Celebrating women who ride

Behind every woman who rides, there is the journey she took to get there.

From the first visit to a bike store through to going on their first ride – it takes courage, determination and passion to take the leap and start. To mark International Women’s Day, we are celebrating BQ staff who ride with a passion and remind us that anyone at any age can ride. We hope each of their stories inspires you, and other women, to get out there on two wheels and enjoy everything cycling has to offer.

Rebecca

Why do you love to ride?

Riding provides me with an opportunity to have active catchups with friends and family. I especially enjoy early morning mountain bike rides – where I can see and hear Mother Nature waking up

What women in your life inspire you?

I am inspired by women who are able to balance their personal wellness, careers and family life all at the same time.  

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To have all my closest family and friends live in my street   – making it easier to stay connected.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you started riding.

Don’t be worried about your skill or fitness level.  When starting out, I hesitated to join social rides because I was concerned I would be too slow or not skilled enough.  Don’t hesitate!  The cycling community is very supportive of new riders.

Jo

Why do you love to ride?

Sense of being forever young, to be close to nature and to really be in the moment, whether that’s just taking a time to enjoy the view or being chuffed to have ridden a tough off-road section.

What women in your life inspire you?

Everyday women who can balance family, work and personal achievements.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To have more time in the day (especially the part of the day that I’m riding in the mountains 🙂

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you started riding.  

Believe in yourself! You’re never too old to learn new skills. I didn’t start using clip-in pedals until I was 37.  When you’re building up new skills or fitness just focus on one day at a time.

Alyssa

Why do you love to ride?

Mountain bike riding is something I share with my whole family, my partner and where I’ve made a lot of friends – so the community for sure. Bombing down trails also makes me feel super empowered!

What women in your life inspire you?

I get inspiration from experiences & who I surround myself with – positive people!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

No Fear! Imagine what you could do in life!

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you started riding?

I had a really great introduction into the sport and wouldn’t change a thing, getting started young was the best! But one piece of advice I always say to those thinking of getting into riding – make sure it’s on a mountain bike! 😝

Erica

Why do you love to ride?

I love the free feeling riding my bike/s (road and mountain) gives me, and I also love seeing the world this way. There’s nothing like exploring your local or a new area on two wheels, you see things you otherwise might not. I also love the post-ride coffee with friends too 🙂 

What women in your life inspire you? 

There are actually a lot of women in my life that inspire me. I’m inspired when people have a passion and purpose, commit to it, and in doing so drive change/make a difference/be the best they can be. I’m blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing women’s collective! 

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? 

Would it be considered a superpower to be able to somehow make people kind just by glancing at them? Imagine!

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you started riding?

Don’t ever stop! Like many people, I rode a bike as a kid, but as an adult, I didn’t for a long time. I only started again in my 30s and wish I had never had that 20 or so year gap. As an adult, I was lucky to have a supportive group to ride with, so I think I had knowledge overload 😊

Bicycle Queensland supports all bike riders of all ages and genders to get started (or continue) riding, so we know that sometimes a little push of encouragement is all you need to kickstart your own riding journey. If you don’t know where to start, we have you sorted. Check out our Bike Life Blog for helpful tips on riding, nutrition and safety and our Membership page for all the ways we can support you when your out riding.

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