Linda Toth

I have been riding a two wheeler since I was a very little girl and let’s just say that I’m now >55 and actually began seriously riding when I was 50. My catalyst was a knee surgeon telling me that he was not able to tweak them into any better condition and that I had better look into exercise modification – quit running and try cycling! So, I got myself a personal trainer who inspired me to believe in my ability and I improved my diet and increased my fitness routine. I’m now on my 2nd road bike with more carbon and nice wheels and a wardrobe full of gorgeous pink Lycra.

Fellow cyclists often ask me what I’m training for and I simply tell them it’s for my life!

I’ve joined a tribe of friendly women cyclists; Tribal Cycling and I ride at least twice a week on the road. I’ve also been indoor training on a Watt Bike, with Cycle Art Studio, twice a week for the past 4 years. I owe much of my inspiration to their positive support and guidance and the rest to my determination to thoroughly enjoy my life and go out kicking and screaming and peddling my bike!

I certainly agree that there have been fitness and ability challenges facing women in cycling as there is in just about every other sport, however, we are growing in numbers and this is making the retailers and innovators stand up and take notice of what we can do given the chance! Today’s generation of women are being given so many more opportunities in education and sport than I was offered when I was younger, to the extent that there will be virtually no barriers to women’s achievements in the future.

My recommendation to anyone thinking of joining the fitter and fabulous females who are making cycling their passion is to join in and be a part of a greater way to love life.

I’m now boasting that 50+ is the new 40, which means I’m in the prime of my life. It is also the year that I attempted my very first climb of Mt. Buffalo and succeeded in reaching the peak and getting a stamp in my 7 Peaks Passport. I’m aware that the challenge is to ascend all 7 within a single season, however, I am going to set my own challenge of ascending all peaks within my lifetime!

Having found myself totally absorbed with “My Tribe” I signed up for Tribal Cycling’s inaugural cycling and social retreat. The lure of attempting to achieve climbing the mountain on my bike at my own pace and with the full support of a younger and fitter ‘sherpa’ guide was incredibly enticing.

We began our climb in the cooler part of the morning. As I consistently peddled my way to the top, with frequent stops to ensure my heart rate was not too high and I was well hydrated and fed, we were greeted with wildlife, a baby Joey feeding on the side of the road and views of the valley that were breathtaking. If I’d been in a car, I would never have been able to enjoy this.

It may have taken me 4.5 hrs to make the distance, but it was such a reward to see the entire tribe cheering me to the finish and lunch with bubbles was a wonderful treat.

I’ve made wonderful new friends cycling and I now understand the infectious love of participating in healthy activity to make one feel young again. Do yourself a favour and join the tribe you’ll never regret it, I certainly haven’t and I cannot wait to climb another peak.