1. Tell us a bit about yourself
A recent convert to the north-shore way of life, I was born and dragged-up in the badlands of Bankstown and surrounds. “Educated” at ANU, Newcastle Uni and Griffith Uni (Brisbane); I then set forth to South Korea where I lived, worked and wreaked havoc in my futile attempts to make them understand Australian (Proppa) – English. Until the end of last year, I were a enGlish Teecha. Some health issues (MS) have seen the need for me to wind back and look for a somewhat more part-time occupation – which I am just about to commence the search for.
2. What got you into cycling?
I can’t remember never not being able to ride a bike as a kid; which I did, probably, excessively during high school (mostly stalking girls). However, the advent of university and a driver’s licence – well, I’m sure it’s a common story.
About, 8 years ago, I decided I was too fat and unfit – enter the bicycle until about 4 years ago, when I suffered a major MS attack. About 1 year ago, I was able to get on the bike and build up my fitness and shave 50kg from my gut. Hopefully, my new, semi-monastic life-style – sans sugar, wheat, legumes, red-meat, and ESPECIALLY aspartame – will keep the nasties away from my auto-immune system.
Before losing 50 kg
3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
Blame Bucky!
4. Tell us about your bikes.
As a little kid: A dragster – with T-bar shift (cool)
Then, a BMX
High School: A couple of Jim Bundies
Since 2005: A Giant Yukon (broke it); my trusty SCOTT 🙂 – and waiting on my delayed JIM BUNDY HANDMADE with Di2 😀
Fixing stuff
5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Perth => Sydney is definitely on my wish list as are the French Alps.
6. Tell us a riding story.
I hope this doesn’t sound too dumb; but about 6 months into this past year of riding, I decided to test myself and if I really wanted to push myself to overcome the issues around my health, weight & fitness.
So, one day – without any plan – I took off on what would become my first, and only (so far) 300 km day. The first 200km (Mittagong then back to Prestons) went by surprisingly easy; but the final 100km, especially the last 50km, were a hellish blur.
Riding up and down lengths of the M7, I had hours to experience pain, self doubt and the noises in my head telling me to stop – to end the stupid test I’d set.
However, once done – I can say that not only did I have an awesome ride under my belt; more importantly, I felt that I had achieved something – won the battle against my own doubts.
7. Do you have any advice for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Carpe Diem!
8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
In the 5th grade play, I auditioned for Prince Charming; they gave me the part of an ugly sister 🙁 Thus ended my fledgling acting career
Wearing a cape at the beach (as you do)
