Alexandra haven't posted any updates yet.
HELLO fellow riders, adventurists, and everyone else who has happened upon this site!
My name is Alex and I am undertaking this adventure with my fabulous sister Saskia (who’s profile you can also have a look at.) I was born in New Zealand, brought up in Europe and currently live in South Africa so I’m a bit of a pavement special, and from what I have heard that makes me closely related to the horses we will be riding.
I undertake this challenge for a number of reasons, there is so much I hope to find out on the Mongolian Steppe. For me, the opportunity to spend time with Mongolian Nomads, participate in the longest and no doubt most grueling horse race in the world, and just be, in one of the worlds last wildernesses is an unmatchable adventure. I hope to learn from the horses, the people, and the land, and I only hope I can do these things with strength and of course a sense of humor!
Training began three months ago, Oh what a wake-up call that first week was! I am riding as much as I can, as well as doing a yoga/pilates/strength training combination three times a week with my trainer who fondly watches over all the blood, sweat, tears, and to my eternal shame, occasional painful yelps. I have the odd feeling however that it would be more beneficial to practice on a mechanical bull. Bovines aside, I really feel I am becoming very strong and know I will be ready for the race when August 7th finally arrives.
My Sister and I plan to ride together and as such aren’t secretive about our equipment or try to sabotage each other. In fact much time has been spent contemplating the benefits of velcro versus zips, aluminium versus plastic, cholera versus the morning after. We are thinking and rethinking the perfect kit, and I am confident we are almost there.
I look so much forward to meeting you all in Ulan Bator! And I wish you all the best of Luck with the preparations!