Photo: Arnau Lumeras (@inglorious_arnav)

Following the Mother North bikepacking race in Norway, German ultracyclist Maya Christofori walks us through her motivation for riding ultradistance, the nagging voices accompanying her in her head, and shares her unforgettable experiences in stunning landscapes.

Interview by Kristin Heil, photos by Bruno Ferraro (@bruno.gpx)

I got to know Maya on a cold New Year’s overnighter as a strong and fearless rider. Laughing around the fire, we bonded over our shared love for cycling, outdoor adventure, and also our background in fashion design. I already knew back then that it was just a matter of time until our paths would cross again. And this year, that dream finally became real.

We’re honored to welcome Maya as a Gramm team rider and support her insipring bikepacking adventures with a set of Gramm race bags. This season, she challenged herself in the highlands of Norway at Mother North, the rugged Dolomites, and the lush forests of Slovenia for Seven Serpents, where she was the first woman to finish. Read on for Maya’s post-season insights into her ultra mindset, gear essentials, and big plans for next year…

Kristin: Maya, last August you rode Mother North in Norway, an incredible challenge on body, mind, and material over nearly 1000km. What motivates you to face such extremes?

Maya: Through my adventures, not only do new countries and cities unfold before me, but I also gain deeper insights into myself. For me, it’s this combination of physical challenge and emotional journey that drives me. The further I get from civilization, the more I trust in my physical and, above all, mental abilities. The adventures I experience are more than just exciting stories. They offer me valuable insights that help me tackle the seemingly trivial problems of everyday life. When I’m out there, I often discover new perspectives that provide helpful solutions in “real life.”

I love sharing my experiences and equally enjoy listening to the stories of others. The community in cycling, especially the exchange among FLINTA individuals, is very dear to my heart. It fills me with joy to inspire others to embark on their own adventures. Ultimately, cycling is not just about the distance but also about the connections we make and the strength we discover within ourselves.

Kristin: After your strong finish as first woman at Seven Serpents, how did you prepare for Mother North?

Maya: The Seven Serpents race route took me through the forests of Slovenia, along the Croatian coast, and finally into Trieste. The weather was pleasantly mild, so I only had to pack my summer sleeping bag and lightweight rain gear. In contrast, conditions in the Norwegian highlands can be quite unpredictable. That’s why I opted for a complete tourpacking setup on my 8bar Ti hardtail for Mother North. The extra storage space in my Handlebar Roll allowed me to bring a 3-season sleeping bag and a heavy-duty rain jacket, which provided crucial protection from the cold and wet.

The lead-up to the race was far from ideal. Technical problems on my bike that were only resolved thanks to many helping hands on the eve of the race. This last-minute stress pulled me down during the first two days, and I found myself caught in a self-sabotaging thought cycle. However, once I reflected and moved past this inner struggle, the real fun began. It’s fascinating how such challenges can expand not only my physical but also mental boundaries.

Kristin: Can you share a memorable moment from Mother North?
Maya: The journey through Norway was particularly special, as it was my first time in this country. One moment stands out: On the first evening, Lotti and I were riding along a overgrown path at dusk when suddenly a herd of moose appeared before us. One of them galloped toward a high fence and gracefully jumped over it just five meters ahead of us. From highlands above the fjords to the flatlands, there were many more unforgettable moments that left a deep impression on my soul, deepening my understanding of the beauty and wildness of nature.

Kristin: I imagine there were difficult times too?
Maya: As I mentioned before, my technical problems with the bike before the race really threw me off. Standing at the starting line, I realized that I had missed out on all the fun of the preparations. I felt empty, without a clear plan or expectations, feeling the immense pressure to deliver a successful race.

Within first 15 kilometers, our third team member had to quit, and a mean voice in my head grew louder and simply wouldn’t quiet down. The first bitterly cold night robbed me of sleep, and the next day I repeatedly nearly crashed into the guardrail on a long descent because I was so exhausted that my eyes kept closing.

But then came a dramatic change of scenery on the Mjølkevegen, and a restful night in a hotel helped me forget the strains of the previous days. My partner in crime Lotti was also a great support along the way. This showed me that everything in this world is temporary—both the challenges and the little clown that sometimes pops up between my synapses.

Kristin: What is your mental strategy while racing?

Maya: One of my ultra mantras is: living with the consequences. For me, this means fully accepting the decisions I make, no matter how challenging they may be. However, I also have a clear rule: I only push myself as long as it’s enjoyable and doesn’t ruin my body.

It’s important to me to stay in harmony with myself. That’s why I’d rather scratch and walk away than torture myself beyond my limits and risk lasting damage. For me, the heart takes precedence over the ego. This mindset helps me preserve the joy of my adventures and the health of my body in the long run.

Kristin: You seem to have incredible power and motivation. How do you train and stay focused on racing next to work?

Maya: For me, training is a flexible concept. I don’t follow a strict plan or diet but instead gather experience throughout the year through various micro-adventures. I plan multi-day solo tours during which I wildcamp, as well as regular night rides and day trips in all weather conditions. These regular challenges help me develop a deep understanding of my intuition and the nature around me.

Since big adventures are the exception rather than the rule, motivation comes naturally. It’s a privilege to share extraordinary experiences with equally extraordinary people, creating unforgettable memories in the process. Besides cycling, I have a great passion for bouldering, snowboarding, horseback riding, and hiking. These diverse activities enrich my life and enhance my connection to nature and the people around me.

Kristin: What’s your favorite bag on your bike?

Maya: I would say the seat bag is essential for longer tours. It holds everything I might need on the road. However, in terms of thoughtful design, the Handlebar Roll takes the lead. The rapid attachment system is perfect for quick mounting and dismounting, and the accessory bar allows me to mount my GPS, lights, and other items. This combination of functionality and flexibility makes it a true must-have for any adventure!
More generally, wouldn’t start any of my tours without a repair kit. It’s simply indispensable!

Kristin: What are your goals for the next season?

Maya: I want to slow down a bit for the upcoming season. I’m thinking of doing only one ultra race, perhaps the Illyrian Loop in Albania, another country I haven’t been to yet. Bruno’s routes and events are always amazing.

Beyond racing, I’d like to go on an extended bikepacking tour. My heart has long been drawn to Central Asia, especially the countries connected by the Silk Road. A big dream of mine is to ride the Pamir Highway. I don’t feel ready yet for doing it solo, but I could imagine tackling it together with other adventurers. The Annapurna Circuit also gets my wanderlust going. As they say, anticipation is the sweetest joy of all.

You’re an inspiration to all of us, Maya! Best of luck on all your adventures!

Maya at Mother North 2024