NAME

Maria Martinez

NICKNAME

Mexican

HOMETOWN

Mexica, now I live in Joburg

DAY JOB

Retail Manager at Specialized Africa until recently, now goin into a design job when I fidn the right one and becoming a Pilates/Spinning instructor.

YEARS RIDING

5

PRIMARY RIDE STYLE

Road and MTB, and I am all for commuting too.

FAVOURITE PLACE/ROUTE TO RIDE

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and a coffee ride through the street of Joburg.

FAVOURITE POST RIDE MEAL/DRINK

Coffee

DOES YOUR BIKE HAVE A NAME? IF SO, WHAT IS IT?

Isabel and Angelina

CLIMB vs. DESCEND

Both. I enjoy climbing because it is hard work and love the descent because it is the reward.

IF YOU COULD RIDE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

Alpe d'Huez, France

The single tracks in Colorado, like the Whole Enchilada

FULL LYCRA KIT? Y/N

Yes, why not?

DREAM RACE OR EVENT

BC Bike Race - Vancouver, Canada

WHO DO YOU LOVE RIDING WITH?

Friends and especially the guys who can teach me how to jump and do crazy things, and the girls because we can chat while getting a good workout.

FAVOURITE QUOTE/MOTTO

Scars are tattoos with better stories.

WHY DO YOU RIDE?

When I ride I feel like I am flying, like I can do anything I want. It is an "all-in-one" package: empowerment, fitness, freedom, fun, friends, day out, holiday, therapy, business relationships, challenge, and more.

SKILL YOU WISH YOU COULD MASTER BUT HAVEN'T (YET)

Gap jumps and wheelies