Shape Media Sponsors 24 hour London2Paris Cycle Challenge

Ellie White
Sep 3, 2018 · 4 min read

Shape Media is proud to sponsor Katie Baker from Awin, who is undertaking a massive challenge — a 180-mile ride from London to Paris on behalf of the charity MIND.

We had the chance to catch up with Katie who shared some insight to her preparation before the big ride.

SM: How long have you been riding and what made you commit to the London to Paris challenge?

KB: I’ve actually only been cycling for less than a year! I decided last winter to start cycling to work and so bought my first bike. It was safe to say, and I did not have the best experience! I survived three different collisions until I decided that perhaps cycling wasn’t for me. Obviously my confidence was hugely knocked (excuse the pun), and the bike went in the shed and had not been touched since.

Peer pressure easily sways me, and I love a challenge. When the opportunity to ride to Paris for Mind came up with work, I decided it was time to dust off the cobwebs and get back in the saddle! I brought a new swanky bike with hopefully fewer curses and have realised that cycling outside of London is a hugely different experience altogether; no red buses or angry taxi drivers.

SM: What cycling equipment and accessories will you be taking on this fantastic journey?

KB: Most importantly my Awin/Mind branded jersey! We are raising money for Mind who are our corporate charity and have just hit our target of £9k which is amazing, so thank you so much to Shape Media for your support. I’ll also be carrying a pump, a repair kit (hopefully this won’t be needed as I have no idea how to fix a puncture anyway), and A LOT OF FOOD!!

SM: What have you been doing training-wise to ensure you are in top form for the big ride?

KB: I’m pretty lucky as out of hours I am also a spin instructor! I am blessed with strong legs and have managed to take 3–5 spin classes a week which has been key to my training.

The long rides are really important. Spin is great for a quick push, but it doesn’t help with the endurance side of things. I’ve done a few rides to Brighton, a trip to the Chilterns and I probably know Richmond Park like the back of my hand as I have done so many laps. I’m not sure anything can quite prepare you for the lack of sleep on the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe (about 4 hours max) and then getting back on the bike for 120 miles!

SM: Have you done anything like this before (asides from London to Brighton)?

KB: Never! I’ve always been quite sporty but long distance/endurance has never been my thing. Last year I decided I wanted to do a challenge a year to raise money for charity. Last year I competed in Tough Mudder for Mind, and next year I have a place in the London Marathon for Pancreatic Cancer!

SM: Will you be listening to any music during the ride? If so, what are your 3 biggest motivational tunes that will you be blasting into your headphones to keep you going?

KB: I’m going to try and concentrate on the roads and have as few distractions as possible (my track record isn’t the best!) so I’m planning on avoiding listening to music. I’m really looking forward to being very mindful through the ride and taking in the French countryside, however as you know I can be a bit of a chatterbox, so I am pretty sure I could talk my way through the hours!

SM: What food will you be relying on before and during the ride to keep your energy levels up?

KB: This is what I am looking forward to the most! We leave at 3.30pm so I will have a big bowl of porridge in the morning, pasta for lunch and then throughout the ride, I will be munching on something every 30–60 minutes to ensure my energy levels don’t drop. I have brought a box of energy gels (if you haven’t tried one before they’re pretty gross), flapjacks, protein bars and I might even sneak in some chocolate or mini doughnuts for when times get really tough!

SM: What are you least excited about?

KB: The hills! On the way down to Newhaven, there are a few beasty climbs which I am really not looking forward to and severe lack of sleep. I am definitely one of those people who like their own bed and a good 40 winks each night.

SM: What are you most looking forward to the most when you reach Paris?

KB: Champagne obviously!

SM: How will you be celebrating in Paris?

KB: We will be arriving at around 4 pm in Paris, we are stopping at the Eiffel Tower for some pictures and then it will be straight to the hotel for a quick shower and out for a well-deserved French dinner! I’m hoping steak tartare is on the menu!

To read more on the challenge, riders and sponsorship details click here — http://bit.ly/2NLOfet

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