Gabby Klink

I am a 55 year old recreational Cyclist who loves riding in the Mountains. I am a Psychologist in Private Practice, and spend lots of mental and emotional energy listening to the struggles and traumas, people bring daily. Life on the Bike offers a total rebalance for me.

My Family refer to me as “The crazy Cyclist” mostly because my 2 Bikes have names. Red Riding Hood and Athena have taken me to almost every part of country Victoria, as well as parts of New Zealand and Central America. I have been riding for close to 8 years, and prefer my Bikes over the Car, any day! Riding is essential, rain, hail or shine, if my Bike and I are separated for too long, I become very grumpy. Occasionally, I have been known to blow them both a kiss “good night”.

I ride primarily for myself. When on the Bike, I am connected to the elements, and emotionally, I am completely free. Cycling seems to be a medium whereby the environment the Bike and my body all become a complete experience. Endorphins are firing, and with this, a level of exhilaration that makes me keep coming back for more.

The first Peak I ever climbed was Mt Buller. I was so very nervous for about 3 weeks in advance. On the day, I sat quietly in the Mirimbah Park, staring up at the 5 -6° gradient at the start, wondering what kind of madness had brought me there. By the time I reached the aptly named “Hells Corner” after 16km of climbing, I knew I was very close, but at the same time, thought I would never manage those final 2km. That was approximately 6 years ago; and I have since climbed this Mountain more than a dozen times. It is still breathtakingly beautiful, but not nearly so scary.

I have climbed 6 of the 7 Peaks, the exception being Mt Baw Baw. The 13° average gradient, just too daunting. I would have to say Mt Buffalo is my favourite. Just the right amount of distance, challenge and beautiful scenery. Mt Hotham, I found the hardest. It is long, and the threatening gradients can frequently be observed from a distance. The exhilaration, however, as you round the last switch back corner and see the dam on the left is unforgettable. You are then able to enjoy enormous satisfaction making the fast descent into the Hotham Village.

I think my most memorable experience of the 7peaks rides was riding up Mt Buffalo alone in 37° heat, on a day in early January. A car with a Family of three children pulled over on the side of the road about half way up, and clapped, cheering encouragement. By coincidence they were stopped in Porpunkah eating icecreams, at the same place where I was also taking a break, before the last leg of my ride back to Bright. They recognised me as being the Rider who had climbed up the Mountain just 2 hours earlier. With some enthusiasm, they offered for me to come and join them in eating Icecreams. It was indeed a sweet moment!