Komoot Women's Rally in Arizona

Hello! My name is Sarah Aiken and I recently embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: the Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally.

I happen to live in Tucson, where the event would be taking place this year, and was also lucky enough to be chosen! I didn’t really start riding bikes until I moved to Tucson, and it was then that we became fully car free; riding to work and anyplace else we wanted, for either necessity or leisure. While I considered myself a cyclist, I wouldn’t have considered myself to be a BIKEPACKER.

Before November of this year, my longest time spent on a bike was a single 100 mile ride in a day and then two days bikepacking. So, when I was chosen for the Komoot rally, I was overwhelmed with excitement! I consider myself a strong rider, but the first two days were humbling at their best and absolutely soul crushing, at their worst. I rallied with myself and my posse many times, even when I wasn’t sure things were going to get any better. But it taught me a lot about myself and my ability to face adversity and push through, even when it felt impossible.

By day 4 I was “in the groove”. Feeling good with the daily mileage and elevation; often finishing a day with 50 miles and over 4,000’ of elevation gain. I had unlocked this “super power” within myself and felt like I could do anything. All in all, I logged a bit over 410 miles and over 30,000’ of elevation gain. To this day (yes it’s only been two weeks haha) I still find it surreal that I completed such an advanced ride, with so little experience. Now that I’m home, all I want to do is ride bikes and talk about them! So here I am!