EL mom aims for fastest woman to cycle globe
Cristin Flynn has been training in all weathers and with very little sleep
East London’s Cristin Flynn is planning to make her six-yearold self extremely proud.
The avid cyclist, runner and all-round adventurer is vying for a Guinness Book World Record by becoming the fastest woman to cycle around the world.
“I decided when I was six years old that I would be the fastest lady to cycle around the world.
“I initially thought that I would like to walk around the whole world, but when I realised it would take too long, I decided that riding my bicycle would be the next best thing,” said Flynn, who describes herself as being “37 years young”.
“I have always known in my heart that I want to circumnavigate the world and inspire humanity to go beyond the limits we set for ourselves.
“Setting a new world record ties in with my childhood dream.
“I have made it my life’s work to remind each and every individual I come into contact with that they truly are powerful and able to change the world in their own unique way,” she said.
After many years of being too busy, whether raising small children or running various businesses, Flynn has decided 2020 is her year.
“Over the years I have been caught up and the time has never seemed right.
“I have also never quite managed to raise enough funds to focus for nearly an entire year on this project.
“But I came to a point where I realised I need to make a decision and to trust that things will fall into place,” Flynn, a mother of three energetic boys, said.
The Hudson Park High school matriculant plans to cut more than four days from the 29,000km route.
“Jenny Graham currently holds the world record of 124 days and 11 hours.
“I am aiming for a sub 120-day finish,” she said.
Flynn’s training included a recent solo cycle from East London to Johannesburg.
She plans to cycle up to 250km a day as training before her journey around the globe beings on June 14.
“I plan to do about 37,000km in preparation and have done about 9,000km, which includes extensive time in the saddle, speed work, strength training as well dealing with multiple days in all-weather conditions with very little sleep, as well as what works in terms of gear, equipment and nutrition,” Flynn said.
She trains for up to 30 hours week.
Flynn will start her epic ride in Germany, head east to Asia, then through Australia, through the Americas and finally back to Europe, finishing at the start point in Germany.
Flynn said cycling gave her the freedom to think, find solutions and have creative ideas.
Her long-distance solo trips continuously reminded her of the kindness of people.
“I have been on a bike for as long as I can remember.
“I do a lot of solo riding over extreme distances and I have learnt to rely on the generosity of strangers.
“It’s taken me on many adventures and into diverse homes, businesses and so forth,” Flynn said.
She is looking forward to experiencing different countries, cultures and people.
“Many of the countries I will cycle through I have not visited before.
“When you cycle through any location you are really are able to take in a lot of the beauty of the landscape and the people,” she enthused.