Chapter 9: Loop Redux
In the world of endurance cycling, there are achievements that push the boundaries of both physical and mental strength, but few can compare to the monumental feat accomplished by Ventus rider Anna Bicskei on October 13th.
On that day, Anna set out to conquer the entire island of Cyprus, pedaling an astounding 666.56 kilometers with a grueling elevation gain of 5,964 meters, clocking an incredible 25 hours, 41 minutes, and 47 seconds in the saddle.
This chapter tells the story of her relentless pursuit, her highs and lows, and ultimately, her triumphant achievement. From sunrise to sunset and through the long hours of the night, Anna's journey is an ode to the spirit of perseverance.
"Two weeks after trying, and failing, to circle the island in a solo and unsupported effort, I went for it again. I didn't tell anyone about it, as I felt that I might fail again. I did not get proper rest after the first try, and riding hundreds of kilometers in a state of heat exhaustion really left its mark on me. I rode off last Sunday into the darkness before the dawn not knowing what to expect, on a journey along 600-plus KM of coastline and to my absolute limit.
I kept the early pace easier than last time to save some of my strength for the final push. An ultra effort truly begins in the second half of the distance, when you have to dig deep both mentally and physically. Feelings were generally good for the first 200 KM, even on the awful ribbon of concrete leading out to the Apostolos Andreas Peninsula which cracked me last time.
I considered skipping it of course, but the island loop would not be complete without confronting that eroded, pothole filled mess of a road. For a few moments I even managed to enjoy it - I'm a mountain biker after all - but later, on the endless roller coaster leading to the city of Kyrenia, I struggled with a sly headwind and began to suffer.
In Kyrenia I became stuck in a giant traffic jam and stopped to eat something as I waited for the rush hour to pass by. The waiter asked me where I was going and was quite taken aback when I told him. I did not feel good, but there was no stopping, not another turning back. I went on, into the night under a faint half moon, up and down and straight ahead, to a place beyond time as the world was reduced to the circle of my headlight.
After crossing the border back to South Cyprus I dragged myself up a longer climb including double digit gradients, after which I had trouble focusing on the descent and knew I needed to rest. I planned to stop in the church in Pachyammos but it was closed. Just opposite there was a mattress lying on the roadside, as it often happens in Cyprus, complete with a blanket, and it didn't even smell of cat pee. Hallelujah. I streched out and relaxed my whole being, not asleep but not fully awake either.
Gathering everything I had left, which wasn't much. I had to keep going. When I got up, fatigue made me shiver uncontrollably. My legs wobbled and my teeth chattered. As I got moving I warmed up a bit. Another steep climb lay ahead, and in that state it hurt so much I found myself zigzagging uphill, something I have never done before.
But I made it all the way up, and down, and I was through Paphos just as the Sun rose again. I needed to eat and drink as my supplies were low, and everything was closed at that hour. I finally found a supermarket with employees already inside, and they were kind enough to let me in. After refueling I set off to the Rock of Aphrodite, where roadworks were in full swing. At first the workers stopped me, but I explained that I had to take that road in order to get home and they paused their machinery to let me pass. I pushed past the excavators, in the deep dust and gravel, and headed to Limassol with its Monday morning traffic.
My final obstacle. The city never seemed so long. I had a last break at INEX Coffee Garage, by then I had no more water left and I was hungry again. A bit of solid food and a coffee helped a lot, and I was off again, only 50 KM left. It went by as if in a dream.
Arriving home felt strange, like a part of me couldn't believe what just happened. I drank a lot, cleaned up, fell into a brief coma, and cycled to work for the afternoon shift with 666.5 KM, and 6000 HM in my system. I suffered greatly for a very modest performance, which might not be easy to explain or understand.
I am not a professional athlete, I have no gadgets to track my recovery, and no support in my preparation; I knew my legs weren't fresh, and that I was overreaching. I still went for it, and do not regret a single moment of misery out there. Because it was also beautiful. I saw clear skies, shy wild animals, and experienced complete freedom. I was living life all the way to the breaking point.
There is no need to go there all the time, but sometimes, just sometimes, it can be a good reminder of why we have been given this gift of existence."
Ride to live, live to ride.
Anna Bicskei
