Research from Melbourne’s Monash University has delved into the underlying reasons for this, shining a light on some of the key barriers and pointing to ways to boost the rates of bike riding participation among Australian women. 

As part of the research, Dr Lauren Pearson and Associate Professor Ben Beck surveyed more than 700 Melbourne residents on what factors prevent them from riding a bike and conducted another 20 in-depth interviews. The responses reveal the some of the unique challenges women face when it comes to two-wheeled travel.  

“It’s not just about how many people are riding a bike, but who they are,” says Pearson.  

“Understanding of groups with traditionally lower participation in bike riding, including women, is essential for creating equitable access to active transport.” 

Protected infrastructure  

All bike riders would welcome more protected infrastructure, but the new research drives home how much potential it has to encourage women to ride bikes.  

While 45% of men reported not wanting to ride on the road with motor vehicles, the figure sat at 61% among women. Concern at being injured in a collision with motor vehicles was reported by 43% of males but 59% of females, while concern about aggressive behaviors from drivers was reported by 45% of males and 55% of females.  

Women also reported unique concerns about falling off their bike in a narrow lane or path and into motor traffic highlighting the need for a “safe space to fall.”

Light, visibility and inclusive spaces 

Only females referred to lighting and visibility as a barrier to bike riding, in order to help prevent injury and ensure their personal safety. Many said lighting on bike paths was non-existent or inadequate and bike paths often involved underpasses away from the public eye.  

Of the transport engineers implementing bike infrastructure in Australia, only 15% are women. Addressing the imbalance in this workforce could see the creation of more bike infrastructure that makes women feel comfortable riding bikes, the researchers say.  

This could see bike paths better integrated with community spaces to improve visibility, greater emphasis on reflective surfaces in vital locations, or more attention paid to the types of lighting that can make women feel safe.  

Knowledge gaps and confidence 

The team’s interviews showed that low confidence in buying and maintaining a bike was a unique barrier for women. For example, women reported concerns about a lack of support from store staff and a lack of confidence to repair a puncture on their way to work. No men reported these concerns.  

The researchers found inclusive community groups such as Wheel Women and Chicks Who Ride Bikes could be pivotal in boosting confidence and empowering women to ride a bike.  

Physicality 

Twice as many women (24%) as men (12%) reported not feeling physically fit enough to ride a bike. And among those that do, concerns about being able to keep up with traffic and other bikes was a factor, as was an ability to quickly pedal away from tricky situations.  

The researchers see e-bikes as a powerful enabler in this regard, addressing concerns about physical fitness and also allowing women to transport children. While this raises the issue of cost for e-bikes, which are relatively expensive compared to conventional bikes, they say it also provides Australia with a big opportunity.

E-bike incentives and car trade-in incentives are gaining traction around the world as governments look to create cities with less congestion, cleaner air healthier residents. This research sheds light on one of the many ways they can offer a great a return on that investment.

“We have this huge opportunity to advance equitable participation in bike riding and enable people to use physically active and healthy modes of transport as part of their everyday activities,” Beck says.  

“But at the moment, our environments and infrastructure aren’t supportive of underrepresented groups in bike riding, such as women. This research really highlights how Australia can catch up to many other cities around the world and ensure that we have as many women riding as men.” 

The post New research shines a light on gendered barriers to bike riding appeared first on Bicycle Network.

Riders turned up to the Yarra Boulevard in huge numbers for a 7am roll-out, arriving in colorful kits, and on bikes of all makes and models, for a leisurely 26–km jaunt up and down the scenic riverside route.  

From Olympian Sarah Gigante to the up-and-coming roadies she’s undoubtedly inspired, there were riders of all experience levels in the mix, coming together from all parts of Melbourne.  

Meanwhile, another contingent descended on the Docklands for a celebration of their own, pedalling along bike paths, lanes and quiet roads to complete a 15–km inner–city adventure. 

