MASON Rider Roundup 2022 | Naomi Freireich

What were your race, ride, and bikepacking adventure highs and lows of 2022?

Finishing HT550 and taking part in and completing the Steezy collective all-female Lakeland 200 were absolute highs for me on my MASON RAW. On my Bokeh, the stand out has to be Further East which saw me come 7th overall and 2nd woman. My low always seems to be foot related, but having to stop my West Highland Way double attempt because of my old foot injury was hard. But it’s an itch that still remains unscratched. Maybe 2023!

What was the most unexpected event to happen to you/came across along the way?

The unexpected event for me was the Lakeland 200. I was invited by the Steezy Collective to take part in an attempt to get more female finishers on the list, with there having been only one woman before us to complete the route in the required 40-hour time limit. Being part of an incredible group of female riders while still riding the route under ITT conditions over a weekend was such a wonderful experience. And the film that was made captures just how much it meant to me.

What was the most valuable thing that you learned?

I learned this year that I can finish a bikepacking race. And that the feeling of a finish, especially when faced with so many problems along the way, and the journey that, that can take you on, is the most life-affirming thing I have ever done.

The most inspirational thing to have happened?

Watching Molly Weaver go out and smash one FKT after another this year has been immense. I love how strong yet unassuming she is and it makes me excited for female bike racing.

Do you have a big goal for 2023?

Yes. Funding permitting!

Were there any rides/races that you planned to do but couldn’t?

I was meant to ride the Dirty Reiver this year but my second bout of covid meant that I wasn’t able to. I’ve ridden it once before on my CX bike at the time and was keen to go back and see how the Bokeh changed the ride.

Which MASON bikes do you have? Which one were you using on your favourite ride of 2022? 

I have a Bokeh, an ISO, and a beautiful custom purple RAW, which is my absolute favourite and has taken me on two spectacular adventures this year. Riding the HT550 on this beautiful bike, built only 2 miles down the road from my house, was an exquisite joy.

Do you have any MASON bikes on the wishlist?

Until this year, I hadn’t considered the possibility of riding the TCR but it fascinates me more and more. And so the Resolution or potentially the beautiful new SLR are definitely firm contenders for my Mason N+1.

Thanks, Naomi, we are looking forward to following all your 2023 adventures. 

Photo credit: Naomi Freireich

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You can catch up on some of Naomi's 2022 rides here:

• Sand, Road, Gravel, and Strong Headwinds, Welcome to Further East
• Highland Trail 550, so much more than a race