Elizabeth Wieland
Name: Elizabeth Wieland
Occupation: Personal Assistant, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Farmer
When I was a kid: I used to ride a Speedwell. It was blue, we had to ride two miles to school and home again. I remember the Principal testing our bikes to make sure the brakes worked. No helmets either.
I'd love to meet: Everyone who has joined me in the 'Ride to Conquer Cancer. Everyone is a champion to me. We need to find a cure for cancer and by signing onto this ride like I have, it takes courage but nothing like the courage people need to beat cancer or to see a loved one fighting the battle for life.
When and why did you become interested in cycling? Well I needed to lose some weight. I am now 30 kg lighter - I found jogging and running hurt my old bones so I started to ride one of my kid's mountain bikes, you know the sort from K mart, then progressed onto a hybrid and now a road bike.
What do you think you get out of cycling? I get everything, fitness, peace, time to be me, time out of a busy life, beautiful scenery. I have made some great friends. Riding my bike is everything to me, it recharges me to keep going. There isn't anything like getting up early, getting on the bike and just loving everything around you, as you pedal along the country roads. Just you, the road and your bike
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? It isn't much but it's what I can manage so around 100km a week and it's mainly me. Until now I have just found someone who is also doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer in my local area so I now have a cycling buddy. I try and ride to work two or three times a week and then do a longer ride on the weekend.
Describe you most memorable ride? Um. Getting my road bike home, clicking into the cleats and getting half way up the hill coming to a halt and falling over! Memorable. Well of course it meant to me that I was really a cyclist. That's what I have been told; you aren't a cyclist until you fall over or off at least twice. Memorable too because my son was riding with me. The look on his face when his mum fell off was of first concern, but second of a good laugh. And we both did enjoy that laugh.
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? I don't think there is one yet. I mean really why you would want to forget something as good as a ride?
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? A good cup of tea or maybe a coffee skinny cap please.
What is your favourite cycle energy food? Wouldn't know what that is but I better find out because riding 200k for the Ride to Conquer Cancer I think I am going to need heaps of energy.
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? By the fire. I am kidding. Well rug up, put some newspaper down the shirt that works good, gloves and a warm drink at the end.
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? If you have a motorist who thinks cyclists are a problem put him or her on a bike and get them to ride around. Maybe then they might have some understanding. I think there has to be give on both sides; there are some lousy motorists but then again there are some bad cyclists. It's a shame that the odd bad one makes it hard for the good ones.
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Well find a good bike shop; get properly fitted when you buy your bike. Try some out if you can, find a club in your area or just someone who can ride with you to show you the ropes. I wish I had had that. On my first ride with my buddy for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, he taught me about changing down before scaling the hill to make it easier and how to change the gears while keeping your chain straight, such a great help.
Experience has taught me: That there is never a time you can't take on something new or learn something new. Life is too short, step out of your comfort zone and take on a challenge, do something that maybe can make a difference to someone or something and you never know it will probably make a huge difference to you.
Who inspires you the most? My Dad. I lost him to cancer 28 years ago. He was one hell of a dad and incredible person who gave so much of himself. I am doing my ride for him. He will be with me all the way.
What is your life/cycle philosophy? Its never too late, set goals make challenges, strive to live, and cherish the ones you love, your family and friends.
I often daydream: About being retired and having a lot more time to be with my family, enjoying my grandchildren and to be able to ride when I want.
When you are not cycling you are: Being a Mum, Wife, Grandmother and Friend but also having time to be me, grabbing life with both hands and going for it.
When all else fails: Well I would get back on the bike. Have another go, don't give up, I'm not.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Next year I am doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer it's a 200k ride in the Somerset region over two days. Why you may ask, but I say why not. We have to find a cure for this terrible disease so if you can help me by making a donation so I can do this ride please go to my web page
http://br11.conquercancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Brisbane2011?px=1002859&pg=personal&fr_id=1040
If I don't raise $2500 I can't do the ride. Help me achieve my goal and my challenge, we can do it together.
If you think you know of a candidate for the SheSpoke 'your story' section of this website, drop us an email with your details and those of the woman who you think has the cycling spirit.