Both rides then came together to continue the festivities at A Thousand Blessings cafe in Richmond, allowing all finishers to rest their legs, enjoy a hot beverage and share tales from the road.  

The morning’s rides followed an International Women’s Day Workshop the previous evening, with around 70 participants involved across the three events. 

“There was lots of coffee, lots of friendly chatter and lots of story swapping about why people ride,” said Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack.  

“It was just fabulous to see so many women coming together and getting into the spirit of the day, all sharing a passion for bikes.” 

The post Early risers get the wheels turning on International Women’s Day appeared first on Bicycle Network.

Perhaps it’s for transport. Perhaps it’s for pure enjoyment. Perhaps it’s to push themselves to the limit. 

Here are three women who, for these reasons and more, are blazing trails for others to follow.

Kristina Rivers: The aspiring record holder 

As a wife, mother of two young girls, and the owner of a consultancy firm, Kristina Rivers has plenty on her plate.  

Adding a 4000 km bike ride to the to-do list might sound like the last thing she needs. But it might make more sense when you hear that she’s chasing a Guinness World Record.  

Rivers is aiming to become the fastest woman to ride across Australia, completing the journey between Perth and Sydney in less than 13 days, 2 hours and 55 minutes.  

This will be her second attempt. Her first, in September last year, was foiled by unpredictable weather.  

Her training program for round two is well underway, and Rivers has a few thoughts to share about bouncing back from failure.  

“I think when people set challenges, like Around the Bay or Peaks Challenge for example, it finishes and they measure their success against that,” she says. 

“But my goal is to inspire others to take on challenges. Did I beat the time record, no. Did I do my best? Yes. What we learn from failure is part of the process of success. ”  

Rivers believes this kind of thinking can help increase women’s participation in bike riding.  

“I think we have a culture around sport, and for women in sport, that if we fail it’s a bad thing,” she says. “If we reframe that culture and expectation to one in which it’s OK to give hard things a go, we can remove fear of failure, and things become more inclusive.” 

You can follow Rivers’ journey on Instagram here. 

Barbara Spooner: The new-age stylist 

Barbara Spooner says everyone has a right to feel comfortable when they’re on a bike. The lycra kits favored by many may be lightweight, aerodynamic and breathable, but they aren’t for everyone.  

So Spooner came up with her own apparel, with less emphasis on performance and more emphasis on comfort. And still with plenty of space for fun, color and eye-catching floral embellishment.  

Birds on Bikes is Spooner’s cycling clothing label designed “to flatter the female figure”. 

“By prioritising fit and style, we make it easier for women to find apparel that fits and looks great,” she says. “And comfort and an improved riding experience encourages more women to join in the activity.”  

Birds on Bikes makes every effort to craft its apparel from sustainable materials, and it also actively supports organisations that mentor and advocate for female riders .  

“Women have the potential to experience true liberation on the back of a bike,” Spooner says. “Establishing a connection with a network of cyclists, taking part in local rides and events, taking classes, and doing research into bike riding can all be of great assistance.” 

Spooner also points to the potential of cycling clubs, online discussion boards, books and magazines to help women “gain the self-confidence to take to the road on two wheels”. 

You can learn more about Birds on Bikes here.  

Jo Curtin: The mother and seasoned commuter

Jo Curtin has moved around Melbourne on a bike for many years, but these days she has extra cargo on board.  

Her three-year-old daughter not only serves as an enthusiastic travel companion, but also plays her own small role in improving rider safety.  

“People definitely respond differently to me as a rider when I have my daughter on board,” Curtin says. “The more women and families who are visibly taking up space, the safer riding becomes.” 

Curtin is impressed by how much progress has been made in making her city a better place for bike riders, and says that every time she finds a new separated bike lane “I just want to high-five someone.” 

And when it comes to helping women commute and travel around the city more safely, Curtin sees huge potential not just in bikes but in other forms of micromobility such as e-bikes and scooters.  

