Bunch Ride Finder

Bunch Ride Finder was lucky enough this week to catch up with Australia’s Rachel Neylan. From runner turned cyclist, in late 2008, the passionate and ambitious 28 year old has promptly progressed to international racing. With a recent top 10 result in her European debut we got the skinny on what Rachel thinks about the cycling scene….

Q: What Bunch Rides do you frequent ( OS and Australia )
I always do the SASI (South Aus Sport Institute) Cycling squad bunch rides wed and sun from Cibo Melbourne St Adelaide. I will often do the fast and furious time trial bunch from the city to outer harbor on a saturday morning.

Q: What’s your favorite bunch ride?
A tough long Sunday SASI bunch ride in the Adelaide hills.

Q: What annoys you about riding with the general public?
Nothing, I enjoy seeing all sorts of people riding to keep fit whatever their age or fitness level, as long as they are obeying the road rules!

Q: What what do you like about riding with non-pros?
I enjoy frequent opportunities to ride with non pros. I can learn so many things from meeting and chatting to others from all different walks, travels, locations and professions.. I love to hear other peoples great life stories.

Q: What’s your favourite after ride coffee shop?
Cibo Espresso, Melbourne St North Adelaide! (BRF Note: It’s our favourite when in Adeliade too – Rachel has good taste!)

Q: When in training do you use bunch rides as part of your training schedule?
Yes, always at least twice per week. Especially training with males or stronger riders lifts performance. Fast bunch rides are great to push leg speed.

Q: When someone punchers in a bunch ride – what’s your thoughts on the time limit 3mins? 5 mins?
5min is fair but I think it depends on the type of bunch and level of experience. Although on a fast TT style bunch ride there is no stopping so be prepared for a solo return!

Q: What are your pet hates with bunch rides?
When riders do not obey road rules or give cars respect – we cannot demand respect from them if we do not display it. Also when safety is not prioritised i.e. diligence with pointing out obstacles etc.  (BRF Note: We totally agree here, just check out the recent Cycling Tips post on the Hell Ride just the other day when ‘the bunch goes down’ check out Cycling Tips by clicking here)

Q: Is there any rule that you think all bunch rides should abide by?
Obey every road rule, never run red lights, ensure new riders are well informed on etiquette, respect cars and motorists, wave & thank cars when they slow or let you change lanes!

Q: Women Participation, what do you think would help get more women to join in the local bunch rides?
More sharing of information through forums / websites on;
- where to find bunch rides that suit the individual rider
- step by step tips on how to get to a level to be competent and comfortable riding in a bunch i.e. etiquette, a set of basic skills, to practice clipping out and stopping suddenly.
- encouraging people by highlighting the benefits of bunch rides – to learn skills, safety, to push fitness.

Q: Have you found the ‘boys’ in the bunch to be friendly and supportive – or the opposite?
I have been really well welcomed into the cycling community especially in Adelaide, but on a whole wherever I am other riders are always very supportive. I have only had had many positive experiences of people sharing advice, knowledge and insights into the cycling world.

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the year and for the 2011 season?
I am aiming for a result in a UCI race here and ultimately 2010 world championships selection in October. I am aiming to gain a professional contract with a UCI team in 2011.

Q: Coming from a running background, what similarities have you found between Running and Cycling
Similarities physically are the importance of power to weight and strength endurance especially for climbing. I have also been able to transfer the importance of off bike extras – stability / strength and flexibility practices.

Q: Winning the Amy Gillet Scholarship must have quite a honour, how do you think this will help your racing?
The AGF scholarship is indeed a real honour and a fantastic opportunity which will give me support to race part time with the AIS / National team in Europe during the 2010 season.

The opportunity to ride a Bianchi T Cube 928, such a top quality road bike will also obviously be a great asset to my racing.

The AGF sponsors Bianchi, AIS, Cycling Australia, Cycling Adventures, and Oakley have all been fantastic in contributing their support.

Want to know more about Rachel? She has a fantastic website – click here
Like to learn more about the Amy Gillet Foundation and the AGF Scholarship? – click here