I grew up riding bikes with my brother and exploring. Some of my earliest core memories are of us riding all day on random bikes not designed for the terrain we were on. I can remember the excitement of getting a new bike and testing it out. Nothing much has changed there.
As a teen I moved into rugby as a sport and that absorbed my focus for over 15 years and into my 30’s. It was always for me an inclusive space for all shapes and sizes and definitely all personalities. I moved to Australia and after a few years of running I got back into riding. I had only ridden on fire type trails in the UK and my world was changed with the discovery of trails and features. My first xc bike which I purchased for two cartons of Corona did me well for my first few seasons of XCO. It climbed like a dream and I discovered a love of climbing. After a bike upgrade I started taking on some longer races in the XCM state series and discovered I really liked long distances too.
Next I discovered gravity enduro races, obviously I needed a second bike and so my bike collection began. Enduro was great to work on my skills and also loads of fun. Gravel racing then caught my eye, initially on a hard tail, then I embraced the full gravel experience with some drop bars. ATTA events tempted me into trying the Panther race at Jarrahdale and I then made an accidental road bike frame purchase for some road based TT events. Triathlons were briefly a thing, but I definitely prefer being out in nature rather than paved roads.
After watching cyclocross for a while, I decided to enter a race on my xc bike in the open category they have. Obviously to get the full experience I then needed to try it on a cx bike….so my bike collection increased further and the bike room had to start getting much better organised. As pump tracks started popping up everywhere I had another accidental purchase and ended up with a dirt jumper. This was upgraded this year and is definitely getting used to build my skills and fitness further.
Racing in 6 different disciplines is where I ended up, with still a couple more disciplines I’d like to explore. I enjoy the challenges all the disciplines offer and the growth I get from building my confidence and skills alongside my strength and fitness. At the end of the day if I’m on a bike I’m happy. I knew nothing about bike mechanics when I started but I’ve been well supported to build my skills and ever growing tool collection. There is always someone around who will help or lend you a tool, I’ve been very lucky with the support I have in that space.
Like rugby, the MTB community has been a safe and inclusive space for me, with some people I see at all events and some who just make guest appearances, but who always bring laughter and support to events.
It’s been great for me having the Rider team and Hannah supporting me and it has made me much more sociable, confident and able to support other riders who are just starting out.
Ride one or all disciplines, race if you want, do what you enjoy and challenge yourself and your friends wherever you can. Be kind to yourself as you develop as a rider and be kind to others, less opinions and more support is often the key.
I’ve never regretted going for a ride, no matter how I start I always end up in a better place.