“I want my colleague who rides an e-scooter to work to be just as safe and having just as much fun as my colleague who rides a bike,” she says. “Most of us use multiple forms of transport and we also ride in all sorts of ways for recreation. Recognising the broad diversity in why and how we ride is a start, and we can begin by embracing whatever choices women make that are right for them.”  

The post IWD: riders inspired by records, fashion and family appeared first on Bicycle Network.

But one ride just over a decade ago ignited a fire inside and set her on a new path as a tireless ambassador to get more women riding bikes.

It was 2012 and the future Bicycle Network CEO was taking on Peaks Challenge for the first time, and keeping pace with a strong bunch of male riders. One turned to her in surprise and asked who she was.

“That’s because I was one of only a few women on the ride,” McCormack says. “I stuck with them through the first half of the ride, we had lunch and finished Peaks. Afterwards, one of them asked whether I’d like to be a wave leader and try to get more women to join Peaks?”

And there a passion for women’s advocacy in the world of bikes was born.

“When I was starting out, there weren’t women groups to ride with,” she said. “I was riding in bunches with men, and my flatmate saw me one day and said, ‘You were riding with so many guys! You were the only girl’.”

“But the faces in the bunches, and on the streets, are changing. There are a lot more women on the road now; some ride competitively, others ride bikes to work, some ride with their children to school and more women ride bikes for recreation and social connections.”

In the decade or so since that pivotal Peaks Challenge, McCormack has continued to break down barriers.

As a long-time member of St Kilda Cycling Club, an ambassador for Bicycle Network’s Women’s Community and long-time volunteer working to boost participation, she has taken on some of the toughest rides in the country and inspired many other women to do the same.

And now as the first female CEO in Bicycle Network’s near-50-year history, McCormack is looking to step up the pace.

“I’m at a point in my life where I can really make a difference,” she explained. “The number one reason I hear that holds women back is concern about safety. We need to look at all the ways we can resolve those concerns.

“I also think there is a lot to be said for community connections that help to get women on bikes. I helped organise a women’s ride in 2014 that still comes up in conversation, because women tell me that they are still riding with the other women they met that day.”

McCormack rides her bike into work and pedals between meetings each day, so she knows first-hand how bike riding conditions can be improved. She has many ideas about how to make bike riding more accessible for everyone and she knows the many health and lifestyle benefits bike riding can bring.

“There is nothing better than riding a bike to work,” she says. “It’s a space between work and home life that gives you an ability to focus, and at the end of the day it’s the perfect way to unwind. I have a spot in the road where I say, ‘OK, time to stop thinking about work and switch off’.”

McCormack doesn’t consider herself an extraordinary person. Nor does she consider herself a competitive bike rider. She simply loves riding a bike.

By continuing to make bike riding easier for everyone in her capacity as Bicycle Network CEO, McCormack hopes to expose more people to the joys of using a bike to get around.

“Racing isn’t for everybody, but many people are interested in riding a bike, whether it’s for sport, for social reasons, for health or the environment,” she says.

”Our population is increasing and more cars on our roads aren’t the answer. We need to do things differently and influence the community so that more people can ride bikes safely. Because riding a bike can be life changing.”

The post Bicycle Network CEO’s mission to get more women on bikes appeared first on Bicycle Network.

We caught up with Tina McCarthy, cyclist, traveller, cycling coach, bike mechanic and tour guide, from Wheel Women to find out more about her recent cycling adventure to Shaimanami Kaido and Tobishima Kaido, Japan with a group of 9 intrepid women.

Aside from the adventure, new cultural experience, lifetime friendships and enjoying a bucket list holiday Tina’s purpose is to promote cycling for every woman, any size, any shape, any age with any bike and to help them choose active over inactive.

Over 6 days in Japan the group of women conquered the hills at Shiratakiyama, enjoyed sea views, and immersed themselves in local hospitality and culinary experiences including traditional sashimi lunches, a Wakka BBQ and ‘milkan’ (tangerine) gelato.

All whilst cycling alongside Japanese friends and forging new friendships along the way all through riding.

Tina’s enthusiasm and experience allows her to show women who may be starting at a ‘low level’ that they ‘can’ do stuff, leave their nerves behind and open a new doorway of adventure. It is truly inspiring!

Read Tina’s full blog post about her Japanese adventure here

Learn more about Wheel Women

The post Wheel Women Cycle Japan appeared first on Bicycle Network.

In hindsight—having just joined my first bunch ride—I think this was due to not understanding how group riding worked. By finding the right group to join, it can be an incredibly enjoyable experience!

I had been riding solo or with a friend for a few months and finally plucked up the courage to join my first organised group ride with Bicycle Network’s Womens Community.

I had so many questions running through my head prior to the ride – What do I wear? Will I be able to keep up? (and What if I can’t?) Will I be getting in the way? What happens if I get a flat? Just to name a few! But I had made the commitment, was meeting with a friend and was determined to not back out.

Here’s what you can expect when joining for the first time…

The briefing

We arrived early and were welcomed to the ride by the SKCC (St Kilda Cycling Club) ride leader, Alison. I immediately felt at ease as she introduced us to what to expect from the ride.

Alison led the ride briefing which included; outlining the route that we would be taking, introducing other ride leaders who also knew the route and covering the basics of how to ride in a group (very handy for us first timers).

There was clearly a lot to consider whilst riding in ‘the bunch’, from being predictable and looking up (rather than getting fixated on rear wheel of the rider in front) to being in constant communication with the other riders.

Key calls to communicate included identifying hazards, moving to single file if required, letting the group know of cars approaching and most importantly stopping/slowing calls.

Check out our ‘group riding basics’ article to learn more on calls and hand signals.

We quickly learnt that what the riders at the front of the bunch do affect those further back – it’s essential for them to keep pedaling consistently, oh and to take off easy from the lights (Phew!).

The average pace of the ride was 20 – 25km/h and this was always respected. It was a no drop ride with ride leaders at the front and back so nobody was left behind.

The ride

Once the briefing was done and all questions answered, we rolled-out at a social pace. We formed ‘the bunch’ riding two abreast and started very social (aka slow) ‘rolling turns’ (these are when the riders at the front rotate). But don’t worry, as a newbie I wasn’t expected to take a turn at the front. This also means that you move through the bunch and get a new rider next to you each time. I found myself to be concentrating a lot so I didn’t chat much but everyone kept me in the right place and gave me some good tips. After feeling a bit shaky at the start I soon settled into a good rhythm.

Fast forward to our turning point and bakery stop and here I took the opportunity to chat to some of the other newer riders, there were so many ‘firsts’ being achieved on the ride it was great to hear everyone’s stories:

• the longest ride they had been on
• the first time wearing cleats
• first time on a group ride and many more.

I certainly wasn’t the only newbie! Equally the experienced riders in the group all wanted to share their knowledge and let us know about other club rides, different paces, breathing techniques and how to get up the hill we were about to ascend (for every down there sure is an up!) Some of us stopped a couple of times on the way up the hill but that was no problem and everyone waited at the top.

On the way back we split into two groups, one who would continue riding ‘no drop’ and a second group who wanted more of a tempo pace. I went with the latter and the experience of the riders really showed, I felt very lucky to be able to ride in such a smooth group, they were clearly used to riding together. The return ride was a fantastic experience. I felt very safe surrounded by experienced riders and was amazed how fast we went! As I moved up the bunch I even took a short turn at the front towards the end of the ride – I think I could smell the coffee!

Post ride coffee

A post ride coffee and pastry is a bike riding tradition and one I wasn’t going to miss out on! I had done the hard yards and for the last few kms coffee and cake had certainly been on my mind.

Apparently drinking coffee post ride has its benefits (you don’t have to ask me twice) and it was just great to chat to the others on the ride, laugh about the morning, share our experiences, and arrange the next ride!

