August 16, 2026
Host
Hey everyone, I'm Alex, and you're tuned into a special interview for the SoCal Ultra. Today we have Marissa with us, and she's about to take on something truly monumental: the 1400-kilometer Cadence Collective Classic ultra cycling race.
Guest
Thanks, Alex. I'm really excited to chat about it. And, uh, I guess I should say, the 105-hour limit makes it not just a ride, but a full-on expedition on two wheels.
Host
Absolutely. For those who haven't heard of this event, can you paint a picture? This isn't a single loop, right? It's structured in a unique way out of an RV campground in San Dimas.
Guest
Right, it's four distinct loops that all start and end at that campground. So you return to base camp between each, which, in theory, gives you a chance to refuel and maybe grab a quick nap, but the clock never stops ticking.
Host
Four loops, you say. I've looked at the route notes, and each one seems to have its own personality. Can you walk us through them? Let's start with what I imagine is the most scenic—the National Forest loop.
Guest
Oh, that one is beautiful but brutal. It climbs up into the San Gabriel Mountains, and you're riding through these, like, cathedral-like pine forests. The air is thinner, and the roads twist forever. It's the one that reminds you why you do this.
Host
You make it sound almost poetic. But I know the next loop heads into the high desert, through Wrightwood and Victorville. That must be a completely different beast.
Guest
Totally different. The desert loop is stark and exposed. You go from pine trees to Joshua trees and, um, vast open spaces. The heat radiates off the asphalt, and there's nowhere to hide from the sun—or the wind.
Host
Wind... we'll get to that. But first, the third loop: down to Palm Springs and Julian. That's a lot of vertical gain to get up to that old mining town, isn't it?
Guest
Yes, and it's a sneaky tough one. You drop into the Coachella Valley, where it can be scorching, then you have this relentless climb up to Julian. The famous apple pie there is tempting, but you don't have time for a leisurely slice.
Host
And finally, the coastal loop through Santa Barbara and Malibu. That seems, on the surface, like the reward after all that inland suffering.
Guest
You'd think so, and the views of the Pacific are stunning. But coastal headwinds can be ferocious, and navigating the traffic through Malibu in a sleep-deprived state is its own special kind of challenge.
Host
So there's no easy part. Speaking of challenges, you're doing this on a very specific setup. Tell us about the machine that's going to carry you through all this—the Firefly Titanium.
Guest
The frame is a Firefly Titanium. I went with titanium because, honestly, it's a forever bike. It's light, it fits me perfectly, and it won't crack like carbon or rust like steel over decades. For a race this long, comfort and durability are everything.
Host
A forever bike for a seemingly forever race. What components did you choose to hang on that frame? I'm always curious about the blend of tradition and tech for ultradistance.
Guest
I'm running a Campagnolo Super Record All Road groupset, modern tech with, um, Redshift Aero bars that have Campagnolo satellite buttons.
Host
Those satellite buttons are a clever trick. You can shift without moving your hands from the aero position. What about navigation and lighting? That's critical for riding through the night.
Guest
For nav, I have a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar. The solar charging gives a bit of extra juice, which is a mental comfort. The lighting is all about the Son Ladeluxe light, powered by a Son28 dynamo hub. I literally never have to worry about running out of light.
Host
So you're generating your own light as you ride. Tell me about your wheels and luggage. You need to carry enough to be self-sufficient but not so much that you're weighed down.
Guest
The wheels are Velocity Quill rims built around a Son28 front hub and a DT-swiss rear hub. They're bombproof. For luggage, I have a custom handlebar bag, a saddle bag, and a top tube bag. Everything has its place, and nothing flops around.
Host
You mentioned it's a custom setup. Did you work with a local maker for those bags, or is this your own handiwork?
Guest
I had them made by a small cottage company. The idea was to get every gram of storage precisely where I need it, so I don't have to think twice about grabbing a snack or a layer while I'm pedaling.
Host
Now, I want to talk about the competition. You're not just riding against the clock or the route; you're lining up against some serious international talent. This is where it gets really interesting.
Guest
Yeah, the field is stacked. I'll be pitted against top overseas riders like Jana Kesselhaur from Switzerland and Rinko Soma from Japan. These are women who have proven themselves in the toughest races in the world.
Host
And what's remarkable is that you're all over 45. There's a narrative that endurance sports are a young person's game, but ultradistance cycling seems to flip that on its head.
