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NSORRA’s Kathleen Tobin to compete for Team Canada at the ISDE Spain
Nova Scotian Kathleen Tobin has been selected to join the Canadian Women’s Club Team representing Team Canada at the 2024 International Six Days Enduro Race (ISDE) in Spain in October.
First Nova Scotian Woman in the Event
Tobin is the first woman from Nova Scotia to participate in the race on Team Canada. She will join fellow Nova Scotian, Tyler Medaglia, who will be competing as part of the Canadian World Trophy Team.
The ISDE Six Days Race is the longest-running event of its kind, beginning over a century ago in 1913. This challenging race demands between 1,200 km and 1,600 km from competitors over six days.
The race has strict rules and time allowances that will test each riders’ abilities from riding, to doing their own mechanical repairs, including tire changes. “I have been practicing tire changes for months to make sure I can do them as quickly as possible,” says Kathleen.
Getting the Invite
Tobin reached out to the event's organizers, curious about the race and the team selection process.
“Mario, organizer of the ISDE, mentioned that he was talking to Tyler Medaglia, a well-known rider/racer from Truro, who is also representing Canada,” explains Kathleen. “He mentioned they talked about my riding abilities and Tyler said I would be a fantastic addition to their team.”
With her surprise invite, Kathleen went to work and researched the race and what is needed, what kind of training is required, bike rental, tools and so much more.
It Takes a Village
It takes a village to make a dream come true, and Tobin has an amazing one.
“I have such an amazing support team around me on and off the bike. There is a crew of us that try to meet up at least three times a week to ride some of the tougher terrain pushing our limits on every ride.”
The group consists of her brother, Turk Tobin, her mechanic, Justin Lewis, and Bob Thorne. Recently, she added NSORRA Rec Ride Coordinator, Neil Jennings, to her travel team.
“My best support member is my boyfriend Scott Sampson who listens to me tell every detail of the ride or of the races or any injuries,” said Tobin.
She also has a very supportive crew behind her from the Nova Scotia Off Road Riders Association (NSORRA) for which Tobin is an ambassador. Association members have been donating at various events to help Tobin reach her goal.
Help Kathleen Tobin Represent Team Canada in Spain!
With the race being so far from home, Tobin’s pit crew set up a GoFundMe to help her with costs, which are now topping $20,000. They have raised just over $8,000 of the $15,000 goal.
If you are able to contribute, Kathleen’s online fundraising page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/kathleentobinteamcanada