The post What to expect on your first bunch ride appeared first on Bicycle Network.

Everyone’s mental health varies during their life, yet statistics show an alarming rate of women will experience mental health issues in their lifetime.

According to Beyond Blue, around 1 in 6 women in Australia will experience depression at least once in their life and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety.

It can be hard to incorporate prioritising mental wellbeing into the ever-evolving list of daily tasks and checklist items. However, it’s important to take simple steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, which could lead to more significant mental health challenges down the track.

We’ve put together some of our top tips to help women prioritise mental health – it may be easier and less time consuming than you think!

Tip One: Spend time in the great outdoors!

Many of us can relate to the peaceful feeling one gets when spending time outside, particularly among natural spaces such as a park or the beach. But just how long, or how frequently, should you spend time outdoors to reap the benefits?

Research shows the answer is around 120 minutes a week. This could mean just 20 minutes per day, although it could be adapted to suit individual lifestyles.

Have you got a park nearby you enjoy taking the dog to? Or how about organising your next ‘coffee-and-catch-up’ to be outdoors rather than at a café?

Tip Two: Move to your own schedule, and in ways you actually enjoy

It’s not exactly a secret that moving your body increases dopamine levels (aka the feel-good hormones). But like maintaining a positive mental health, exercise routines can ebb and flow. Sometimes there’ll be enough time and energy for that 50-minute jog, and at other times just a simple walk around the block.

If you are struggling to find time to exercise, why not try to make it part of the daily commute? Whether it is a walk or ride to the shops, work or school, finding ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine can help take some of the pressure off.

New to riding for your commute? You can check out our simple guide here. 

Or what’s more – if you can, find ways to move that you actually enjoy. If you love bike riding but hate running, what’s the point in forcing yourself to take part in both activities? A lot of our members ride purely for enjoyment – there are so many ways to move your body that doesn’t have to feel draining or unenjoyable.

Tip Three: Reach out to your loved ones

It’s not always easy to ask for help when you need it. While you often wouldn’t think twice to assist someone you love, it can be twice as challenging to accept support when you’re not feeling so great.

But as the age-old adage goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. Or at the very least, it may seem like less of an issue than it was before. Having a simple shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen to can make all the difference. In return, you may be opening the doors for an open and honest conversation with the ones you love.

Asking others if they are okay is important; being able to ask for support in return is equally necessary.

These are just some simple tips to prioritise mental health – all three of which can be ticked off by riding a bike with a mate!

Join us for Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week!

We believe getting active every day is vital to leading a happier and healthier life. That’s just one of the reasons why we’re encouraging women and girls to head out for a pedal this Women’s Health Week.

We’d love you to join one of our free social rides, activities and more around the country or ride your own way!

Plus, if you register for one of our social rides or your own local ride, you’ll go in the draw to WIN a free six month membership at Fernwood Fitness!

Check out what’s on below.

The post Three steps to prioritise your mental health appeared first on Bicycle Network.

For some Peaks Challenge riders, it’s all about levelling up and chasing the next time limit; sub-12 hours, sub-10 hours, etc. But for many riders, it’s about having the guts to kick-off from the start line, and no matter how consistently slowly you might be, crossing the finish line at the end. Kathy is one such rider.

Having taken part in a few triathlons in the past Kathy had experience doing some bunch riding, and also rode a bit back in her 20’s but wasn’t what you would describe as an addicted road cyclist… at least at the start.

Kathy is a woman with amazing focus, and naturally likes having goals. It was a simple post on social media that sparked Kathy’s interest in Peaks Challenge, after seeing people describe the difficulty and feeling of accomplishment – “why not give it a shot?” 

Being someone that enjoyed riding but was more or less allergic to hills and bad weather, starting her training was not pleasant and full of many learning curves, or steep learning hills. Kathy was on the early bird train immediately after Peaks Challenge 2019, and began riding in her local area along the Peninsula.

