Erika Alvarado: The Woman Behind Atacama Spirits Gravel

What makes people willingly ride into one of the harshest environments on Earth? In this episode of Zone2Speak, I’m joined by Erika Alvarado, triathlete, endurance athlete, and founder of Atacama Spirits Gravel, an ultra-endurance gravel race set in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert. Erika shares the story behind creating Atacama Spirits Gravel, the realities of organizing an event in such a remote environment, and what riders discover about themselves once they’re alone in the desert. This episode is about more than gravel racing. It’s about creating spaces where people meet themselves when comfort disappears. 🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms --- Follow Erika Atacama Spirits Gravel → https://www.instagram.com/atacamaspiritsgravel/ Erika Alvorado → https://www.instagram.com/triatletaeaz/  --- 🎁 Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products: ☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ 🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak 🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc 🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15: https://oleus.com 🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak ☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak 🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/ 🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102 🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea 🧴 Fre Skincare – 35% off Skincare designed specifically for active lifestyles and skin that sweats - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.freskincare.com/zone2speak 💪 First Endurance – 20% off Trusted by elite endurance athletes for science-backed nutrition, fueling, and recovery - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://firstendurance.com/?avad=407293_a3fef4821 🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O 🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com 💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery! To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support! --- Follow Zone2Speak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast