Chelsea’s wheely good ideas

For the co-ordinator of Geelong’s Life Cycle 55+ ride, Chelsea Fisher, nothing beats getting out in the fresh air and exploring the region’s bike paths and trails.
“There’s a lot of tracks in Geelong that people aren’t aware of,” the Newtown local says. “And also the coffee shops – there’s some great coffee shops.”
Chelsea has led the ride, which leaves from outside Little Creatures at 10am each Friday, since November.
Every week she comes up with a fun local ride tailored to the weather and the riders’ abilities.
“I always rock up with ideas,” she says. “Along the waterfront is my favourite – it’s just gorgeous.”
The riders enjoy a coffee and chat during breaks almost as much as the ride itself, according to Chelsea.
“It’s the all about the friendship, the fitness and the mental health. And it’s always great to have new people join our group,” she says.
“A lot of people don’t explore their local area, so it gives them ideas of where they can go throughout the week.”
Chelsea took over from Cycling Victoria’s Mark Drehlich, who says age is no limit.
“Cycling’s one of those things – it doesn’t matter how old you are – you can always jump on a bike,” he says.
A 70-year-old rides in the Geelong group, while an 85-year-old rides in one the groups run in Melbourne.
Mark says Geelong’s bike trails are “second to none” in Victoria.
“They are absolutely spectacular, but I grew up in Torquay so I’m biased.”