Ceinwyn Whittaker
Name: Ceinwyn WhittakerOccupation: HR Manager, Parks Australia, Dept of the Environment & Water Resoures (open to some sponsorship for this plug!!)
When I was a kid...I spent all my time riding horses both professionally and for fun!
When and why did you become interested in cycling? I became interested in triathlons with some friends after we decided we needed a rest from playing touch footy (in Australia and overseas). This led to becoming more involved with bikes.
What do you think you get out of cycling? Enjoyment, fitness, meeting people and having a good belly laugh.
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? On average 150 kms, both with different bunches and by myself.
Describe you most memorable ride? A casual ride in Switzerland after the World Age Champs, through some of the local villages with a couple of guys I met on the trip - stopping and chatting to the locals and drinking coffee.
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? Now living in Darwin for a period and out on a ride, going across several rail-tracks at about 36kms when the front wheel got caught and I went flying. Still visiting the doctor with a leg problem as a result of the accident.
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? Coffee… is there anything else?
What is your favourite cycle energy food? Banana and maple pancakes - yum oh!
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? I don't in Darwin but when I was in Canberra I would picture myself being somewhere very warm.
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? Keep raising the awareness.
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Don't be too ambitious - take it steady and learn the road.
Experience has taught me that… You don't always assume a car driver can read your mind!
Who inspires you the most? People who get out and have a go, and are committed to the job at hand.
What is your life/cycle philosophy? Here for a good time not a long time!
I often daydream about …not workingand training whenever I want to - instead of having to fit it in sometimes.
When you are not cycling you are…. Running or swimming or eating or drinking.
When all else fails... have a nice cold beer!