Pat Woods
Name: Patricia WoodsOccupation: Manager
When I was a kid: I enjoyed all of the benefits of growing up on a farm in country Queensland. We had an abundance of wide-open spaces to explore, plenty of pets and farm animals, a great education at a small country school and caring parents to nurture the whole process.
When and why did you become interested in cycling? That country childhood included riding bikes so my interest in cycling goes back to my early childhood. We used to ride to and from school and I remember races among the farm children during the rides home and other great endurance feats, like riding all the way home without sitting on the seat, though I fail to see the point in doing that now.
What do you think you get out of cycling? I only ride for the coffee! No, seriously, to me cycling is a complete package. I like the technology and mechanics of bikes. I like taking on the challenge of a big ride or a tough race and the great feeling of celebrating the end of the ride. I appreciate the support, encouragement and company of fellow cyclists....and, yes, I love the coffee.
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? In summer I ride up to 300 km a week and in winter maybe 200. I ride with other riders from Club Bikeline. The rides range from a country jaunt with one or two other cyclists to the big group rides.
Describe you most memorable ride? I could say completing Melbourne's Bay in a Day (220 km) or my first cycle tour however that would simply highlight the major events and overlook the sheer joy of memorable rides with a great bunch of riders over some of the local rides. My most recent memorable ride was a 170 km circuit over some fairly hilly terrain. I had some self-doubt as to whether I could keep up the pace set by the group but the fact that I finished strongly made for a most memorable ride. Now I look forward to the next ride that becomes the most memorable.
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? It was one day on a regular ride around town with a group I know well and ride with often. I would rather forget this one day because I crashed and hurt a lot of my body.
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? Did I mention I only ride for the coffee? A skinny chino in a mug is the favourite, sometimes followed by another skinny chino in a mug.
What is your favourite cycle energy food? I really don't like any of the packaged energy foods I eat during long rides but I always carry some to keep my energy levels up. The night before a long ride I enjoy food like rice pudding, which has been a favourite dessert since childhood.
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? The cold does not bother me as much as the dark, but I complain a lot about both. I cope by arranging to meet other riders and feeling an obligation to do so, or by committing myself to an event for which I need to train. All the time I am longing for the shortest day in the year, so I can say goodbye to the cold and the dark.
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? As cyclists we need to uphold our end of the bargain and ride safely and be effective advocates for the benefits of cycling. That is not always easy when many people just cannot grasp the benefits of cycling or the enjoyment cyclists derive from their sport.
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Cycling is whatever you want it to be. It ranges from ambling along a bike path on a comfort bike, thrashing the hills on a mountain bike, through to accepting the challenges of road racing. The really good thing about cycling is that you can participate in such a wide range of activities within the one sport.
Experience has taught me: That I am pathetically over-cautious when descending.
Who inspires you the most? I have always been inspired by my parents who taught me that people, and women in particular, can achieve anything.
What is your life/cycle philosophy? One great lesson you learn as a cyclist is about synergy; that riding in a group makes allows you to perform at a higher level than you can on your own. That lesson can be related to so many events in our lives and is a reminder that our greatest strength happens when we let other people work with us to achieve shared goals.
I often daydream: About my next bike because I just love to put all of those components together and marvel at the end result.
When I am not cycling I am....working so I can invest some more in cycling. Well, apart from working, I enjoy a number of creative pursuits like photography and carving small objects from pieces of cedar.
When all else fails: Get on your bike early in the morning and ride to the top of a hill where you can see the new day happening.
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.