It was at Arthurs Seat that Kathy was levelling up her strength and stamina, increasing her reps until she reached a level that she felt prepared. But the peninsula is home to hills, not mountains, and between having a family, a business, and committing time to training there was a fine juggling act at play to ensure Kathy could fit it all in.

It wasn’t until a month out of from Peaks Challenge that Kathy climbed her first mountain with a group of local riders. Whilst they were a hugely supportive group offering all sorts of encouragement both on and off the bike, Kathy spent most of the weekend riding solo, crossing paths with friends while she was on her way up and they were on their way down.

It’s group rides like this that offer people an invaluable opportunity to share stories, swap tips, meet up with old friends and make some new one. Not to mention hanging out in ever-changing regions for weather; hot, cold, windy, still, overcast, sunny, you could get a mix of it all which was great preparation for Kathy going in to the event.

Kathy was well-prepared with her equipment during her first Peaks event, ready to brave the cold, and prepared in the case things heated up. Kathy explained it was her nutrition that was ultimately what stunted her ride. Hydration was down, food was on the up. Half-way up the Hotham Kathy starts to feel sick, and cramps were setting in. “Just make it to 200km, that’s a good day out”, Kathy thought.

With the back of Falls still ahead Kathy thought, “I’m not going to be able to do it with the way I’m cramping, but if I can make it there, then that’s all good, and I’m happy with that result”. Then she made it to the back of falls and thought “well I’ll see how far I can make it up the back of Falls and I walked most it, I got off my bike. I cramped. I got back on my bike. I cramped. On and off just the whole way from the bottom to Trapyard Gap. It stopped being about finishing the event, but rather personal milestones, and making it to the next stop.

Coming across the finish line with only minutes to spare, Kathy was done and greeted her smiling daughter as she crossed the finish line. 

As determined and hardworking as Kathy is, the next year came around and she had one goal in mind; to do it better. “I wanted to do it better. You know you do something, and you go, ok, that was hard, but I know where I went wrong and I know I can do it better. Not necessarily faster, I was never after faster, I just wanted to do it better. My whole goal was to just ride the back of Falls, I just wanted to get up there and stay on my bike, and just do it, just so I can say ok I can do this”.

With a major focus on her nutrition throughout the whole next year trialing homemade snacks, not breaking in her training, focusing on hydration, and the added benefit of a new bike Kathy was in good stead to achieve her goal. “It’s just a mental game isn’t it, when you’re out there, it’s all just about what you can push your mind to do you know.”

With training done and dusted all Kathy had to do was ride for 13 hours or less on one of the hardest one day cycling events in Australia. Knowing what she was in for, Kathy was as ready as she would ever be.

“If anything went wrong mechanically, there was no way that I was getting myself out of that situation – I knew nothing about my bike, I’m still trying to work out this new fancy bike I’ve got, so I was really just lucky that I got through without any issues. I got my bike serviced one week before, then took it for a few test rides. I didn’t want my bike to be the thing that let me down. If I was not going to make it, it was because I couldn’t make it, not because my bike wasn’t up to it”.

Fast forward 12 hours and 25 minutes and Kathy crossed the finish line. “I did it. It was hard, and I really wanted to get off my bike, really desperately wanted to get off the bike, but I just kept on pushing, and pushing and then before you know it, it’s over”. Kathy did not walk up the back of Falls.

More Peaks stories from the Women’s Community

Michelle’s Peaks Challenge experience

For Michelle, the feeling of finishing Peaks Challenge for the first time in 2021 is a tough one to describe.

Candice’s can do attitude

Peaks 2020 was Candice's first cycling event, ever. Having only been riding a couple of months and with the memories of her partner's torturous experience...

Ela digs deep to conquer Peaks

When COVID reared its ugly head in 2020 and forced us all to rethink our routine; for Ela, this meant riding. So she committed to...

Meg masters the mountains

While Meg was in Bright with her partner and his mates, there wasn’t an expectation that Meg was taking part on the big day... this...

