Outsiders: Lorah and Josie

23-07-13

Lorah Pierre is an off road endurance cyclist and mother of two. Having raced events like the Highland Trail 550 and completed the Lakeland 200 in under 40 hours, she has a wealth of ultra distance experience at the highest level but at the heart of her cycling enjoyment is creating an open space for more cyclists to fall in love with the same sense of exploration and shared experience.

At the start of her cycling journey is Josie Lori, who we were introduced to through Lorah. Also based in Brighton, Josie is a former professional skateboarder who has found a new love for the bike with impressive results already.

They met through Neighbourhood Gravel, a community led cycling club run by Lorah and a group of friends helping to open up off road riding to more people in the local area.

We caught up with them both on their home trails along the South Downs Way to hear more about their approach to riding.

Lorah, how did you get into cycling?

"In an attempt to distract myself from smoking, I borrowed my dad's 25 yr old Apollo Guru and started exploring the downs with an OS map."

What keeps you riding?

"The positive change it makes to my mental health and being constantly curious. Being off road is my happy place. From cross country, endurance, bike packing, local trails, bike parks... plus anything with the kids in tow."

"In an attempt to distract myself from smoking, I borrowed my dad's 25 yr old Apollo Guru and started exploring the downs with an OS map."

What's Neighbourhood gravel?

"Born during lockdown from a bunch of good mates, NG is an inclusive cycling club that has kept things fun and grown a community. Everyone who shows up for the madness helps to make it special."

How did you two meet?

"I actually clocked her buying her diverge from Rayment Cycles and knew our paths would cross eventually..."

Josie, how did you get into cycling?

"I’ve always been into sport - skateboarding, running, CrossFit, all the fitness stuff. I bought a MTB a few years ago wanting to rag it round some trails and despite loving it, it rarely got used as my career in skateboarding was full send! Now that’s all calmed down, I’ve dedicated a lot of time to getting in nature. I bought a gravel bike last year with plans for big rides and wild camping. Safe to say I’ve become fully obsessed."

"Without getting tooo cheesy, she’s a big inspiration to me. Proper shredder and a great laugh. I’m looking forward to more rides together!"

What keeps you riding?

"Everything! The physical, mental and creative outlet it offers me. Nothing better than heading out for a big day on the bike."

How did you meet Lorah?

"Lorah’s obvs a bit of a local legend! We had mutual friends in the bike space and as I got more into riding, we naturally met up on a ride. Without getting tooo cheesy, she’s a big inspiration to me. Proper shredder and a great laugh. I’m looking forward to more rides together!"