ALL RIDE with?
We from “The Women All Ride” – collective want to represent the cycling world in all its diversity. Therefore we have initiated the category: ALL RIDE WITH…! Every month we present a unique personality here: A person who has caught our eye through their presence, their appearance, their sporting achievements or thanks to their ability to inspire and motivate. Every person is different and unique.
In the form of an interview, the persons presented can choose their preferred questions from several and answer them or, as in the case of Sara here, answer all questions.
Can you immediately think of someone? Then send us a message! We look forward to your suggestions and can’t wait to meet more inspiring personalities!
ALL RIDE WITH Nicole Kraus
Nicole Kraus, 47, lives in Heidelberg. She is a teacher, a mother of two and sat on an MTB for the first time at the age of 31. At 39 she got her first road bike, which she uses either on her home loop to the Königsstuhl or on a brevet somewhere in Europe.
Some words about yourself:
I am married and have two children. I came late to cycling as a sport. At the age of 31 I rode an MTB for the first time. I bought my first road bike when I was 39. I have enjoyed cycling all my life, but I don’t come from a family with an affinity for cycling.
Your pronouns
she / her
9 questions for Nicole Kraus
1. Why long distance?
Because I am still amazed about my own reach. I also love experiencing the different times of the day and the changing landscapes. Being present, the elusiveness of encounters. Having time for my thoughts. Freedom. I can ride anywhere.
2. What’s your advice for getting fit for long brevets and races?
Cycling. At every opportunity. In the end, though, you don’t have to be as insanely fit as you first think. It’s a little more enjoyable when you’re trained, though.
3. You've been doing long distance riding for a few years. What has changed for you ever since you started?
I have more confidence, I know my body and my abilities. Therefore, I am less impressed by people who try to tell me how cycling works.
For many people, sleeping alone outside is not easy to imagine. How did you get into the game?
I rode through Denmark (semi-officially, because I used a tracker riding the Transcimbrica Summer Edition). There is a great infrastructure for sleeping outside. For my mind, it was very important that I don’t do anything illegal. This tour was incredibly valuable for me. Community also helps. On long brevets it’s quite nice to meet for a power nap in (so-called) EC hotels and everyone lies around as if it’s normal.
5. Your best advice for the longdistance newbie?
Just try it and plan the route well. On my first long tour (not a circuit, but with a destination) I created a kind of road book. I wrote down all the towns one after the other, supermarkets and train stations. This way, I broke down the long route into smaller units. Preparation makes you feel safe. When it is your first time, don’t sleep outside. One step at a time.
6. Your old self is setting off on her first cycling tour - what advice do you give yourself for the road?
Stay cool and don’t adopt other people’s fears.
7. Who inspires you on the bike?
For me, the first women in the context of long distances were Sina Witte and Juliana Bühring. I saw two documentaries. Before that, I didn’t realize how far you could go on a bike. I also hadn’t thought about it at all. Later I started following Emily Chappell and Kajsa Tylen, started riding longer distances myself and ended up on Eva’s blog.
8. What was an outstanding experience on the bike?
Arriving at the top of the Galibier at sunset during the Transcontinental Race. I had almost given up three days earlier and had already climbed over two other peaks that day. I knew what I had accomplished that day. The light was great, I was more or less alone, and it felt like the mountain was mine.
9. What was your biggest fail and/or your biggest learning?
Biggest fail and biggest learning: not eating enough. Strangely enough, I don’t feel hungry after a certain point, but of course I desperately need energy. It’s kind of logical, and yet I didn’t think of it. I still remember how suddenly all the spirits came back when my husband forced me to eat some sandwiches. By now, wine gums are always in the top tube pocket.
Quick Questions
To me, cycling is...
Switching off and enjoying.
Your biggest dream?
To cycle from Heidelberg to Nice with the whole family and jump into the sea.
Your best cycling life hack?
Puncture-proof tires
Your favorite snack
In summer: ice cream. In winter: Soup (There never is! But I would like to have it.)
What should not be missing on any tour?
My bike computer.
Many thanks to Nicole for the interview and her answers!
And if you want to learn even more about long distance and brevets, check out these blog posts:
Editor: Eva Ullrich
Proof Reading: Eva Ullrich
Layout/ Edit: Stefanie Fritzen
Header Photo: Max Kraus
