Emma Johnson, a seasoned adventurer and proud ambassador for Elmy Cycles, is gearing up for her toughest challenge yet. On May 31st, Emma, alongside her teammate Elliott Norris, will embark on The Trans Balkans race, spanning 1500 km across some of Europe’s most remote terrain.
Emma’s journey into extreme challenges began a decade ago when she cycled from Gibraltar to the UK, raising an impressive £15,000 for Against Breast Cancer. Since then, she has tackled endurance cycling challenges from one end of a country to another and ultra running events with the longest being 64miles, but The Trans Balkans race promises to push her limits like never before.
This unsupported race, starting in Slovenia and culminating in Montenegro, traverses rugged landscapes across Croatia and Bosnia. With an elevation gain of 27,000 m and challenges including extreme temperature variations, off-road mountain trails, and even the presence of wild animals and landmines, it’s hailed as one of the toughest, most remote races on earth. Water will be in scarce supply and riders will have to carry all their own supplies throughout the race with no external support.
Emma’s path to the starting line hasn’t been without hurdles. With her original teammate having to withdraw, she expresses gratitude to Elliott Norris for stepping in at the eleventh hour. She also acknowledges the unwavering support of Elmy Cycles, a fantastic, reliable local bike shop in Ipswich who she has previously raced for and now proudly represents as an ambassador.
Steve at Elmy Cycles, renowned for his bike expertise, has been instrumental in Emma’s journey, providing invaluable knowledge and guidance. As a local entrepreneur with two start-ups, BidNstay and Nestbedz, Emma understands the importance of community support and is thankful for the wealth of experience available at Elmy Cycles in Suffolk.
While nerves are kicking in, Emma is fuelled by excitement for the challenge ahead, especially knowing that she’s raising funds for Against Breast Cancer, a cause close to her heart.
For those keen to follow Emma’s journey and contribute to her fundraising efforts, her website offers insights into her previous adventures, gear reviews, and links to her fundraising pages. Additionally, a satellite tracker will provide real-time updates on her progress during the race via the website.