Clearing my mind with cycling
My name is Eva Ullrich. I only started road cycling when I was in my 40s. In spring 2014, I was looking for a way to switch off from the daily routine in my management position. On a Sunday in April, I set off with my partner and almost 130 kilometres later we ended up in Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, completely exhausted. I had seen a lot of Brandenburg on that long day and completely forgotten what was on my mind at work. Thus began my “second racing bike career” on my old steel Verago, which had been patiently waiting in the basement for twenty years.
The thing with long distance riding
Until then, I couldn’t imagine cycling in Berlin – the streets were too crowded, the behaviour on the road too inconsiderate. Nor could I imagine cycling 300 kilometres in one go again in my life, or much further, or four passes in one day at the Alpenbrevet. I knew about cycling marathons and RTFs, but I had never heard of randonneurs, people who cover hundreds of kilometres,pedalling around the clock and occasionally sleeping for an hour at a bus stop.
Shared excitement
I then started writing about my tours on takeshifaehrtrad.com because I had to go somewhere with my enthusiasm. Through it, I met people who encouraged me to venture out on long-distance rides and who gave me the odd tip, but above all the feeling of being welcome in these circles. They were exclusively men.
I was and am grateful for the support I received and at the same time I find it important that women with an interest in this niche sport also meet other women and have the opportunity to exchange. That is why I am part of our collective.
I think cycling is a great way for women to experience their own strength, endurance and independence. For me, this experience helped me to move in a completely new direction professionally in my mid-40s. I now work as an organisational developer and coach, advising and accompanying people in professional change processes.
I am still on the road on steel. The fleet has been expanded with a Jaegher for the road and a Soma for the rough stuff. I continue to write about my experiences and am happy every time I can inspire new and familiar readers for this beautiful form of transport!
Foto Credits Header: Joas Kotzsch
