Genevieve Sutherland
Name: Genevieve known to everyone as Gen
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator for a welfare organisation,
after being an accountant for 20 years.
When I was a kid… a s a preschooler I loved my back yard swing
and my scooter and I produced 'looks of daggers' for anyone else who wanted
a turn.
I'd love to meet: The Elite Women's T Mobile Team and particularly Oenone Wood because she is little like me. They will be here in Geelong in late February.
When and why did you become interested in cycling? About four years ago, my neighbours encouraged me to try it and I was inspired by one of them having her 35-year-old pet cockatoo called 'Buster', sitting on her handlebars as she rode around the shopping centre and the river paths. Buster is now stuffed and on the dresser and I am hooked on cycling.
What do you think you get out of cycling? I could write a book about this. It's exhilarating - fitness, friends, fun, challenge both mentally and physically, achievements, sheer joy and never ending learning.
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? I have the same coach as Pip (SheSpoke's sponsored Masters Champion), so it depends what the individual training program says to do. But usually 200 kms a week on the road - hills on my own and a 'bunch bunny' otherwise, hopping around different groups to ride with Pip and other friends.
Describe you most memorable ride? The Heartbeat Geelong Otway Classic - a 150km bike ride across the Otways and back east along the Great Ocean Road. This is a challenging ride for the best of cyclists, stunning views, exhilarating and 100% to charity.
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? I tried the Great Divide ride once. A 180 km bike ride from Keilor to Trentham falls and through the hills of Woodend. Started at 7am with 26 degree heat and ended up with torrential rain and thunder, four punctures and darkness - finished up in the sag wagon eating numerous Mars bars.
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? An organic skinny latte or a cranberry juice.
What is your favourite cycle energy food? Bananas.
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? Layers from fingertips to toes and never without a headband.
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? Heaps can be done. If both groups knew the road rules and obeyed them cyclists would be much safer. So more education, more understanding and patience and probably less car speed. Support for the Amy Gillett Foundation and much more.
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? If you are keen to give it a go, find a friend or a social group and with their encouragement do what you are comfortable with, don't feel pressured. Most importantly find the most comfortable saddle for you.
Experience has taught me that… Improving gets harder as you get older, but it is still possible to achieve new limits.
Who inspires you the most? My partner who encourages me to cycle and never asks me how much it costs!
What is your life/cycle philosophy? Life is full of learning and adjustment.
I often daydream about… Retiring and riding behind my husband who is towing the caravan.
When you are not cycling you are…. with my four boys - husband, 21 year old, 19 year old and delightful 10 year old
When all else fails… For me if something is not working out, stop and think about doing it a little bit differently next time.