On 5th June 2022 Laura set off on the back of a tandem, with husband Stevie, from the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin... 180 days later she returned having circumnavigated the World and with a new Guinness World Record!
But, the ride wasn't straightforward; with closed borders, sickness, monsoons, sub -10 degree temperatures and a motorcycle collision that nearly ended the trip it took everything to reach the finish line on target.
Laura blogged and updated social media throughout the trip and relied on her skills in project management and from her ultra-distance background to make the trip a success, as well as the ultimate team work of surviving 6 months on a bike with her husband.
We first spoke with Laura on 27th January 2022 - You can listen to that episode here.
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Show notes
Who is Laura
Spending 6 months cycling around the world on a tandem bicycle and breaking the Guin
Stats from the challenge
Starting on the 5th June 2022
Needing to cycle 18,000 miles
Visiting over 21 countries
Speaking to Laura previously on the Tough Girl Podcast - 27th January 2022 - You can listen to that episode here
Getting to the start line and feeling ready?
Planning for over 18 months to get to the start line
Being in an accident 2 weeks before the start
Dealing with the risks of cycling on the road
Getting back on the bike - sooner rather than later
The start line in Berlin
Settling into a cycling routine
What the daily routine looked like
The challenges on the journey
Day to day challenges - from logistics, navigation, accommodation, food
Dealing with the ongoing pressure
Boarder closures and being flexible with changing plans
The crash in Malaysia and why it was a critical moment
Not knowing if they wanted to continue
Being open and honest with each other
Being as prepared as possible
Flying to Australia
Impacts on their relationships
Advice for couples/partners who adventure together
Losing time and distance and getting behind schedule while riding in India
Needing to make up 6 days and 600km
How to up the pace?
Highlights from the trip
Riding through New Zealand in 8.5 days
The route
Finishing the trip - the challenges in the final days
Getting back safely and doing what they said they were going to do
The achievement…..
Adventure blues and what happened next
Recovering physically
Quick Fire Questions
Tough Girl Buffs (Black, Grey & White - Send me a DM £15 P&P UK Only)
Tandem WOW - Catherine Dixon (Cat) and Rachael Marsden (Raz) cycling around the world to set a new tandem WR!
How to connect with Laura
Writing the book
Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you with your next challenge
Don’t under estimate what you can do
Why you might surprise yourself with what you can do
Social Media
Website: www.stelatandem.com
Instagram: @stela_tandem
Facebook: SteLa Tandem Round the World Record
Twitter: @StelaTandem
Youtube: SteLa Tandem
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