“Not for the weak of will…..or soft of butt”
While working for the same client, SA got to know Odile was planning to go for an exotic charity bike challenge for later this year. And with exotic we don’t mean skipping your favorite bus to reach a daily destination….
…Odile will, together with 15 colleagues, face 400kms of (deserted) roads in Tanzania as part of the Africa Classic in October 2019
The Africa Classic is organized every year to raise funds for the Amref Flying Doctors and to contribute to a strong and healthy Africa.
During a coffee at Schiphol Airport we talked about her road to Tanzania:
SA: Great you could make it, where you off to after?
Odile: Home sweet home in Rotterdam, I scheduled my trip so that I can finish some work during my train ride.
SA: How’s the Rotterdam life?
Odile: Quite good; most of my social life is in Rotterdam. I enjoy having the freedom to meet up spontaneously; I simply open my phone, jump on my bike and go for a social catch up regardless of the time of the day. Next to that, I can easily meet my friends in Breda and go to Amsterdam after work at Schiphol.
SA: So….flying to Africa for a charity bike tour…what made you decide to go for it?
Odile:
Sports are kind of in my DNA; I grew up with playing hockey – which I still do today – and tennis, and enjoyed going to summer sailing camps. Nowadays I also regularly go the gym for spinning, zumba and pilates.
I also guess I have always been triggered by sports challenges; I enjoy setting big targets and then following a plan towards them, doesn’t really matter which sport. During my studies for example I trained for a 100 KMs one day rowing regatta (from Leiden to Delft)…..unfortunately it was cancelled due to weather conditions. Let’s say I was not ‘very’ pleased when I got that news.
the urge to compete....
SA: Masochism triggers you….
Odile: Haha, I would say competition. Having competitive people around is very addictive for me, it keeps me going. On that note, I’m happy my father is a bike fanatic, and sort of my personal trainer, that helps me in my preparations towards the Africa Challenge. This summer we went training together in the mountains around Milano.
SA: The competitive side of Odile is always switched on?
Hmm, although I like winning and performing I can also enjoy the social side of things. For example I also play field hockey; during trainings and matches I mainly enjoy the laughs and team spirit.
“ Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. ”
-Wayne Dyer-
SA: As you’re ambitious on and off the work floor, how do you deal with conflicting desires?
Odile: I learned that when you have something on your bucket list, at some point you just need to go for it, regardless of the consequences. Since recently I’m coaching a disabled hockey team once a week, children and adults with ages ranging from 14 to 30. I always wanted to do this; of course I need to ensure my agenda is spot on to be able to do this, but is very rewarding to do. It gives a lot of pure energy to be out on the pitch with them, it also can snap me out of taking some things too seriously.
SA: Can imagine, have two nieces who have the same magical effect on me.
The last time we spoke you were recovering from an elbow injury and struggled with trainings, how do you see the road till October?
Odile: I’m finally back on the bike, it was very frustrating not being able to train for some weeks. Luckily the impact on my overall training schedule is limited, If I maintain this endurance level I’m good, however the coming months I need to focus on technical/steering skills.
Simultaneously, we as a team are still working hard to raise the required funds for Amref to be able to participate. Being able to contribute to better a health in Africa makes the whole experience very special for me.
SA: Any advice for your fellow addicts?
Odile: Never quit….and focus on the things that are important to you. Also I noticed the effect of team spirit; surround yourself with eager team mates and you’ll be flying!
Support Odile & the Amref Flying Doctors via the link below:
https://www.africaclassic-schipholedition.nl/odile-van-onzenoort
