INSPIRATION
Hi Sara! Tell us about you!
My name is Sara Hallbauer and I live in Wackersberg, South of Germany. For my day job I am a Marketing & Sales Consultant but my true passion is ultra long distance riding on road and gravel. This might be on any two wheels but you will always find me wearing my Iris Racing Team Jersey + Signature Bib Shorts.
So, how did you get into cycling?
I originally come from horseback riding – a sport I absolutely love. But when my horse said goodbye to this world I had to find a new hobby because I had all this energy and time left. I bought a bike and just started cycling. Then I made the choice to ride ultra distance because I wanted to see more from this world and the beauty in it.
Where does the term ‘Hallpower’ come from?
My family name since I am married is Hallbauer. And as I am a person with a lot of energy and keen on experiencing new stuff, my friends gave me the nickname – Sara Hall-Power 😉 Sounds like the German Hall-bauer.
What do you like most about riding your bike?
For me cycling is like yoga. I find inner peace in the monotony of pushing the pedals in the same rhythm for a long time and I am sure there are lots of other cyclists out there who feel the same!
What are the most memorable and meaningful experiences cycling has given you so far?
My first ever ultra race was the Northcape 4000, one of the longest ultra-cycling races in Europe (4.500 km starting from lake Garda, Italy and ending in the North of Norway, passing through 11 European Countries). Most of my friends told me that for my first race, I should maybe try a safer route and shorter route – however, I had my mind set and just loved the idea of cycling to the end of the ‘world’. When I started in Rovereto (Italy) I felt mentally insecure, I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was so anxious and worried that I wouldn’t make it or something would happen to me. But to my utter surprise, I arrived at Northcape 17 days after the start with even plenty of spare time left until the cut-off time (which was 22 days). And I just loved the whole journey and experience! This just reminded me that there is a lot more in me than I originally thought I was capable of. We just have to give things a try, listen to our inner voices and ignore opinions of others. Girls, you don’t have to grab the low-hanging fruits when you can also reach for the stars 😉
Which do you prefer, races or rallies?
I love both of them: the races because I really love deadlines and the tracker pushing me but also the rallies where it is not about finishing first. I just love riding with others no matter the pace.
What advice would you give women who want to give ultra-racing a try?
It is not an if-/if not question: Never ask yourself if you can do it or if not do it! You just ask yourself “What do I need to have to get it done, get prepared and then just give it a go! If you won’t make it to the finish line, it’s totally ok, just learn and try again.
Don’t be afraid to go on an adventure all by yourself. You will meet great people out there and you can be proud to have managed it all on your own.
Don’t forget to eat…. a lot!
What does participating in events like bike packing or ultra-racing challenges mean to you and why do you think women should give them a try?
I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence, and serenity. It made me also stronger in my daily life: I can do it, even on my own, even in the rain, in the cold or in the heat. It’s not a question of whether I’ll arrive or not, it’s just a question of when I’ll arrive. It’s okay to be alone because it’s a great challenge to learn how you manage things by yourself and it will make you feel more present in your moment: When you ride, you ride. When you eat, you eat. When it rains, it rains. There is no distraction from the outside world, just you, your bike and your rhythm. On my adventures, I do not feel alone as I meet so many great people who cheer me on or trail angels, who help me out. So I feel very connected with this world out there when riding. Cycling on my own enables me to experience the fullness of life.
Sara at the 2023 Transcontinental Race
If you could do one thing over again (cycling related of course) what would it be and why?
Oh that is a tough one but it would have to be cycling Torino-Nice Rally with friends – it was the most beautiful route in the world. I met so many cool cycling women. I loved being part of this special group and not feeling like the last unicorn that is cycling all alone and wondering if there are any other female cyclists out there. They do exist 😉
(If you haven’t already read it then we thoroughly recommend you check out Iris’ recap of this event here)
What do you love about IRIS cycling apparel?
I love that you support other women. I love the style, it’s absolutely unique. And I love that every piece can be combined with pieces from other and previous collections. IRIS is more about fun than about performance, numbers or fastest-known-times. I in particular love the seamless Signature Bib Short + the IRIS Racing Jersey .
A huge thanks to Sara for taking the time to talk to us in between events and sharing a bit of her story with us.
If you want to keep track of Sara’s two wheeled adventures then why not follow her on her personal instagram page.
