At Wilma, we love sharing the adventures of the women in our crew who are pushing the boundaries of women’s cycling 💪
Let us introduce you to Salomé,
Who are you?
My name is Salomé, I’m 32 years old, and I’m from Besançon.
Cycling is my passion. I discovered the thrill of cycling in 2021 through various events and cycling groups like the komoot Women’s TNR, the Rookies, and Mont Ventou(tes)...
I always take my bike with me (whenever possible 😉) to get around, go to the garden, visit friends, go for rides…
👉Stardust, aused Triban RC120 (Decathlon’s entry-level model)purchased inMay 2021, which she has customized to suit her needs for gravel riding and travel.
📸 FloeReporter
How long have you been cycling?
I took up road cycling in 2016 after returning from England, drawn by the peace and quiet and the joy of rediscovering my region. It’s an activity I’ve shared with my father, who is a big cycling enthusiast.
And in 2021, I discovered the joy of cycling adventures
What inspired you to embark on this journey to the North Cape?
In reality, this major project came together piece by piece. I pieced together bits and pieces, one after another. Little by little, I adjusted my Komoot destination to take me further and further, to where my dream awaits: the Arctic
The idea was to make the most of my travels and time by pursuing my dream and passion for cycling
Can you tell us what the purpose of your trip is and what you plan to see and do?
The goal of this trip is to meet people (particularly women) who are working to address climate change in the polar regions, in order to explore how design research can serve as a practical tool for policy-making and the preservation of these fragile areas. My trip will be an opportunity to bear witness to these realities and to work together to develop sustainable solutions.
Is this your first time doing something like this?
This trip to the North Cape will be my first adventure of this scale, requiring me to be self-sufficient in terms of food over a long distance. I’ve already gone on 6- or 7-day bikepacking trips, but nothing like this.
What is the total distance you plan to travel?
I admit I don’t have a clear idea of the distance; I estimate that the route to the North Cape will be about 3,500 km, but the final distance will depend on many factors, such as the people I meet, detours, or the weather… in the end, I’ll likely be cycling for 34 days 🙂
What are the main challenges you expect to face on this trip?
- The unknown—and I’m ready for whatever surprises it brings
- The weather, of course
- Food self-sufficiency
- Especially the meetings I've scheduled
- Sleeping outdoors - camping
How are you preparing physically and mentally for this adventure?
Physical and mental preparation is essential for tackling a journey as ambitious as this one. I’ve put together a rigorous plan to prepare for this adventure. Physically, I’ve set goals for myself, including covering at least 2,000 km before departure and being able to ride up to 200 km in a single day to break through mental barriers and build confidence in my ability to accomplish this.
To achieve my goals, I also consulted a naturopath to develop a diet tailored to my needs. I underwent reflexology sessions and had a postural assessment with a specialized physical therapist to prevent injuries by optimizing my posture. This physical preparation helped build my mental strength and self-confidence, even as I knew I would have to face difficult moments.
What are the essential items you're bringing along for this trip?
For this trip, there are a few essentials I simply have to bring along, like your ultra-comfortable Raphaëlle bib shorts to protect me from chafing, and all my Wilma gear, which promotes a highly empowering image of women on bikes and shares the same values as I do.
I’m bringing everything I need for safety—especially so I can be seen and see others.
My GPS and maps are updated and downloaded, gear for bad weather, sunscreen, and a little personal good-luck charm
How do you hope to inspire other women to embark on cycling adventures?
I want to use this journey to challenge gender stereotypes and inspire other women. To show that you have to believe in your dreams no matter what field you’re in, to do what you want to do, and to demonstrate that you have both the external and internal resources…
Ideally, I’d like to inspire other women to take the plunge, whatever their dreams may be. Just as I, too, have been inspired by the courage of others. Don’t hesitate to talk about it, draw inspiration, and ask questions of the people around you.
What advice would you give to other women who are interested in taking up cycling trips?
My advice is to just get started and don’t hesitate to use social media.
Get started, but not on your own—join group rides that give you a sense of security, a boost to meet other cyclists and draw inspiration from their experiences.
Find mentors, take the first step, and don’t be afraid to reach out to those who are already doing the things that inspire us. The response is often just incredibly inspiring!
A few adventures to get you started: PocoLoco weekends, the bike adventures organized by Mad Jacques , which served as my springboard with Les Rookies, social rides in cities, Alleycat …
And don't hesitate to borrow some equipment at first to try it out!
To follow Salomé's adventures, click here 👉 @ballon_roule
Inspired by Salomé’s journey? Share this article with your cycling-loving friends and encourage more women to hit the road and embark on an adventure! Use the hashtag #WeBelieveInWomenCycling to join us on this wonderful women’s cycling adventure.
📸 Sophie Potter
