Researcher at Play
Alisha playing bikes. 24/7 for this one!
For her "day job”, Alisha Myers has a one in a billion kind of role…she researches the impact that bicycles have on people’s lives. For play, Alisha also gravitates towards bikes so it’s 100% true that her play and profession have a complete intersection and, in Alisha’s own words she spends most her time seeking, experiencing and generating The Power of Bicycles. Alisha’s formal title is Global Director, Strategic Information and Innovation for World Bicycle Relief. She’s based in Cape Town, South Africa and every time I talk or spend time with Alisha, I’m completely in awe and very humbled. Extremely sharp and a one heck of a badass athlete, I really wish I lived closer to Alisha so I could spend more time trying to keep up with her and learning from her. A couple years ago we had the good fortune of being at a bike ride in Vermont together and it was a really special treat for me. For now, I’m happy to be able to introduce her to our community here at Advanced Recess and share a bit about what makes her super unique…and a true example of The Power of Play and Bicycles.
Here’s more with Alisha and her spirit of play:
Describe a little about yourself:
I am a creator and life curator; I manifest and design. I am a learner, and therefore a researcher, always seeking understanding and new experiences. Nature is my church, I am most joyful when adventuring and exploring in the great outdoors. I am active, yet a believer in the power of stillness.
What do you do for play?
Right now, I love my bicycles: on the road, in the forest, on gravel, on trails. Play is meeting friends for a ride, going for a weekend away, and traveling the world (pre-COVID).
Are you able to make a living from your version of play? If so, tell us more about that.
In a way yes, I work for World Bicycle Relief researching the impact of the bicycle on people's lives. My job and my play intersect - I both experience, seek and generate evidence of the Power of Bicycles.
How does play motivate you in your life?
It challenges me to live outside of my comfort zone. It keeps me young!
When you think of your ideal day spent playing, what is it?
Meeting sunrise with a group of friends to tackle known or unknown trails for the day. Leaving on a journey to explore with a destination in mind. Coffee and lunch along the way and a cold beer when it's over!
Our motto is Pursue a Life of Play. In your own words, what does this mean to you? How do you live it?
