Kate Lee
Beginner to National Champ
“Nothing changes if nothing changes”. That’s what I told myself going into 2023. I wasn’t at rock bottom, but in the chaos of emergency nursing, shift work, a relationship that was no longer serving me and everything else that life throws, I had lost myself and my mental & physical health left little to be desired.
After many failed attempts at getting back in the gym, I decided to try something different. I joined an indoor cycling gym with an achievable goal to go at least 3 times a week. My competitive and addictive ADHD personality proved on my side for once, and I found a space that I loved.
I leaned in.
One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I found myself with a second-hand road bike and absolutely no idea what I was doing. I literally knew no one who cycled, so believe me when I say it was a very steep learning curve. Shimano what?
My first ride was…. Humbling. A quick stop at 99 Bikes to get some kit to wear seemed almost pointless when I was lying on the bitumen with ripped lycra and blood all down my leg. But I kept at it. A few bandages weren’t going to stop me, because I knew that this was a space that I wanted to be a part of.
I no longer belonged where I once stood, but I wasn’t yet where I wanted to go. I was caught in the awkward, messy ‘in between’ phase of change. Truth be told, this was one of the most challenging parts of the journey that I didn’t expect. Relationships ending, new ones beginning, values shifting, goals and horizons expanding – both on and off the bike. I remember talking with a friend at work after being on only a few rides and asking her if I could call myself a cyclist yet. I felt like a bit of an imposter.
This proved, however, to be merely internalised feelings with no evidence of truth. I was continually shocked by the generosity, kindness & openness shown to me by everyone I met, even without wearing a white helmet or proper cycling socks. Everyone was so kind, and my circle began to rapidly expand. Each ride became slightly less terrifying, and I was soon addicted to chasing the next big milestone and celebratory post-ride coffee with my growing community.
Having grown up in Bowral, the Bowral Classic seemed like the perfect target. Could I go from 0km to 150km with a ridiculous amount of elevation gain in just a few short months of cycling? I really, truly didn’t know, but I signed up anyway… what’s the worst that can happen, I thought?
Crossing that finish line was a feeling that I have never experienced before. The immense pride I felt in myself was so overwhelming… I burst into tears. (The physical pain probably played a part, too.) Not only had I just completed a huge, monumental goal and proved to myself that I could, but I had also crossed that finish line as the 2nd-fastest female. I was in utter disbelief, and though not a race, that really was the beginning of everything. The self-belief that I needed. The affirmation that I belonged.
Fast forward to September 2025, and I was standing on the top step of the Australian National Championships podium, pulling on the green and gold Australian jersey as the new MAS1 Road Race National Champion.
A few small changes snowballed into something bigger than I could have ever imagined. Cycling didn’t just change my physical health. Cycling changed my outlook on life, my self-worth and values, my mindset and resilience, and my ability to do hard things. Cycling introduced me to the most dynamic mix of people from so many different backgrounds and ages, something that I think is truly unique to the sport. Cycling has connected me with some incredible brands (and, more importantly, the people behind them), provided me with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and given me the keys to build my confidence & use my voice in my small corner of the internet.
So here’s my advice to you…
Buy the bike. It’s not as scary as your mind makes it out to be. Start slowly, start small, start wherever and however you can, because I promise you, you will not look back.
