Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors. Today we spent some time with Kasia, the Polish adventurer rider spending her days in Berlin.
From: Wladyslawowo, Poland
Lives: Berlin (but misses London a lot!)
IG: @kasiaborg
Tell us about yourself.
Hello, my name is Kasia. Bikes have always been in my life in many different ways (as a sport, commute, nerdy interest), but only about 3 years ago I trusted myself enough to start joining groups and posting about it on my social media as an important and rather dominant part of my free time.
Privately, I’ve been through many lives, cities and careers, from getting a masters in Forensic Science in London to being the Head of a department in a Berlin tech company.
Currently, I am trying to figure out what could be the next best thing in my professional and private life.
What do you love about cycling
It’s always been about the connection to nature and community. As a kid, I would ride my bike in the woods or on the beach with a group of other weird kids. Then, when I grew up and started feeling inadequate, I took a step back to a groupie status - still attending events, races, and expos. Most of my connections from my early days in Berlin come from the cycling scene.
Then, when I started riding again, it was all about bike packing, overnighters, and sharing stories and experiences. When riding alone, it gives me the opportunity to process emotions, events, to cry, to sing out loud, or simply catch up on podcasts. It’s the ultimate form of ‘me-time’.
What barriers have you faced in cycling
Although no one ever actually stopped or prohibited me from enjoying the sport, I think the way it’s been historically portrayed made it look very inaccessible. At first, I thought bikes were only for TdF or Eroica. With the rise of social media and influencers, I felt like I didn’t belong as I didn’t have the ‘right’ physique, I am already a little older (over 35) and can’t afford whatever gear they were all using and wearing.
I remember I bought my first padded pants from Decathlon before going to NZ to do the Otago Trail. On one hand, I felt awkward, like I was a poser, because why am I getting padded pants (which I later discovered were called bibs!) if I’m not a professional cyclist? On the other hand, I was embarrassed for getting the cheapest thing, unlike all the cool kids.
Long story short… I think the barrier is the perceived (and not) exclusivity and elitism of the sport. The belief is that you have to look and be in a certain way, own the right gear, and perform to a level where you’ll earn your spot. There’s place at the table for everyone. I’ve been lucky to get into it in Berlin, which is pretty non-judgemental, but I know it’s not the same everywhere.
Why were you interested in contributing?
Honestly, because I’ve been told I inspire people. Not in a pompous ‘go after your dreams no matter what’ kinda way, but in a way that I am just me. A little round, a little slow, often very sad actually (hello mental health). Cycling is the only thing I’ve consistently shown up for. And I showed up for myself via cycling.
Looking at me and what I’m doing, many FLINTA+ who wrote to me, slowly start feeling they can do it too. They can join a group ride on whatever bike they have in whatever clothes, or they can sign up for an ultra bike packing challenge or a competition. I believe being relatable and actually helpful in a scene that can be perceived as very hermetic and inaccessible is what we need more of. There still aren’t enough women and other FLINTA folk in the scene. So I guess that’s my way of introducing diversity and community support, I want to encourage people to just get out there and do it, whatever it is. More often than not, you’ll be positively surprised.
Your fondest memory on the bike
Probably completing Tuscany Trail for the first time. Prior to that, I had very little experience with non-flat areas, and zero bike packing experience, I was terrified of the daily plans of climbing around 2000m. The people I was with made sure I felt comfortable, and as a consequence, safe enough to push my boundaries. We ate enough, waited at the top and the bottom of every hill, took electrolytes we sweated out in 40 degrees heat. When we came to the finish I had a little cry. And then many beers ;)
Since then, my confidence has grown 1000x. This again shows the importance of support and having someone to enable you to trust yourself and your dreams.
Comentarios