'5+1' with cyclist Alina Jäger

In this edition of ‘5+1’ we talked to Alina Jäger. Hungry and restless is a tamed expression for the hustling, first competitive cyclist then content creator Alina Jäger. Dominating the southeast German landscape on two wheels, Alina carries a precise eye among her developed work and cycling career.

1. You’ve been living in Koblenz for quite some time, what draws you to continue riding in southwest Germany?

We have everything here, in the Alps where we have hairpin roads but also some super wide and straight roads. The roads are actually perfect here but the German drivers can get angry sometimes.

2. What pushes you to best yourself?

I don’t do races, I just race against myself. I'm really ambitious about my goals so I can push myself really hard. I don't like those races because I don't like the pressure they bring. I've got enough pressure in my head to achieve my goals and work.

3. You’ve created a beautifully curated portfolio and obviously, have an eye for detail among your content. What do you look for while riding to create your next post?

Sometimes we just take the camera with us. I’ll just wear my camera on my back and ride till I see something that I like and stop to take some pictures. But what also happens is that I scout locations and where I find some epic castles or roads.

4. What fulfillment do you receive from crushing kilometers day after day?

It's definitely self-confidence. Being on the bike gives me a lot of self-confidence because it's a huge passion for me. When I was injured it was so difficult for me not to be able to ride. It’s true love between me and my bike.

5. The term or act of mobility has varying significance in everybody’s life. What sort of feeling or experience do you tie back to mobility?

My bike is a mental health machine that helps me to cope with everything. If I think that life’s getting tough, the ride always saves me.

And the +1 question for you: “What are people missing most about riding considering our current situation? If they’re not allowed to do what they might be doing to keep up with it.”

Pictures: Alina Jäger
Interview: Parker Schmidt