In this episode, I sit down with ultra-endurance cyclist and all-around great guy Martian Cioana. Martian is known on Strava – a social networking site for cyclists and runners as being a bit of a legend for rides like this: https://www.strava.com/activities/459917083
And this: https://www.strava.com/activities/437856088
Last summer, Martian competed in the Transcontinental Race – a 4,000+ km one stage race from Belgium, through the French and Italian Alps, across the Balkans, and into Instanbul, crossing the Bosphorpus and into the Asian continent. It is a throwback to the early days of the Tour de France - a gruelling event with the majority of competitors dropping out at some point. What is even more amazing was this was Martian’s first ever cycling race. Martian has pretty much been everywhere in the UK on his bike – often during epic weekend rides.
Is Martian a long-time cyclist with a super-human level of endurance? No. Martian slowly built up is ability to ride long distances just a few years ago – all driven by a pure passion for getting on his bike. Martian is inspiring, friendly and funny. I love the way looks at cycling and life and his journey can provide anyone with not just inspiration, but great lessons on how to find the same type of joy for yourself - by embracing the unknown.
On the show, we talk about:
•When and why Martian moved from his native Romania to London •How he got into cycling •How and why he started to do longer and longer rides •What he feels when he is riding long distances •Some of his memorable moments cycling across the UK •Preparing for, and competing in the Transcontinental Race •Advice to anyone wanting to start out or find something similar to what he has found and done with cycling
Check out Martian on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1454297
Check out the incredible Transcontinental Race: http://www.transcontinental.cc/
At the end of the show, I remarked that the John Lennon song “Watching the Wheels” seems to fit Martian’s philosophy perfectly – except he makes the wheels turn rather than watching them! If it’s been a while (or if you are perhaps too young to have ever heard the song), here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIB2nkUfeWw
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