Sarah Doneff: A First Foray Into Cycling

An active person for most of her life, Sarah Doneff’s first foray into organized cycling events was last year’s Ride for Nature. In fact, it was only at the beginning of last summer that the Egg Harbor resident purchased her first road bike.

Sarah found a few of aspects of getting started in the sport of cycling a bit daunting – like the cost of a road bike and the thought of spandex shorts – but she’s also the first to admit after overcoming those hurdles that the effort was worth it.

“The sensation of cycling is a combination of flying like a bird and riding a roller coaster,” she said. “I find peace in the calming affects of nature and fresh breeze coupled with the exhilaration of speed. Plus, it’s just cool to move under your own steam.”

After riding the 25-mile route with her Aunt Joan last year, calling it “a gorgeous day to ride with one of my favorite ladies,” Sarah plans on participating again in this year’s Ride for Nature. For her, the event will be one part preparation for the Door County Triathlon in July, one part supporting a good cause, and the rest for pure enjoyment.

What made you decide to get involved in cycling?

Some years back a friend from San Diego came to visit me in Door County. She told me that I was crazy to live in the stunning landscape of gentle hills and quiet country roads and not own a road bike. It took me a few years to get the guts to wiggle into those lovely spandex shorts, but last year I finally hit the roads. Shorts aside, it was all worth it.

What were some of the challenges you faced when deciding to purchase a bike?

The first challenge for me was getting my head around the cost of a quality bike. Once I understood the benefits of such, the decision was easy. I knew I wasn’t looking for a hardcore race bike used for time trials, but I knew I wanted something I could enjoy by myself and use for a little racing (specifically the Door County Triathlon). “Stretch” [Brian Merkel] from Nor Door Sport & Cyclery seriously spent two hours fitting my green Gary Fischer bike for me!

What motivates you to stay active?

Two years ago I went to the Door County Triathlon to cheer on a friend. The atmosphere was electric and inviting. I thought, “I want to be a part of this.” I also like the warm fuzzy feeling I get while supporting the causes that Ride for Nature and DC Tri benefit (Ridges Sanctuary and the YMCA) in that way I’m helping myself and others. This motivates anyone!

What other silent sports do you enjoy and what events have you participated in?

I enjoy sailing (although don’t get to do much of it), running, cross country/downhill skiing, and hiking. I would like to check out paddle boarding this summer as well. I’ve done a few half marathons (including the first Door County Half Marathon), Ride for Nature, candle light skiing at local parks, the Hairpin 5K on July 4th in Fish Creek, the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago, and the Door County Triathlon.

What does your typical week look like and how much time do you have to train?

I live in Egg Harbor but travel a lot for work including spending a few nights in Manitowoc almost every week. Now that “the season” is upon us, I will aim to ride or run at least four nights per week. Once it warms up a bit I make an effort to get in a long run on Sunset Trail in Peninsula State Park on the weekend. It’s time for me to get in the YMCA pool again to start preparing for the DC Tri. I am busy and tired but I have a goal in mind and I simply need to make time for preparation. I find motivation in organized classes so I’ve taken indoor cycling classes in Manitowoc, and I am now starting to look for a triathlon swimming class.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you regarding participating in events such as the Ride for Nature?

Sarah, you CAN do it – you don’t have to be a rock star athlete.

What is your advice for others who are considering getting involved in biking, running, triathlons, etc.?

Have fun with it! Don’t take yourself too seriously. That said, it is very important to train and plan for events so as to not hurt yourself. Also, make it social. Every event or race I do with friends or family. It’s an excellent way to spend time with loved ones.

Besides staying physically active, how else do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Eating well and drinking loads of water is always top of mind for me. Most importantly I derive spiritual nourishment from my relationship with God and mind/body balance from yoga. Spending time with loved ones gives me great joy while hiking or simply observing nature by myself humbles me and calms my soul.

Sarah’s 2011 Calendar of Events:

Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago

Nicolet Bay 5k

Ride for Nature

Door County Triathlon