After addressing my initial fears of bunch riding, I got really hooked and trained hard for Taupo. I was stoked when I broke 5 hours on my first attempt and finished third in my age group, 35 – 40. Following my Taupo experience, I was encouraged to enter into competitive events by seasoned roadies. The local PN Marist Cycling Club runs these competitive events every Saturday afternoon. I must say I surprised myself at how competitive I was and especially the joy of reaching the finish line after my heart had been racing in excess of 190 bpm.
This year I was thrilled to win the Rotorua to Taupo Flyer for my age group (4th woman overall). Not bad I thought for a mother of three. Since Rotorua to Taupo in April, I have been riding 200 – 300 km per week and still love it.
Mike McRedmond, (Palmerston North based Bike NZ Coach) encouraged me to have a go at the Age Group Cycling Nationals this year. Initially this freaked me out but I thought, what the heck and gave it a go.
I was very pleased with how I rode, so much so, that this event will be on my must do list for next year. While I felt tactically, a “bit green” in the presence of experienced riders, I am determined to gain savvier race tactics myself. I really enjoy the racing side of cycling as I have always been extremely competitive in nature (just ask my husband and kids).
After popping into Pedal Pushers (the Ultimate Bike Shop in PN) almost every day during my first year of cycling, and spending all of my money on cycling gear, Pedal Pushers offered me a part-time role as Clothing Retail Buyer and Co-ordinator of a new women’s cycling group, which I named VeloGirls.
VeloGirls first ride was held in September 2006 with three to five girls in those first few weeks. We now have 20 – 25 meeting on a Tuesday morning and up to 60 on Thursday evenings during daylight saving (my email list is now 280 women strong). The awesome thing is a lot of the women have progressed amazingly well and as a bonus have made fabulous new friends.
Basically my vision for VeloGirls is, if I can progress and reach my goals, so can any VeloGirl with positive encouragement. My longer-term goal with VeloGirls is to keep the group growing and getting as many women into the sport of cycling as I can. I know from my own experiences during the last two years how satisfying it is to finish a ride, seeing how well you have done and the positive energy this creates.My two girls, Madi (11) and Sofia (9) now have Avanti Prima road bikes (36cm) and I get them to join the shorter 20km VeloGirls ride on a Thursday when I take that group, even in the ‘slight’ Palmy breeze (ask Sarah about our riding conditions and the hardy woman we are). I tell my girls, it’s got to be good for them. It is awesome to be part of, and work with the SUB team to support their goals of getting women active and healthy. They are amazing people; hard workers and I know that SUB will have a positive impact on so many people. For these reasons I am thrilled to become part of the SUB team, a culture that very much suits my own personality.
Suz
