libby smith

I started riding again about 6 years ago when I met my bestie and we decided to give triathlons a crack. We joined a local group and gained lots of confidence and experience riding around the Whittlesea area. We have Kinglake at our doorstep for our local playground and many other beautiful roads that have given me many hours of joy.

My love of cycling has grown and so has my group of friends who I ride with, including my husband who joined riding with us just under 2 years ago.

I love riding in events and exploring new places and finding great coffee!

I have done 2 Great Vic bike rides, one took me over the Tawonga Gap and last year along the Great Ocean Road.

I feel that the opportunities for women to ride have increased enormously in the last 12 months. I have been able to join several rides including The Ascent that have been held specifically for women. I noticed that on all my peak rides that there were many other women also tackling the climbs, I would even dare to say that on Falls Creek there was 50/50 that day!

My first ever peak was Mt Buller, long before I even knew about the ‘7 peaks’. My husband and I conquered the 7 peaks together this year. My favourite climb AND descent was Falls Creek. I didn’t do all the descents as I have lost confidence after an accident but I gave most of them a good crack. I loved Mt Hotham as this was the biggest and most challenging climbs, but Mt Baw Baw was definitely an eye opener… short and sharp, I will even say I might do it all again!

I had lots of support from my friends to complete the peaks both physically and mentally which really helped me and for anyone wanting to do the peaks but aren’t keen on the descents get a friend to be your support car up and bring you down again safely!

Finishing the 7 peaks at Mt Baw Baw was the best moment. I rode in and got my passport stamped, when I came out my hubby was there with some other cyclists who were amused as I was doing the happy dance…. A huge high knowing that I had completed something I never thought was within my abilities.