Yulena Brown

Occupation: Executive Assistant.

When I was a kid: I hated learning to ride a two wheeler. Once mastered, I joined the neighbourhood bike gang and on weekends we disappeared for hours in the country (no helmets required!).

I'd love to meet: Princess Diana and myself when I was about 5.

When and why did you become interested in cycling? I drove two cyclists to a 100km cycle event in New Zealand and picked them up at the finish. They were aged 66 and 63. I didn't think much of it until I drove the course, much of it almost vertical hills. I thought jeepers if they can do this, I can. One of them lent me his mountain bike and nothing could keep me off it until I bought my own road bike.

What do you think you get out of cycling? It's like meditation on wheels! When cycling all I think about is cycling and its awesome exercise.

On average how many kilometres do you ride a week and with whom? About 100kms, when not cycling I am on a bike at the gym doing interval training for hills. It works wonders!

Describe you most memorable ride? My first cycle race from Rotorua to Taupo, I shed a tear when I saw the 100km finish line.

Give us a description of a ride you would rather forget ? I hope there will be none.

What is your favourite post cycle beverage? Water and coffee, but definitely champagne after a big event.

What is your favourite cycle energy food?Energy food in the tummy before a ride and white bread Vegemite sandwiches cut in quarters while cycling.

How do you cope with cold winter mornings? I haven't had the pleasure of this experience yet! I am told a long bib and Marino vest as starters and possibly a good dose of mental toughness to boot.

Is there anything that can be done to improve the on road relationship between cyclists and motorists? As a cyclist you could start by sharing with those in your life about your experiences on the road (good and not so good). I have noticed motorists under estimate the speed of cyclists, possibly the reason they pull out in front of and cut cyclists off. Maybe as part of passing and renewing a driver's licence, motorists could ride a bike on busy roads.

What advice can you give those who are thinking of taking up cycling? Try and borrow a bike, when you discover you love it (you will!), get some advice on what size bike you need, buy what you can afford and get a professional bike fit. This should mean pain free cycling (well the bike shouldn't cause any, but the distance might!). Find other cyclists who are similar riders, its safety in numbers and loads more fun!

Experience has taught me that: Every ride is different. Always stay focused, have enough food and water, a spare tube, a pump and a credit card. You never know when you might need a taxi van in the middle of nowhere…

Who inspires you the most? Anybody who gives something new a go. The "I-am-as-proud-as-punch-of-myself" face is easy to spot when a goal is reached. I find that incredibly moving and inspiring.

What is your life/cycle philosophy? Think like the Tortoise, go like the Hare.

I often daydream about: Working less hours, cycling around the South Island of New Zealand and living in the Mediterranean during New Zealand winters.

When you are not cycling you are …. Working full time, catching up with friends and family, spending time with my fabulous man and blowing the cobwebs out on his Harley.

When all else fails: Call my girlfriends, have martinis with my man and remembering "this too shall pass".

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.