, offering a glimpse of what lies beyond the beaten path—a world where the line between challenge and triumph is blurred, and the journey becomes the ultimate reward.
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