I Was Going to Walk Away… Then I Changed My Job Instead

I thought I was done.

A while back I was pretty set on stepping away from coaching and running group rides. Between work, life, and trying to look after my own head, it felt like the right call. I’d said as much to a few people.

But here’s the truth — I missed it. I missed riding with other people. I missed watching someone’s confidence grow on the trails. I missed the conversations that happen when you’re not glued to a screen. Turns out I wasn’t quite ready to give that up after all.

So instead of walking away from the riding, I changed the job.

I’ve just taken on a new role that gives me more headspace and energy outside of work. That means I can keep doing the thing I actually enjoy — getting people out on bikes, helping them get better, and running rides that feel good for everyone involved.

Trail Mates is continuing

I’m really glad to say that the Trail Mates social rides, supported by the Gold Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy program, will keep going into the new financial year. We’ll still run the relaxed, no-pressure group rides that a lot of you have come to enjoy — beginner and intermediate options, with that same focus on connection, getting outside, and riding for the right reasons.

Family sessions are coming back too

One of the things I’ve heard a fair bit is that people want more opportunities for kids and families to ride together. So from July, during the school holidays, we’re bringing back kid-friendly sessions — but with a bit of a difference.

These aren’t drop-off “kids only” rides. They’re proper Trail Mates Family Adventures where parents and kids ride and learn side-by-side. We’re running two groups so the sessions stay fun and appropriate for the age:

• Little Rippers (ages 6–9) — a gentler, confidence-focused session

• Trail Blazers (ages 10–12) — a bit more energy and flow

The idea is pretty simple — give families something active and fun to do together that doesn’t involve sitting around a table on their phones. Parents ride with their kids the whole time, and everyone gets to finish feeling like they did something worthwhile together.

What’s next?

I’ll share the full schedule and booking details soon. In the meantime, if you want to stay in the loop or just want to say g’day, send me a message and I’ll keep you updated.

Thanks to everyone who’s come the Trail Mates rides with me this year — and to the GCCC's Active and Healthy Team for continuing to back it. I’m genuinely looking forward to getting back out there with you all.

See you on the trails.