Pau Abello Pellicer, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products talks about his foray into mountain biking and the positive effect it had on his life that eventually led him to the path of self-discovery
BY PAU ABELLO PELLICER
Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products
More than six years ago, I faced serious health problems. After undergoing detailed medical check-ups, I found out that the root cause was stress. I realized that I had to find a way to channelize my energy in a positive direction. Fortunately, my family and my erstwhile boss came to my rescue, and introduced me to the marvellous world of mountain biking. Since then, there has been no turning back.
Mountain biking channelized my energies in the best possible manner. It helped me understand the philosophy of life at a larger level – the importance of rigorous training, selfdiscipline and overpowering one’s fears. Three years later, I was ready to take up my newly discovered passion in biking to another level - participation in Transpyr, a one-of-its-kind coast-to-coast mountain biking expedition that takes place on the border of France and Spain between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean every year. Covering around 800 km and nearly 20,000 metres of ascent in seven days, an intriguing part of this voyage is the ritual which requires all the participants to fill a bottle of water from the Mediterranean Sea, carry it throughout the journey and later pour the water into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the accomplishment of the sport.
The stunning yet strenuous journey took me through woods and mountains, and the process of self-discovery was beyond words. It left me spellbound. Like the famous adage ‘Discovering who you are today is the first step to being who you will be tomorrow’, mountain biking is not just a sport for me, but a journey of finding myself, overcoming my fears and an experience that gives me the most picturesque views and memories for life. The Transpyr trip took me to a different world altogether on the journey with myself, with no connection with the rest of the world. It was just me and my thoughts, in the backdrop of dense woods, heavy rain, strong winds and harsh sun, with no other human being around for kilometres at a stretch.
Crossing all hardships, helping injured co-bikers when I came across them, being disciplined and self-sufficient are my major take-aways from the expedition, which helped me test my limits and strength in a real and raw environment.
A journey that defines freedom of thought, a symbolism of personal change and growth - Transpyr has given me a lot, and I dedicate my success today and beauty in life to it. This voyage of self-discovery helps me sail through the toughest of times at work and at home.
So far, I have participated four times in the expedition and managed to complete it last year. Even though I have suffered physical injuries during the trips, Transpyr never fails to motivate me. It demands strict training at least six months before the onset of the expedition.
I start following a fitness regime that includes boycotting alcohol and oily food, and consuming fewer carbs, supplemented with regular workout sessions and proper training on my static mountain bike and heartbeat monitoring.
Around 300 people from across 20 countries participate each year in the seven-day (12 hours each day) expedition that prepares one to face the world with a fitter mind and soul. I look forward to a more exciting and challenging journey in 2017 and in the years that follow.
@ FEEDBACK
pau.abello@in.roca.com