The post Consistency wins the day for Kathy appeared first on Bicycle Network.

Michelle has enjoyed riding her bike for 10 years now and with an unwavering passion for supporting more female recreational riders to jump on their bikes, she started her role as a coach; gradually evolving her skills into a full-time position.

Having never taken part in a ride this long, Peaks Challenge Falls Creek was a new challenge for Michelle. There were a number of women in Michelle’s existing Zwift riding group that first put up their hand and made the bold move to sign-up for Peaks the day after the 2020 event, with Michelle making the commitment shortly after.

By the time Peaks rolled around in 2021 there was a group of 20 women across different parts of Australia all completing their own training, but with one goal in mind – to get themselves across the finish line of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek.

It created a great sense of community – “when you know there are other ladies out there doing the same event and you know them, it’s a comfort thing knowing they’re there, even if you don’t see them out on the road”, said Michelle.

Michelle had never done an event where she had to teach herself to constantly fuel up, so she recruited the perspective of a nutritionist, which was helpful for her, but she noted it was a luxury, not a necessity. Nutrition is different for everyone, and the time you need to test out different foods is important to know what works for you, but trust that things might also change on the day. You might ride harder or certain foods just won’t sit in your stomach the same, but this is ok, and in some cases to be expected so don’t overthink it, Michelle suggest.

In terms of managing your food and water consumption within your ride the key is thinking two steps ahead: “when you’re on Tawonga you’re not thinking about Tawonga, you’re fuelling for Hotham. When you’re on Hotham you’re fuelling to get to Anglers Rest. So even if you aren’t hungry, it’s important to eat because you’re preparing for what’s ahead.”

Many things can be taught, and practiced, but at the end of the day confidence was a major player in Michelle’s ride. Having the chance to come over to the Alpine Region from Adelaide to ride the mountains prior cemented her confidence. Michelle says “my first time, I was so nervous at the bottom of Hotham thinking I’m never going to be able to do this two-hour climb, but it was fine, and I didn’t necessarily need to think it was going to be impossible – it’s not impossible. You just need to battle the demons in your head and keep one foot in front of the other and keep pedalling.”

Although Michelle didn’t get the chance to descend Falls Creek prior to the event, everyone on that descent wants to get to the bottom safely, and Michelle notes that all surrounding riders were very courteous and give you plenty of room to go at your own pace, and you’ll find yourself safely at the bottom.

Remember also that if you are aiming to ride with a certain group of wave leaders that if you aren’t descending with them, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still make a certain time if that’s your aim; everyone climbs at a different pace, or stops at certain places where others may not, so know your ride and don’t stress too much. Michelle noted that whenever she was out on the route I was talking to other women, getting to meet them, connecting with other people; the buzz off the event, and the camaraderie was a massive support.

When it’s all said and done Michelle suggests to “just pace yourself, test yourself in the months prior, start thinking now what can I do, what can I do to convince myself that I’m actually worthy of challenging myself on the ride. Read all the information, read all the advice on the Bicycle Network page.”

Outside of the 13-hour challenge with over 1,500 other riders is awaiting an amazing experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. “Just doing the ride and experiencing it is definitely a really good feeling. Afterwards you’re so exhausted but so elated at the same time – it’s a very difficult feeling to describe until you do it. Whenever you’ve done something like that it’s “wow” that’s a big, big achievement. No matter how far you get on the ride, even if you don’t finish it – whatever you did do is still a massive achievement.”

More stories from the Women’s Community

Candice’s can do attitude

Peaks 2020 was Candice's first cycling event, ever. Having only been riding a couple of months and with the memories of her partner's torturous experience...

Ela digs deep to conquer Peaks

When COVID reared its ugly head in 2020 and forced us all to rethink our routine; for Ela, this meant riding. So she committed to...

Meg masters the mountains

While Meg was in Bright with her partner and his mates, there wasn’t an expectation that Meg was taking part on the big day... this...

