Cycling's 'fab five' gearing up for fifth Tour Down Under
WHAT started out as five women walking together has turned into their own mini-cycling club which mixes friendship, fitness and the TDU.
Cycling
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WHAT started out as five women walking together to keep fit has turned into their own mini-cycling club which mixes friendship, fitness and the Santos Tour Down Under.
Heather Catlin of Rostrevor and four of her friends, aged in their 50s and 60s and who live within walking distance of each other, turned to bike riding in 2008 and are now saddling up for their fifth Bupa Challenge Tour.
"One of our friend's husband rides and we used to walk to keep fit but slowly one by one we all bought a bike," Heather said.
"We call ourselves the 'Fab Five' and when we're training for the Tour Down Under we do a mid-week ride, but all year round we ride the hills on Saturday and the coast on Sunday.
"It's a very social thing because we stop for coffee."
The group started pedalling together six years ago and are also regulars in the annual Amy's Ride in Adelaide and last year went to Melbourne for the Around the Bay ride.
But Heather said the Bupa Challenge Tour ride was their favourite event on the calendar.
"We love the atmosphere," she said.
"Not only do we support each other but the support and encouragement we get from other riders is fantastic.
"Our husbands drive and meet us at different locations to cheer us on and make sure we're okay.
"But the ride is so well supported with the sag wagon (official car at the rear of the field) which gives us confidence and drink stops all the way along."
The group meets at 7am for training on weekends and they're usually home by 10am to make the most of the rest of the weekend.
"The Tour Down Under ride is the reason we go out training every weekend, it gives us something to train for," Heather said.
"And from when we started until now, we've noticed a lot more women riding as well."
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