Show notes
Andrew Backer decided to enter his first-ever bicycle race--but not just any old competition: the Trans Am Bike Race, a self-supported, ultra-distance ride that takes weeks to complete (21 days, for Andrew). Not only did Andrew do it, and complete the ride (a feat in itself); he was sixth overall, and the first American to finish! In this episode he shares what inspired him to go from weekend rider to racing 4200 miles across 10 states; how he figured out the strategies involved in this particular race (how much--and where--to sleep at night; why it's best to buy food at gas station convenience stores); what it was like to bike through hail, sheets of rain, extreme heat, and driving wind; and how the mental game was as important as the physical preparation to get to the finish line. Andrew also shares snapshots of lovely Americans he met along the route who helped him with encouraging words, an offer to fix a tire spoke, and a meatloaf sandwich.In this episode:01:53: What inspired Andrew to take on this challenge04:06: Describing a "self-supported, ultra-distance" bike race05:34: Why several racers dropped out, and mechanical issues Andrew faced along the way12:46: How many miles Andrew rode each day, and how much sleep he got15:45: The obstacles riders dealt with along the route18:00: What Andrew ate to fuel himself--but not weigh himself down21:41: Kind people helping the riders across America23:33: The times doubt or worry crept into Andrew's mind during the three week-long journey31:38: How he entertained himself while riding39:13: Andrew's creative ways to earn money to pay for the race expenses40:16: "You can't do it alone"41:38: How it felt to cross the finish line on day 21Want to know more about Andrew and the Trans Am Bike Race?Watch this interview with him during the race: https://youtu.be/vnLy41GFLwACheck out the Trans Am Bike Race's website: https://transambikerace.com/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show
