Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors.
From: UK
Lives: Hertfordshire
Instagram: @seun.alaba
1.Tell us about yourself.
Hi all! So, I'm Seun, a Civil Servant by day and Ultra/Adventure cyclist in my spare time. I started riding bikes when my uncle gave me his old hybrid bike way back when I was a kid but only started riding properly after 2020. As some will know, I've also had type 1 diabetes since 2017 which has its own difficulties but I think I've learnt to embrace it on the bike. I'd describe myself as a bit of an adventure cyclist, I don't necessarily like riding the same loops or in the same location. I prefer being put into the unknown and making a journey of things, even if I overshare my struggles at times.
2. What do you love about cycling
Sounds corny but riding my bike for hours on end and creating my own adventures is a feeling that you can't beat. When I was younger I didn't have the luxury of holidays or simply having access to natural landscapes like others would. So naturally once I started riding bikes, I realised it was a great tool to rectify many years of not having those opportunities. You'll often find me in some absolutely random locations even if I moan about the conditions. Deep down I'm loving it. I like trying to push the boundaries and embracing the concept of being comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Cycling also helps me maintain my health (especially my health condition) and allows me to push myself even further than before. I used to play football and Futsal at university but it just wasn't the same.
Being one of the few Black ultra riders at the moment, I also get to share and learn about different cultures amongst other riders who take part in the races that I do. It's also a great opportunity to gain knowledge from others but to also provide a surprise to rural communities elsewhere and show that Black people do ride bikes. I've got big plans within the next 5-6 years and I hope to see them through.
3. What barriers have you faced in cycling
Dare I say, I wouldn't necessarily say I've felt like I've had barriers put in place in cycling. The community has been pretty chill for the most part as I came into it at a good time. I learnt how to ride in a group properly thanks to a few previous groups (shout out Ridefest, No limits and Islington CC).
Within the ultra-distance community, everyone has genuinely been welcoming and intrigued about diversifying their genre of cycling. Since my time riding in this bikepacking/ultra context, I've put myself in some of the most rural areas and have had nothing but positive interactions with people. Whether it would be farmers in Yorkshire or Cyclists from a different country.
I do acknowledge that I come from a privileged background where I've been able to do the things that I'm able to do. I can see that cycling has a long way to go in removing barriers, especially with the cost of gear and the perceived necessity for requiring the best gear possible.
4. Why were you interested in contributing?
I've been fortunate enough to have been given a few opportunities in my short time in cycling. Namely the ultra-distance scholarship. One of my goals that I've wanted to set myself is to try and encourage more people to get out of their comfort zones and take their bikes to new places.
Additionally, I'd love to be able to somehow manage to convince more people within London to try out Bikepacking and more adventure cycling elsewhere in the UK. There's so much out there!
5. Your fondest memory on the bike
Great question. Pan Celtic Race 2023, completing my first ultra. There was so much that I learnt from it and I've figured out what I'm capable of from the race. I was able to meet people that I'd never met before and learn about their stories and how they got to the start line. We all somehow managed to spur each other on through the struggle. Whilst at the time it was easily the hardest thing I've done, looking back at it, that's a story I'm going to be telling my future kids as if I climbed Mount Everest.
The amount of support I got from the community throughout the race before, during and after the race was incredible.
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