Guest
It really does. Women over 45 absolutely dominate this sport. I think it's about mental stamina, patience, and knowing your body so deeply that you can push it to the edge without falling off. That takes years to master.
Host
It's a testament to experience. But, Marissa, I have to push back gently on one thing. You've mentioned a lot of high-end gear and a titanium frame. Some might say this is a sport for those with deep pockets. How do you respond to that?
Guest
That's a fair point, and it's something I think about. Yes, the entry cost can be high, but many riders build their setups over years, piece by piece. And the most important piece of equipment is the engine—your mind and your legs. Those are free.
Host
Well said. Let's circle back to the physical challenge you mentioned earlier—the headwinds. You made a bold statement before we started, that headwinds are worse than hills. I have to say, that got my attention. Can you explain that?
Guest
Sure. On a hill, you can see the top. You know the suffering will end. There's a psychological finish line. A headwind is invisible and relentless. You can be pedaling downhill and still have to push hard, and there's no guarantee it will ever stop.
Host
That's a haunting analogy. You're fighting an enemy you can't see. How do you mentally cope with that hour after hour, when your speed drops to a crawl on what should be a fast section?
Guest
Honestly, you lower your expectations. I stop looking at my speed and just focus on my power output and my heart rate. I tell myself, 'You're not fighting the wind, you're just doing a long, expensive core workout.' A little dark humor helps.
Host
An expensive core workout, I love that. You're all part of something called the Cadence Collective. What exactly is that group, and how does it support an individual effort like this?
Guest
The Cadence Collective is a community of women ultradistance cyclists. We share knowledge, training plans, and a lot of moral support. It's a virtual team, so even when you're suffering alone on a dark desert road, you know a whole group is watching your dot on a tracker and rooting for you.
Host
Knowing you're being watched can be a huge motivator. But let's talk about the lowest points. In a 105-hour race, sleep deprivation is going to hit you like a truck. What's your strategy for managing hallucinations and the overwhelming desire to just stop?
Guest
You have to plan your sleep stops, even if they're just fifteen-minute power naps. I plan to take one or two slightly longer stops, maybe an hour, at the campground between loops. The trick is to get just enough sleep to keep the hallucinations at bay but not so much that your body cools down and you get stiff.
Host
Hallucinations are real, aren't they? I've heard stories of riders seeing mythical animals at the roadside. Have you ever experienced that?
Guest
Oh, absolutely. In a previous race, I was convinced a mailbox was a person trying to hand me a letter. I actually waved at it. You learn to laugh at these things, but it's a clear sign you need a nap.
Host
That is a clear sign. Now, let's talk strategy against Jana and Rinko. They're both incredibly strong. Do you have a plan for how to beat them, or are you just racing your own race?
Guest
I have to race my own race. If I try to match every surge they make, I'll blow up. My strength is steady-state riding and, I think, the ability to navigate complex situations without panic. I'm hoping that on the long, lonely stretches, my pacing wins out.
Host
Steady wins the race, as the tortoise taught us. What part of the entire course do you think will be the decisive section, where the race is won or lost?
Guest
I honestly believe it will be the transition between the desert loop and the Palm Springs loop. You come back to camp exhausted from the dry heat, and you have to immediately reset your mind to tackle the climb to Julian. That's where many people quit. It's a mental crucible.
Host
A crucible is the right word. Marissa, before we wrap up, what does your support crew look like? Are you doing this solo and relying on the campground as a base?
Guest
I'll have one crew member, my partner, who will be at the campground. They'll handle my nutrition, charge devices, and fix any mechanicals I can't handle on the road. Having that familiar face is a massive psychological boost.
Host
It really is a team effort, even if you're the only one on the bike. Final question: When you're deep in the pain cave, what is the one core reason, the fundamental why, that keeps you pushing the pedals?
Guest
I think it's the simple desire to see what I'm made of. Not to prove anything to anyone else, but to sit with myself in that extreme place and find out that I'm still capable, still resilient. That discovery is addictive.
Host
Marissa, that is beautifully put. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your preparation with us. We'll all be following your dot and cheering you on as you take on this epic 1400-kilometer challenge. Best of luck out there.
Guest
Thank you, Alex. It's been a real pleasure. And to everyone listening, if you see another dot out on the road, give us a wave. We need it more than you know. Take care.
Host
And to our listeners, thanks for tuning in to the SoCal Ultra. This is Alex, signing off. Stay safe, and keep riding.