Marianne Jeffrey
Name: Marianne Jeffrey
Occupation: Education Assistant - Special Needs part time whilst studying a Bachelor of Primary Education
When I was a kid: Bike riding was a natural part of life and dad was excellent at fixing up all those flat tyres from riding my bike on the near-by stock routes and getting 'cats head' in my tires! I loved the freedom of riding.
I'd love to meet: Oprah Winfrey, an inspirational woman!
When and why did you become interested in cycling?When I moved to Perth 4 years ago we only lived about 3km from the beautiful Canning River and bought cheap bikes to ride the 6km circuit from the Mt Henry Bridge to the Canning Bridge and back. I would say then we were 'bike riders' just occasionally riding when the weather was good. Then this year I got bored with gym and aquarobics and my husband bought a new bike and started riding the 23kms to work daily, eventually I decided getting on the bike more regularly would help my fitness and be more interesting than working out at home or the gym. I just bought my 3rd bike this year, as I have worked my way up from a hybrid to a flat bar and now my beautiful new road bike!!!
What do you think you get out of cycling?Fitness definitely and I love to challenge myself, I live for my bike computer! It's like racing yourself every time you get on the bike and that way you can actually measure the improvements. I have also lost 6kgs this year so that is a definite benefit! I also get the chance to share an obsession with my wonderful husband enriching our marriage after 18yrs.
On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? Two rides of about 25kms minimum. On Sunday I ride with my husband and sometimes my 14year old son. I also ride to/from work on Tuesdays. But some weeks I do several other rides, it really depends on how I feel and how busy I am.
Describe your most memorable ride? When I was a kid riding on the stock routes around the outskirts of Narrabri West where I grew up, I came flying around a corner one day to find myself face-to-face with a massive bull. I couldn't get out of there quick enough!
Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget? Doing the 53km Great Perth Bike Ride with only 10 out of my 20 gears, even the smaller hills were a challenge but I had no hope of getting up the big hill in Mosman, so I had to push the bike up that one and on several of the smaller hills I had to stop for a minute to rest the muscles before I could ride to the top of them. Needless to say learning a little more about bike maintenance is a goal of mine for the near future so I can do some on-road adjustments and repairs when needed.
What is your favourite post cycle beverage? Chocolate milkshake, cool and refreshing.
What is your favourite cycle energy food? A mix of peanut M&Ms, almonds and cashews, yum! We call it GOCN, good old chocolate and nuts.
How do you cope with cold winter mornings? I have to have a destination! Preferably involving a warm beverage such as hot chocolate or peppermint tea!
Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? More cycle specific paths. Perth is great but there is always room for improvement. However education is the key! When my kids were younger they had school/kindy excursions to a place in Dandenong North in Melbourne where they road bikes on miniature roads, complete with working traffic signals and all!! It was brilliant, I think more facilities such as these would help and it allows you to see riding from both the perspective of the driver and rider to some degree.
What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Don't spend too much on your first bike because if you stick with cycling you will no doubt want to upgrade at some point regardless of what you get first.
Experience has taught me that...I CAN do it! Positive thinking, small goals to help you reach the big goals and practice all can help me achieve the things that I want.
Who inspires you the most? Strong women who achieve high levels at anything whilst retaining respect for those who have yet to achieve such heights. Like my boss Diane, and several other women who I have worked with over the last 10years.
What is your life/cycle philosophy? Do your best today. Not all days are good days and sometimes your body/mind let you down, just keep going, improvements will come with time.
I often daydream about…Cycling holidays when my kids are grown.
When you are not cycling you are…Working, studying, parenting, doing housework and shopping.
When all else fails…Call mum.
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.