Here’s a bold statement: Cycling didn’t just change my body—it transformed my entire life. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can you truly call yourself a cyclist before you’ve mastered every gear shift or logged a thousand miles? Let’s dive in.
At the start of 2023, I was stuck. Not at rock bottom, but close. Juggling the chaos of emergency nursing, erratic shift work, and a relationship that no longer served me, I felt lost. My mental and physical health were suffering, and I knew something had to change. After countless failed attempts to return to the gym, I decided to try something different. I joined an indoor cycling studio with a simple goal: show up at least three times a week. My competitive, ADHD-driven personality, often a double-edged sword, finally worked in my favor. I found a space I genuinely loved.
One thing led to another, and soon I was the proud owner of a second-hand road bike—with absolutely no clue what I was doing. I didn’t know a single cyclist, and the learning curve felt vertical. Shimano? What’s that? My first ride was… humbling. I crashed, ripped my lycra, and bled down my leg. But I didn’t quit. A few bandages weren’t going to stop me. I knew this was where I wanted to be, even if I wasn’t sure I belonged yet.
And this is the part most people miss: the messy, awkward ‘in-between’ phase of change. Relationships ended, new ones began, and my values shifted. Both on and off the bike, my horizons expanded. I remember asking a coworker after just a few rides, ‘Can I call myself a cyclist yet?’ I felt like an imposter. But here’s the truth: those feelings were all in my head. The cycling community surprised me with its generosity, kindness, and openness. No one cared that I didn’t have a white helmet or proper socks. Each ride became less terrifying, and I grew addicted to chasing milestones—and the post-ride coffee with my new friends.
Growing up in Bowral, the Bowral Classic seemed like the perfect goal. Could I go from 0km to 150km with insane elevation gain in just a few months? I had no idea, but I signed up anyway. What’s the worst that could happen? Crossing that finish line was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. The pride was overwhelming—I burst into tears. (The physical pain probably helped, too.) Not only had I achieved a monumental goal, but I’d done it as the second-fastest female. It wasn’t a race, but it was the start of everything: the self-belief, the sense of belonging.
Fast forward to September 2025, and there I was—standing atop the Australian National Championships podium, wearing the green and gold jersey as the new MAS1 Road Race National Champion. A few small changes had snowballed into something extraordinary. Cycling didn’t just improve my physical health; it reshaped my outlook on life, my self-worth, and my resilience. It introduced me to a dynamic, diverse community—something I believe is unique to this sport. It connected me with incredible brands and people, gave me once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and empowered me to use my voice online.
So, here’s my advice to you: Buy the bike. It’s not as intimidating as it seems. Start small, start slow, start wherever you can. I promise, you won’t look back.
But here’s the real question: Does becoming a cyclist require a title, a certain number of miles, or just the courage to begin? Let me know what you think in the comments—I’d love to hear your take. And yes, I think I can finally call myself a cyclist. What about you?
