Posted by Greg on 5th Nov 2024
Developing an Endurance Mindset
Something rather incredible happened this year. An amazing feat of bravery, grit, determination, endurance, planning…and maybe just a little lunacy.
“What happened?!?!?” I hear you cry?
All in good time. First we need to set the scene, and rewind a bit…
Here at Vanguard Cycles we’re really in to adventure cycling. Getting out there and exploring the world. For some folks this means long distance, day and night endurance riding. Some say the best way to power these adventures is by using a dynamo wheel, and it’s in this niche-of-niches where we often find ourselves, building custom wheels with dynamo hubs from SON, Shimano and SP.
I’ll make no apology for saying that this is one of the most satisfying and interesting things I do. The art of wheelbuilding aside, it’s meeting and working with the absolute nutjobs (*) that take part in these insane challenges and events that keeps me in love with cycling and cyclists. Enter Clare Walkeden, stage left.
I was first contacted by Clare’s partner (themself a seasoned offroad racer) to build up an MTB dynamo wheel for her, and as with all these jobs I made it my business to understand exactly what the build would be used for, to ensure it’s gong to be fit for purpose (this, by the way, is one of the best aspects about commissioning a bespoke build). One thing led to another, and we ended up acting as a sponsor for Clare, providing parts and servicing to help with her bikepacking and gravel racing exploits.
Since we’ve been working together, Clare has taken part in some incredible events such as the Blaenau 600, HT550 and Mountains of the Merfynion, as well as speaking about her exploits at the National Cycling Show and as part of her own consultancy and coaching business. However, as planning for 2024 got under way, the quite frankly ludicrous Alps Divide event got Clares attention.
In its inaugural year, the Alps Divide is a mixed-terrain, self-supported ultra bikepacking event, weaving through the Western Alps to Lake Geneva. By mixed terrain we mean it ranges from hard to hellish and back again. The stats speak for themselves:
- Distance: 1050 KM
- Elevation gain: 32,000 M
- Solo, unsupported
Yes. 32 THOUSAND metres of climbing over 1050 KM of route. Just let that sink in for a minute.
What ensued is nothing short of superhuman.
It started with planning. Kit checks. Bike checks. A gruelling physical training schedule. Mental endurance work. Planning. A bike rebuild. More test rides and training. Oh, and did we mention planning? There was a lot of planning.
Finally the day came and the riders were underway.
We’ll let Clare tell you the full story of her momentous achievement over on her Insta page, there’s also a fantastic 4-part reel in collaboration with @endurance_goals where Clare talks about the highs and lows of the experience - see the links, below.
However, spoiler alert, SHE DID IT! Not only that, but came in as 2nd fastest woman. Yes, we told you this was incredible!
There may have been frostbite. Also possibly some conversations with marmots and cows.
All we can say is an absolutely heartfelt congratulations for what you've achieved, Clare! Even getting to the point of entering is ridiculously tough. Crossing the line, and doing that in a podium position? That's the sort of thing they write books about or gets cults started.
Now she’s back and had a well-earned rest, Clare has put her experience and skills into creating a her new “Endurance Mindset” framework, helping individuals and organisations to harness the power of endurance athletes in business (see link, below).
We feel so blessed to be even a tiny part of what Clare does and her monumental, inspirational achievements.
We’re also more than a little bit proud to say that the dynamo wheel made it, too.
“What’s next?!?!?” I hear you cry? Well, for that you’ll have to ask Clare…
Useful links:
Clare’s Linktree: linktr.ee/auburn.outdoors
Clare’s AD Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAOzb6OuskP/
The Auburn Consultancy – Developing an Endurance Mindset: https://www.auburnconsultancy.co.uk/endurance-mindset
The Alps Divide: http://www.alpsdivide.com/
* Seriously, these people are absolutely crackers