Anna’s three Peaks experiences

Anna’s Peaks Challenge Falls Creek experiences have varied from a year of firsts, a year of improvement and a year of challenges, but she pedals...

The post Michelle’s Peaks Challenge experience appeared first on Bicycle Network.

Peaks Challenge 2017 was still etched in to Candice’s memory – when Dave came across the line knackered and in-between breaths said that she “could never do this” – this stuck with her.

In early 2020, four months into Candice’s riding days, she completed her first 100km ride and her partner suggested they do Peaks. With the memory from 3 years prior still stuck in the forefront of her mind, Candice is thinking, “it’s too hard, I could never do that, it’s this mammoth thing in front of me that it’s just unattainable.” So, they started training.

But not with a training plan just yet, they started with a ride from Sydney to Byron Bay to build-up fitness. As time went on, they were using one of Bicycle Network’s training plans with some adjustments to suit their schedule. They were riding around 120km during the week, with their weekly Sunday ride spanning 180-200km.

Both Candice and her partner credit having someone to train with as being a big factor in their 9 hour and 14 minute finishing time – cutting roughly an hour off her partners solo time in 2017. Candice said they pushed one another further and the training was much more intense than her partner had done solo in previous years.

For Candice, the day was not the suffer-fest that had been built up in her mind. Besides a moment up Hotham and then getting dropped by the bunch through Omeo because she didn’t eat enough earlier, most of her day was spent in high spirits chatting to fellow riders, enjoying the scenery, and telling jokes like “can you believe we paid to do this?”

This positive experience all came down to the six months of training leading up to it; the two-week bike packing trip from Sydney to Byron, lots of Zwifting during lockdowns and as many all-day rides as they could fit in. Each month the event got closer their finishing time got more and more ambitious, but with a health set-back two weeks before the event, it forced them to ease up, take the pressure off and just go with the flow on the day.

Arriving at Falls Creek on the Thursday before the event allowed Candice and Dave to practice the first descent down Bogong-High Plains Road. With Candice being a self-confessed slow descender, this helped a lot by allowing her to experience it with less riders on the route, but also said that in her experience “on the day you get so caught up in everything and there are so many people around that you sort of go with the flow.”

Taking part in Peaks Challenge is something Candice will never forget. “It’s so beautiful. Everywhere you look there is something to see, there are ponies in the paddock, and you look back and see the ridges where you’ve been riding, so there’s so much to distract you and entertain you, so you’re not really thinking about the pain”, Candice describes.

“There were parts of the event that went by in such a blur, especially when you’re riding amongst other people, constantly filling up bottles, re-fuelling, heading to the loo and hitting the road again.”

Candice said there were times when she had only just finished in the toilet and her partner had done it all; filled the bottles, found the food and was ready to head off again, which was a great support. But pointed out that there are slightly different considerations for women than men so to allow yourself the time you need.

Candice soaked up advice all through-out her training; if not from her partner, it was from people she met on Bicycle Network training rides or from friends: be prepared for anything, pack different clothing because you don’t know what the weather will be, be aware that the food you train with might not be the food you eat on the day.

It just so happened that Candice was one of those people whose food completely changed on the day – “I just wanted carbs, so many carbs and I had never trained with carbs before the day”, but “people do say that women at different times of the month their body might be craving different things” so this could have been a factor as well.

All in all, the whole experience is a high, “when you’re there with everyone, it’s just fun being in the village knowing everyone around you has done all this training, and you’re all there to do your best at this challenge, and at the start line there were so many girls, and at the front as well which was just such a cool thing to see”.

At the end of the day, Candice just loves riding her bike. “I just don’t know what it is, but when I get on the bike, I just get this endorphin rush. So, my mood just lifts instantly once we start riding. I’ll just get really silly, and I’ll be singing so that helps”.

Final words from Candice: “It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been riding, or how expensive your gear is, all that matters is that you surround yourself with people that will support your efforts, and you do the best you can do – all pressure off, and just enjoy the ride!”

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