‘Being a cyclist for me means finding pleasure in suffering and the ability to be alone with one's thoughts hour upon hour, kilometre upon kilometre.’
A move to Tuscon to study at the University of Arizona was the catalyst for Justin Week's love of cycling to take hold. What started out as a simple tool for commuting, soon developed into a full-blown obsession. ‘I soon realised how much fun riding was and the places it could take me,’ he says. ‘I started climbing hills and mountains around Arizona and decided that a road bike would be more efficient. I haven’t looked back since.’
What's followed for Justin is a constant journey of discovery and search for legendary rides. After ticking off some of the classic state-side climbs, he's recently broadened his horizons, moved to Barcelona and set his sights on the European mountains.
‘I have climbed most of the steepest paved and unpaved roads all around US,‘ he says. Now since having met Steff (Gutovska, fellow NeilPryde ambassador and bike lover) I’ve taken my cycling abroad. As of now I’ve travelled to Spain, France, Ukraine, Holland and many more planned.’
For Justin the benefit of long days on the bike with plenty of vert is two-fold - the old adage of 'healthy body, healthy mind' is one that particularly rings true for him. ‘It allows me to escape my depression and anxiety through the suffering of hard efforts and long solo rides. Riding is the one thing that has really helped me find relief in my mind.’
Epic rides need an epic ride and, unsurprisingly for a *grimpeur* like Justin, it's the BuraSL that's his steed of choice. ‘I love it because its super light and has great power transfer,’ he says.
‘All of which allow me to do what I love, climb the super steep mountain roads.’