Starting as Strangers, Finishing as Friends: The Trans Balkan Race.

Can you introduce yourselves?

Josh:
I’m Josh Reid, an ultra-endurance cyclist and filmmaker.Bicycles have enabled me to get to some pretty amazing places, close to home and around the world. I’ve ridden across continents, over high mountain passes, along endless gravel roads and filmed it along the way. In 2019, I collected a bike from the Giant factory in Shanghai and rode it home to Newcastle in the UK. This 15,000-kilometre ride was my start in the world of filming cross-continent bikepacking.

Johanna:
I'm Johanna Zimmerman, 35 years old. I started cycling during Covid. After two years in the national team for e-cycling, with my third world championships in AG Gravel incoming and racing in the highest road league, I needed something new, so I decided to race in 2026 only in places I didn’t know and race my first ultra! In my normal life I work as a lawyer, and love food and a glass of wine or craft beer.

The Trans Balkan is a true sporting challenge. What did it represent for you?

Johanna:
The TBR represented for me a new challenge, a new cycling bubble, exploring the unknown.

Josh:
I wanted to see a part of the world I’d only really been through on tarmac roads so was super keen to have an adventure more into the wild of the Balkans.

At what point did you realise the race was not going to unfold as planned?

Josh:
My racing partner, Liam just decided he wasn’t enjoying riding as part of the event so wanted to take a more relaxed route to the finish. He knows his mind and I admire that.

How did you experience the withdrawal of your original teammate? Did you ever consider stopping at that point?

Josh:
It was sad to see Liam go as he is a joy to follow down a descent. One of the best bike handlers I know. However, I wasn’t ready to quit just yet. I was very motivated to complete the route.

Johanna:
Yes, because I wasn’t sure in the beginning if she was OK. I wasn’t sure if it was a heat stroke or just exhaustion. For me it was always crystal clear that the other one should finish the race, if possible. Only a crash or some critical health status of my partner would be a reason not to.

How did you end up racing together? Did you know each other before the race?

Johanna:
We met at the bib number pick up, because we knew that we are both with Café du Cycliste and should say hello!

Josh:
We knew of each other but had never met in person. We had a brief chat at the sign on and then you get to know people pretty well in an ultra. You see people at their lowest of lows and highest of highs. I’d say Johanna and I are pretty great friends now.

What were the first adjustments you had to make to find a common rhythm?

Josh:
I don’t think there was must adjustment really. I was happy to have the company.

Johanna:
None. Josh is such an incredible partner as he completely went my speed. I felt bad and told him the whole time he should just go and I would be ok.

What was the most difficult moment you experienced together? And your favourite shared memory?

Johanna:
Most difficult moment was, when Josh ate all his crisps… Kidding! I thought about it and we didn’t have a difficult moment. We were scared at some points due to horse or cow attacks. Maybe when we had 40 kilometres of brutal heat on one of the biggest roads – a near-death experience because the cars were driving like we didn’t exist. Josh said many English words I haven’t heard in my whole life but we just went on and somehow managed to survive.

In the end my favourite moment was, when Josh agreed on riding together, this big adventure started with too many laughs. And on the trip the best moment was, when we started singing on the bike and shared Smokis (Peanut Crisps) together.

Josh:
The most difficult would probably be the storm we got caught in halfway up a mountain, and three horses that took an unpleasant interest in us.

Do you have one or more anecdotes from the Trans Balkan to share with us?

Johanna:
One night we couldn’t find accommodation and Josh was not so smart in packing sleeping gear, so we didn’t want to sleep outdoors. So we trespassed a hay barn and slept indoors.

Josh:
Liam and I had planned to stay in hotels for the whole route so made the joint decision to not pack any sleeping gear. Liam is very good at planning the accommodation for the night and making sure he arrives on time. Whereas I’m a bit more spontaneous. I like to wing it. Which often results in roughing it. So when Liam scratched, that is what happened. I slept rough with no sleeping gear.

What advice would you give to someone facing a major setback during an ultra-distance event?

Johanna:
There is always a plan B! Never give up, and enjoy the moment!

Josh:
Don’t scratch straight away. Have a bit of a reset and go again. It’s amazing what a bit of food or a 15-minute power nap can do. There will be low points but it makes it feel even better when you can get through them.

At the start, you had lost your racing partner. By the finish, had you gained a friend?

Johanna:
I gained one of the sweetest souls, wildest laughers and matching cycle partners as a new friend! Thank you Josh!

Josh:
Johanna and I have not known each other long but have already experienced so much together. I would consider her a very good friend.

Watch the video here.