Fastest female to cycle around Australia Record

Hi, I am Lesa Ashford, a 52-year-old ultra-endurance female road cyclist.

In March 2023, I will embark on an arduous journey to achieve my goal of setting the first record for the fastest female to cycle around Australia.

To date, only male ultra-endurance cyclists from around the globe have circumnavigated Australia and set records.

There is no current female record holder.

I will be embarking on my journey from under The Eye of Brisbane on International Women’s Day, 8 MARCH 2023, and you are all welcome to join me as I set off to chase a new horizon! This comes after months of planning, scheduling and relentless physical and mental training that few can comprehend or would be willing to do.

Over 50 to 60 days, I will cycle approximately 300 km per day, covering more than 14,100 kms. I will make history by completing one of the most significant and ambitious World Ultra-Cycling records.

Completing this onerous adventure will not be possible without valuable contributions from sponsors and supporters. It requires a high level of preparation, logistical planning and teamwork.

In cycling, I found something that, I not only do I enjoy, but am exceptionally good at.

I hope to lead the way for women cyclists to take on more significant challenges while also exploring the very edge of my own performance, mental and physical capability in the process.

As a young girl, I excelled in long-distance events and yet felt I wasn't good enough because I wasn't fast. Much emphasis is placed on the fastest when it comes to sport, especially for children.

Speed isn't the only determining factor of what makes an athlete.

As a teacher, I share this statement with my students, who consider and embrace the possibility that they may not be the fastest but that they may develop into athletes made for endurance rather than speed.

It's fascinating and raises hopes and a shared love of sports.

Ultra-endurance is something the world has much to learn about.

I realised I am suited to ultra-endurance events and that I am strong and recover quickly. My friends often say, "I can ride until the cows come home".

I also want to raise awareness, recognition and understanding of our developing endurance athletes as children for parents and educators.

How do we recognise these qualities and students better suited to longer distance sports but struggle in the sprints as having the potential to develop into endurance and ultra-endurance athletes?

The project's total estimated cost at present is $35,000.00, which will ensure a successful journey.

We are on our way to achieving that target, but my team and I are looking for funds to help provide financial support to assist with vehicle fuel, transfer flights, equipment and food for the support crew and insurance costs.

Understandably, this is a financially tough time for everyone with the pandemic and recent flooding in our eastern states; I want to focus on something positive during this time. We require financial support to help us complete this gruelling adventure.

Any help you can give will make a difference in how well and effective we are in our efforts to set the first female cycle around Australia.

Thanks so much for considering this and hopefully, your contribution.

Kindest Regards

Lesa Ashford and Team