Unveiling the Roadmap: Lessons Learned Cycling 5000 Kilometers

Last year, my husband and I took on a new challenge together; to cycle around the south island of New Zealand and to chase the cherry blossom season in Japan. This trip would see us cycling over 5000 kms, averaging 8 hours a day with 23 kg on the bike. My husband, Stuart is an avid cyclist who has undertaken many cycling challenges before. However I was a cyclist newbie, having only cycled around Edinburgh and a few days in the Outer Hebrides. But hey, challenge accepted—it's not an adventure unless it's a challenge, right?

I needed to get into the right mindset if I was going to complete the challenge. Stuart was adamant that I would just, ‘learn as I go’ and this turned out to be a major understatement. I learned heaps! There were highs, lows, tears, laughter and everything in between. As I reflect on this epic experience, I'm grateful for the wealth of lessons in this adventure. The resilience forged on those winding roads is now a compass guiding me into the next thrilling chapter of my career.

A good team can get you up any mountain

Ah, the rhythmic dance of motivation—throughout our journey, it had its own symphony of highs and lows. Like skilled conductors of our own adventure orchestra, we seamlessly transitioned between being the spirited cheerleaders and graciously accepting the support of the team.There's an art to knowing when to rally the troops, when to be the energetic motivator coaxing the team up the next incline. But equally crucial is the wisdom to surrender to the collective strength, allowing ourselves to be carried by the wave of encouragement when needed.

In the realm of shared determination, we found ourselves pushing mental boundaries and, in one memorable instance, physical ones too. A challenging gravel hill, seemingly insurmountable. There was Stuart, summoning an extra surge of energy to conquer the ascent, only to double back and lend a helping hand (or rather, a push) to propel me up the rugged terrain.?

In those gruelling uphill battles, where the temptation to throw in the towel loomed large, the power of teamwork shone through. There's something about being part of a dynamic duo that propels you forward—moments when, if flying solo, the bike might have been abandoned in defeat. The camaraderie created an invisible force, a shared determination to keep the wheels turning. You see, the fear of letting your fellow adventurer down becomes a fuel, and the safety net of a supportive partner extends your limits far beyond what you could achieve alone.

This really showed me how important it is to know what motivates your teammates and ensure you are providing support to each other when it is needed most. Sometimes it is in the form of a roadside pep talk to give a teammate a confidence boost, a ‘keep breathing’ from behind or just knowing when your teammate is in need of a chocolate biscuit!

Celebrate the small wins

Embarking on a tour cycling adventure is like unlocking a world of freedom, where the only thing on your mind is getting from point A to point B. Forget the overwhelming notion of the thousands of kilometers that lay ahead. Instead, immerse yourself in the daily victories and conquer the hurdles right in front of you.

We broke down the journey into mental 'checkpoints,' transforming the seemingly endless expanse into bite-sized, conquerable segments. These checkpoints not only kept us on track but became the keys to calculating our speed, allowing us to strategically plan the next leg of our adventure based on the triumphs of the previous one. Life on the road is a series of checkpoints, each one a story waiting to be written and a challenge waiting to be conquered.?

We used these checkpoints as moments to celebrate: a well-deserved rest day; an all-you-can-eat feast at an unsuspecting restaurant (apologies to the owners, they didn't see two hungry cyclists coming!); or the sheer luxury of a hotel bed, a welcome departure from the cozy but occasionally lumpy tent life.?

In our work lives when we are working on big projects, the end goal can sometimes overshadow the victories along the way. It's a valuable lesson—celebrating those smaller wins is like taking a moment to savor the scenery on a breathtaking ride. As I now weave through projects in my work life rather than through roads, I'm inspired to create similar celebrations of victories in my work life. Boosting team morale and fostering a positive, energetic atmosphere—one pedal stroke, or project, at a time!

Be willing to ask for help when you need it

One of the standout gems from our journey was a day of cycling that transcended the ordinary into the realm of the truly formidable. Uphill on gravel, beneath a scorching sun that turned the surroundings into a dusty furnace. The road, a gritty landscape where dust became an unwelcome companion—settling in my hair, clinging to my teeth, and stinging my eyes. Water was a precious commodity, and the dwindling stash of gummy bears signalled a looming crisis. The campsite, a distant dream.

Then, like an oasis in the midst of the cycling desert, we stumbled upon a lone house. Hesitation lingered as we contemplated knocking on a stranger's door late on a Sunday night. Yet, with limited options, we took the leap. "Can I help you?" the house owner greeted us. We stood, dust-covered and exhausted, not sure where to begin. "Can we please have some water?"

In those uncertain moments, this stranger's generosity knew no bounds. Not only did he allow us to camp on his land, providing a haven for the night, but he also went the extra mile—boiling water so we could prepare a much-needed meal. On the road, you learn to cherish the simplicity of a running tap and a kettle.

The initial hesitation to seek help mirrored moments in my professional life. There's a reluctance to ask for assistance, a fear that people are too busy with their own challenges or judgement. Yet, just like that stranger on the road, many are willing to extend a helping hand when needed. It's a powerful reminder that, in both the wanderlust-filled adventures and the daily grind of work, opening up about your struggles can unlock unexpected support. Life's journey is enriched by the kindness we encounter along the way.?

Until next time

It was truly an adventure of a lifetime that I will never forget, that allowed me to grow more than I ever believed possible. Thank you to Stuart, more than just a husband, he was the ultimate teammate, navigating every twist and turn with unwavering support. And to my employer, OVO, a heartfelt thank you for not only understanding the importance of embracing such extraordinary challenges but for supporting my decision to take a career break. It's the rare blend of personal and professional encouragement that makes adventures like these not just possible but truly unforgettable.

Here's to the wild escapades, the uncharted territories, and the endless growth that comes from stepping out of comfort zones. The echoes of this adventure will forever resonate, a testament to the profound impact of saying yes to life's grand challenges.?