Kayleen Wood
Name: Kayleen Wood
Occupation: Academic Developer - Bond University Gold Coast
When I was a kid: I lived at the beach in Queensland, pretty ordinary.
I'd love to meet: Other cyclists like me ... not super serious but definitely cyclists, not just 'bike riders', reliable but fun, keen to go cycling early and often. Always easier to make it happen when you have a committed group or partner.
When and why did you become interested in cycling? Do you remember riding your bike to school? I had a metallic orange Hoffy dragster. Oh my! Anyway that became totally uncool by high school and I really hadn't been on a bike until about 8 years ago. I was in New Zealand and someone suggested we cycle to a tea house which happened to be on the top of a mountain (and it really was a mountain). I was given a racing bike with gear levers on the bottom tube and cage pedals, and I was hooked. The difference in what you take in and experience when you are on a bike as opposed to shooting along a road in the sealed air conditioned cabin of a car was inspiring.
What do you think you get out of cycling? Of course fitness and health, but it's something like membership to a secret society. There's a language and an ethos that only other cyclists know. It's what separates us as cyclists from those who go for a bike ride. It's a way of life.
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? I really like to try to ride three times a week, usually about 25/40/60km.
Describe you most memorable ride? Always the last one. Seriously though I went on a Friday morning ride by myself to my mum's and I was amazed at the number of female cyclists, and the number of hellos I got and not just from the girls.
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? Oh dear, I've had a couple of doozies that may be best left off here. Suffice to say I am back cycling and probably enjoy it more now with a partner and not so serious.
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? I absolutely have to go down the coffee path here. We go to a special roaster and grinder, Quest, in James Street, Burleigh Heads.
What is your favourite cycle energy food? My homemade banana smoothies are the best!
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? You may laugh but it really does get cold here on the Gold Coast. Layers and more layers. And warming your fingers up with a wheat pack before you put on your gloves is a good idea.
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? I think we just need to keep being polite and gracious and 'take the high road'. Road rage either way, only inflames any bad feelings, but a thank you and a nod of acknowledgement may just make all the difference. Plus it's good karma.J
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Do it! Go to your local bike shop and learn; how to change a flat and find some mentors to cycle with.
Experience has taught me: That you can lie on the couch feeling sorry for yourself of you can get up and make it happen. There is a difference between 'I can't.' and 'I can't at the moment, but I'll try again tomorrow.'
Who inspires you the most? Creative people who takes risks and change the world, how we do things and how we think about things.
What is your life/cycle philosophy? The competition is always with yourself.
I often daydream about: my new bike frame... seriously.
When you are not cycling you are: Planning the next ride! Really, but I'm also a novice triathlete. And cooking is my passion.
When all else fails: Everything will still work out. There's always a way around.
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.