TC - About me...

I thought I'll write a post on how I got into mountain biking! #interviewstyle

Where are you from?

Albertinia, Western Cape, South Africa, near Mossel Bay

Have you always been into extreme sports?

Not at all, I didn't think women of a bigger size can or should run, but then I started running in 2006 in the UK and then started mountain biking in 2008 after going on my first ride in 2007.

Where was your first ride and how far was it?

Dorking, Surrey Hills, about 25km.

What made you go along?

The friends from church that invited me along, I really didn't know what I got myself into, but was to scared that I would miss out. #FOMO As my dad says, I'm a sucker for peer pressure. (Those of you that know me better now, would probably say, I am the group pressure.)

How did you find your first ride?

I suffered and pushed up all the hills even on tar, it was hard going, my poor short legs didn't know what hit it and my calves were so sore. I was about 15kg heavier than what I was now with no base fitness or knowledge about mountain biking, so it took some effort to get me to Leith Hill.

First Ride - Almost exactly 6 years ago - 31 July 2007

What was the best part of your first ride?

Finally going downhill on Summer Lightning (an awesome piece of singletrack) for the first time! I was hooked, it made all the hard work worth it!

What advise would give to anyone trying to be better at hill climbing?

I was so stubborn and didn't want to change into the small ring at the front as the fast pedalling was just a strange concept to me, but you just need to get used to it. Don't put pressure on yourself by trying to keep up with the person in front of you. Find your own rhythm and just keep on pedalling! You WILL get there.  

What would your advise be to anyone who starts riding?

- Hou net aan met trap - Just keep on pedalling
- Ride as often as you can
- Ask questions about kit and how you should feel, no such thing as a stupid question. You shouldn't be uncomfortable on your bike, if you are, then something needs to change, it might be something simple and quite obvious.
- If I can do it, you can!

Specific advise to the ladies?

- Get a decent saddle, preferably a women's specific one.