The Weekly Rider - Alex Schelleman
Our Weekly Rider is Alex Schelleman. She's a radiography student, futsal-er, and part time Planeteer. She also rides bikes. She's more than a bit rad!
Where do you live? Camberwell, VIC
What's your dream bike?
My dream bike is the Focus CX that I currently own. She's not perfect, and I've had to put a bit of money in to her, but I'm totally in love! Her name is Punchy, because I'm punching above my weight.
What is your favourite local ride?
My favourite local ride is the Admiral loop on a Friday morning, purely for the fantastic company. My second favourite ride is my commute along the Yarra Trails to Heidelberg - what a way to start the day!
What is your current cycling goal?
I'm currently in the middle of my first CX season, and I'd love to get a podium in C grade. Frankly, I'm proud of myself for trying CX, as it's been on my my goal to try it for the past 2 years. Other than that, I'm going to be participating in 7 Peaks 7 Days at the end of November to raise money for Eating Disorders Victoria.
When I am on the bike I.... Am probably thinking about what to eat afterward
How did your love of bikes come about?
My dad has always been a cyclist, and I decided that I wanted to give it a shot after I got stress fractures from running. He taught me to use cleats on the Boulie and taught me how to ride in packs along Beach Road. He's always been my biggest supporter, and I'm so lucky to have someone like him to show me the ropes. He has come along to a bunch of my CX races as well, and now just accepts that I'll probably come home with some sort of minor injury.
Share a cycling memory
Late last year, I was in a really difficult head space and was having trouble getting motivated to get on the bike, so I signed up for a cycling retreat in Bright. On the first day, we set out from Bright to ride Buffalo, which is possibly my least favourite climb. On the way up, I got chatting to the wonderful Faz, and ended up talking for most of the ascent about everything from politics to television shows. That climb just reinforced how amazing women in cycling are, and how quickly you create bonds on the bike.
I love to ride because.... I made the rules
Sponsors and supporters: My parents - thanks for not kicking me out quite yet.
