April Drage on "April's Holiday" Bikepacking the 4000+KM Tour Divide Grand Depart on her Curve XS Big Kev, "Miles"
Description
Episode 41!
Today's episode is a cracking conversation with Melbourne based, April Drage. April recently returned from taking part in the grand depart of the iconic Tour Divide - a 4000KM+ mountain bike route stretching from Banff, Alberta, Canada to the New Mexico border at Antelope Wells. April completed the route on "Miles" her Curve Cycling, XS Big Kev. If you're interested in a different perspective on the route, on Episode 12 we talked to Toby Lukins about riding the same route, outside of the grand depart, on a bike he made of wood.
We barely scratched the surface in this hour long chat, but a few of the discussions you can look forward to - all accompanied by April's genuine and infectious enthusiasm for riding bikes and her witty storytelling:
- hearing about April's origin story and how she came to love riding bikes - and after years as a social worker, now even working in the bike industry for Curve Cycling
- Using bikepacking as a means to work through emotions and explore herself, including riding significant bikepacking races and routes including Race to the Rock, Rhino Run, Kudlila Rally, Karnu Rally, Mallee Blast 1000, Munda Biddi and many Mawsons!
- becoming a Curve ambassador in 2021 and truly integrating herself in the bike/bikepacking community
- Riding Tour Divide 2023 and "finding the sweetspot between enjoyment and efficiency"
- Racing versus adventure and "April's holiday" riding through nights and completing the route in a seriously competitive time at just over 18 days (or just under 19 - in April's words!)
- The awesome women's field - albeit low representation still; a hugely significant representation in the top 30 - and how taking part in niche activities means you have alot in common with fellow riders
- The iconic Brush Mountain Lodge experience!
- Solo versus shared adventures - and bikepacking with kids
- plus April trains (commuting with pumpkins on her bike), including a shout out to Alice Marsh at @mtb_bods ....
- and more!
You can find April on Instagram at @aprilawol
April also shares some great writing on Curve's Blog.
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