Alan LeMay
When Tracy Rainford talks about cycling, she doesn’t just describe a sport; she paints a picture of freedom, focus, and friendship. A health, well-being, and nutrition coach based in Perth, Tracy has spent over 25 years on two wheels, transforming what began as a competitive pursuit into a powerful tool for mental health and community building.
“I call cycling my active meditation,” Tracy explains. “When I’m on the bike, I’m fully focused, watching the wheel in front of me, the traffic, the road. Everything else disappears. Problems fade, or by the end of the ride, they’re solved.” For Tracy, cycling isn’t just exercise; it’s therapy. It’s where stress melts away, and clarity emerges.
But what happens when life interrupts that rhythm? Tracy admits that time off the bike, whether due to illness or injury, takes a toll. “You feel agitated. Stress builds up. Cycling helps release adrenaline and restore balance.” Her recent return to riding after a short break left her grinning from ear to ear, a reminder of how vital movement is for mental well-being.
Beyond the physical benefits, Tracy treasures the friendships cycling has brought into her life. As a member of Knights of Suburbia, a group with a mission to support mental health through cycling, Tracy champions connection over competition. “We’re not the fastest group, but we’re the friendliest,” she says. “It’s about community, coffee, and conversation.” For Tracy, these bonds have become lifelong friendships, proving that cycling is as much about people as it is about pedals.
Interestingly, Tracy’s journey didn’t start with leisurely rides. She was once a fierce competitor, first as a runner, then a triathlete, and later in cycling time trials. Today, her focus has shifted from podiums to people. “Triathlon training can be lonely,” she reflects. “Now, it’s the good health and camaraderie that keep me going.”
Her passion for well-being extends beyond the bike. As the founder of Nourish to Flourish, Tracy coaches executives and teams on holistic health, physical, mental, and nutritional. “You can’t afford not to invest in your health,” she insists. “It’s about creating time for yourself, preventing chronic conditions, and staying effective at work.” For Tracy, cycling embodies the principles of goal-setting, resilience, and self-care.
So, how does she justify spending $10,000 on a bike? With conviction. “It’s an investment in health, far cheaper than a chronic disease or mental health issues. And when you’re flying downhill at 65 km/h, you want a quality bike beneath you.” For Tracy, that bike isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
Her ultimate motivation? Making a difference. With three sons and a deep concern for rising mental health challenges, in particular concerns about suicide rates in men, Tracy works tirelessly to create mentally healthier workplaces and communities. “The real pandemic is mental ill health,” she says. Through coaching, advocacy, and cycling, Tracy Rainford is proving that wellness is a journey, and sometimes, the best way forward is on two wheels.
Here is a link to the full My Cycology interview with Tracy Rainford.
Alan LeMay, My Cycology- Alan is the host of a monthly podcast featuring interviews with ordinary people doing extraordinary things on bikes. The Podcast promotes the benefits of cycling as a lifestyle, physical health, mental health and social connections.
