Hailing from Coromandel in New Zealand/Aotearoa, Joanna is a 48 year old ultra endurance athlete and LOVES to ride.
Joanna also is the first individual to ever vEverest using FulGaz, completing this achievement in early 2022.
Find out more about Joanna and what drives her.
Why do you ride?
I love adventures, especially those with lots of climbing, the more remote locations the better but riding gravel…well let’s say I need improvement. I run my own business so am a fully-fledged member of the 4am club, training full-time but in the early hours of the day. FulGaz helps me to reach my racing, adventure and world record goals by being so efficient. I love supporting racing, I have recently embraced the joy of self-supported brevt and love and also love an indoor challenge. I believe that everyone should ride in whatever way gives them joy wherever or however that may be, just ride how you feel.
What’s favourite real world ride?
That is such a hard question. I live in the Coromandel, New Zealand because I love cycling in this area so much. One particular ride across Whangapoua hill never ceases to give me joy. My other favourite place to cycle in the world is the South Island of New Zealand. I love the Southern Alps and riding any of those mountain passes. I am still to cycle through the Dolomites however so maybe that can change my mind I have always wanted to cycle through Australia’s central desert including Uluru. I can’t wait to do that in 2024.
Favourite FulGaz ride & why?
I would have to say Gerlospass Everesting climb. I was fortunate to be the first to vEverest on FulGaz and this was this climb I used. Not only did I have a great time but we raised a heap of money for Bowel Cancer NZ as well. I ride FulGaz for all my indoor training from interval sessions to power-based training so I have a heap of favourites I like to switch between.
How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?
The FulGaz team got in touch with me because there were so few New Zealand rides and being such a great place to ride I was really happy to jump in and get filming. I hope to bring a gravel series and other great ride locations to FulGaz library soon.
Favourite cycling memory?
It would have to be reaching Bluff, the southernmost part of New Zealand having become the first female, and only the 5th person ever to cycle the length of New Zealand non-stop. The crew and I were ecstatic, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
Dream bike or favourite bike?
Chapter 2 Toa for climbing, Koko for areo and AO for adventure and off-road.
You can find all of Joanna’s rides in FulGaz by searching Sharpe. Give Joanna a follow on Strava below to stay up to date with all of her adventures!
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