From the Ground Up

Over 1,100 people applied for the chance to compete in their first 100-mile off-road bicycle race—and receive the help and guidance of Canyon professional riders Alexey Vermeulen and Ryan Petry.

Age: 30
Residence: Botson, MA
Born: Dominican Republic
Occupation: ICU Nurse

What were your initial thoughts about the From the Ground Up project?

Applying to From The Ground Up happened by chance. It was 2 a.m. and my heart was pounding. It’s been a huge dream of mine to get into MTB and here is this amazing project that can make it all come true!

Why did you apply?

I definitely questioned if I was crazy, especially after researching the Leadville 100 MTB trail. But I knew that if given the opportunity, this journey would be the most life changing and most rewarding experience of my life.

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Describe yourself as a cyclist prior to taking on this project—what was the hardest ride you had done?

I've always wanted to get into MTB but it's been very intimidating due to the price tag, and the fact that I rarely saw women and POC in the sport. My experience with MTB is minimal. Last year, I finally built up the courage to stand while pedaling, so I’d say I have lots of room to grow. The hardest ride I’ve ever done is probably a 40-mile charity ride.

An intensive-care-unit nurse in Boston, Massachusetts, Roberta Nunez will take on her biggest cycling challenge in the legendary mountains of Colorado in August 2021.

What will be the biggest obstacle standing in your way to the finish line at the Leadville Trail 100?

It’s going to be the most mentally and physically challenging event of my life, but I visualize myself crossing that finish line every time I suffer through a training session. I’m determined to finish. The biggest obstacle I face is myself.

Age: 47
Residence: Superior, WI
Born: Toledo, OH
Occupation: High School Special Education Teacher

What were your initial thoughts about the From the Ground Up project?

I applied on a whim, without really doing a whole lot of research on what Leadville was. I just thought it was a long-shot that I would never be involved in, but would kick myself if I didn't apply.

Why did you apply?

I applied to rediscover my inner badass. Well, if I am being totally honest, it's not rediscovering, it's actually just discovering.

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Describe yourself as a cyclist prior to taking on this project—what was the hardest ride you had done?

Prior to this, I was a recreational cyclist. Since moving to Wisconsin five years ago, Santa brought me a fat-tire bike and it changed everything. During the lockdown last year, I was up to 20-25 miles on a regular ride.

A high school special education teacher in Superior, Wisconsin, Shawna Anderson is rediscovering her inner strength in preparation for the 2021 Leadville Trail 100.

What will be the biggest obstacle standing in your way to the finish line at the Leadville Trail 100?

I know it will likely take all the time allowed, but I am going to finish. The physical training will be a challenge, but I can do that. I can't wait to walk off the plane in Minneapolis, after the race, wearing that [finisher’s] belt buckle. Even better will be walking into school the first day wearing it and sharing the story with students. I can see it all clearly...

Age: 34
Residence: Queens, NY
Born: Barranquilla, Colombia
Occupation: Luxury finish manufacturer

What were your initial thoughts about the From the Ground Up project?

I was actually going through the process of deleting all my social media and came across the post based off of another page I must have followed. The next day, I asked my sister to help me try and film a submission video. I figured: “Why not?”

Why did you apply?

It was a shot in the dark. You see so many contests and promotions on the phone or computer and it’s all just “for someone else”—never did I think I would get chosen.

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Describe yourself as a cyclist prior to taking on this project—what was the hardest ride you had done?

I don’t consider myself a cyclist. Before this project, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years. It wasn’t until March 2020 that I got on a bike and rediscovered the freedom and clarity this tool gave me access to. The hardest [ride] was [from] White Plains to Brooklyn on a single speed. About 65km each way.

Enzo Antonio Moscarella is an artist from Queens, New York, preparing to race his first 100-mile mountain bike race as a participant of the From the Ground Up project.

What will be the biggest obstacle standing in your way to the finish line at the Leadville Trail 100?

I will finish the Leadville Trail 100. I am focused on this goal and will push myself, stay on track with my training and make sure I am mentally prepared to achieve this. The biggest obstacle is the fact that I can’t control everything. Reminding myself that something will come up and present itself as a challenge, whatever that obstacle is I have to make sure I overcome or outsmart it. Keeping that mindset is the biggest challenge.