Isn't it great how something that we enjoy, that we can be passionate about and have achievement and success with?


Hmmmm... what has it done for me?

In 2004 when I started I realised I could do this, legitimate "me-time" that didn't involve work or running the house... something fun I could also do with my family at times

In 2005 - my first full year of cycling - I lost no weight, but I dropped two dress sizes... I lost fat, but grew muscle... and I also realised that I am competitive with other people!

In 2006:

- I joined the local club, I won the beginner's grade and have been moved up to a grade where peloton racing happens.

- I realised, when shaving my legs one day, that I have increased muscle definition in my calves... and its not from high heels!

- My thighs have muscle development... a new muscle about and to the outside edge of my knee - I have never had any kind've noticable muscle on my thighs, its always been disguised by a layer of "wobble".

- My partner tells me my buttocks are firmer than at any time in our 21 year marriage...

- I have ridden 84km without a break, I plan to do 100km before year end (2 weeks to go!).

- I have 'lost' 10kg and am now an even 100kg - my goal for 2007 is to drop to 90kg.

- I spend more time with my family - my partner loves to ride with me when he can despite being in the top grade in th club and me being in the lowest (now second-to-lowest)... my two eldest sons, both top cyclists in the club also like to do their recovery rides with me, knowing it is a good hard ride for my training goals... my daughter - 18 1/2 - is getting her confidence back on the bike after breaking her arm 2 years ago, and ASKS to spend time with me on gentle rides, something many of my friends/aquaintances daughters do not ask of their mums... and my two youngest boys like to ride with me too on the gentle rides.

- We have established two family traditions... on ANZAC Day, and on Christmas Day, we go for a family bike ride - all seven of us - though being at different levels we dont ride the entire distance together, but for some of it, we do (at Christmas it ends at the river for a swim).