Helen Young

Hi, I am a 58 years young, Operations Manager and have been pedaling for about 15 years.

I started riding for exercise when my body told me it didn’t want to do Aerobics any more – and after seeing people on “around the bay” my husband an I decided we could do that. Since then, I have done a few ATB’s, many other organised rides, a 21 day cycling holiday in Vietnam, 12 days in the French Alps and Pyrenees (900kms and 22,000 Vert Mtrs), and a couple of weeks ago completed the 7 peaks. I have met some amazing people along the way, made some great friends and just love the freedom of being out on my bike. When the kids were young it was a great escape from work and family pressures.

My Husband convinced me to have a crack at 7 peaks – the first one we did was lake Mountain, then Baw Baw – (on the way to our Sons 30th Birthday party!) Both in January then we formulated a plan for the rest – in order Buller (from Mansfield) followed by Falls and Buffalo one weekend and Hotham and Dinner plain 2 weeks later. The later 2 destroyed me – luckily my husband put his Strava ambitions on hold and supported me up both. Falls would be my favorite.

I have stayed at Bright many times and love the brewery there – a great place for post ride drinks. Also had a weekend at Mt Beauty and a great meal at Stockpot. It’s much quieter than Bright, with some excellent restaurants and cafe’s.

Tips for women new to cycling – don’t be afraid – start out slowly using our great bike path network to build up confidence and seek out groups like Breeze or Wheel Women. I would also thoroughly recommend it to anyone struggling with the side effects of menopause. The endorphins you get after a bike ride completely override the anxiety and general malaise that can be a side effect – plus when you are already out there sweating away – who notices a hot flush!  So get pedalling and enjoy!