Don't Wait For Anyone

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 2 DECEMBER '25

I just read an interesting, short interview on Outsideonline.com of cyclist, Julia Esser, who is currently soloing a bike packing trip from the tip of northern South America to the southern most point.

Now those who know me know how much I hate walking with my bike - any bike for that matter - and I sincerely apprize to all my friends that may have been stuck listening to my contestant complaining (XTERR World Champs in Maui, Leadville (every time) and Breck Epic twice). My personal dislikes aside, I enjoyed learning a few things about Julia and about her trip that made me think...

She's driven, seemingly fearless and yet vulnerable and very much in a daily changing environment. For many of us, that might invite high anxiety, fear and depression. And even though she talks about setbacks (a major one), she still is emphatic about the joy that this journey brings her daily. Beautiful landscapes, interesting people and very unique locations all inspire her.

And I wonder if there's a parallel for those of us attracted to endurance sports. The often unknown and unpredictability of racing, the enormity of the journey and the unexpected pleasures and joys within any given training day are all intoxicating pieces that seemingly bring us back, day after day. I think it's the real feeling of "living" that is the elixir of endurance sports.

When asked, "What advice do you have for other female solo bikepackers?" Julia replied,

"I would just say go for it. Do it. Don’t wait for anyone. Don’t wait for anything.

When you have this dream of going on an adventure like this, or any kind of other outdoor adventure, just do it.

Trust your gut feeling. There will definitely be some tough and sad and rough moments—even dangerous ones. But there will also be beautiful ones. The rewarding ones.

These experiences outweighed everything. So definitely go for it."

...might be time to sign up for that "big event" in 2026! :)

Gratefully,Mark

CEO Team MPI