19. March 2026

I guess I am a cyclist now...

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be squeezing into lycra and clipping on a helmet to ride twice a week, I would have laughed in your face. And yet, here I am, proudly admitting that I love cycling.

It all started with a slightly unhinged idea: signing up for an Ironman. I’ve committed to a full Ironman in Port Macquarie in 2027. Yes, me, someone who hates running, gets bored swimming, and had never even touched a road bike before. Naturally, that meant one thing: I needed a bike.

I was pointed toward a small shop on Rundle Street, Super Elliotts Bikes, where my dad had already scoped out a potential option. And because I’m the kind of person who runs headfirst into a new idea, I went the very next day. One bike, one helmet, and just like that… I was a cyclist.

Now, for context, I’ve always been terrified of riding on the road. Thankfully, I live near the expressway, which has a fully sealed bike path running in both directions, ideal for a beginner. So logically, easing in with a gentle 20km ride would’ve made sense.

Naturally, I did the opposite.

Instead, I did a 65km ride through the Barossa, complete with some very steep hills. Safe to say, my legs weren’t the only thing struggling, my backside was absolutely wrecked the next day. And weirdly the back of my neck, which I later learned was litterally called cyclist neck. But despite the soreness (or maybe because of it), something clicked. I was hooked.

There’s something strangely addictive about it. Cruising along with my favourite podcast 'Everybody Has a Secret' playing in my ears, long empty stretches of road ahead, no one else around… I finally get it. I understand why people fall in love with cycling.

Am I still terrified of the roads? Absolutely. But with every ride, I feel that fear easing just a little. I’m gaining confidence riding one-handed, reaching for my water bottles, even managing to tear open a gel mid-ride without panicking.

Next step… cleats.