“Hello! Bonjour! Hola! Ciao!”
Hello, I’m Liz, and hail from sunny Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Whilst I am a relatively new addition to the Ride International team, I have been guiding in Europe and Australia since 2022.
I absolutely love what I do, and wanted to share a little about myself, some of my favourite places we visit, things to do and see, and or course some of my favourite local coffee and snack stops here in Brisbane, Australia.
When I’m not on the road, I work as a sports scientist and provide coaching services for all disciplines of cycling and other endurance sports.
I coach able bodied and para-athletes and nothing gives me greater pleasure than to help others perform and achieve goals in their chosen sport, no matter what age or ability.
My must-do rides in Brisbane and surrounds
Brisbane is blessed with varied terrain and pleasant temperatures all year. We have access to some great climbing in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast hinterlands which are an hour’s drive north and south of the city.
You can travel west and ride the iconic Mount Nebo/Glorious ride and be climbing in sub tropical rainforest, accompanied by the sounds of bellbirds a mere thirteen kilometres from the CBD.
If something a little shorter is on the menu, the classic Brisbane “River Loop” never goes astray, taking in the city sights that shoulder the Brisbane River most of the way.
Feel like a visit to the water? Simply travel fifteen to twenty kilometres east and enjoy the sights of Moreton Bay on a “Wynnum Loop”.
Brissie cafes and coffee stops
Brisbane is blessed with a growing coffee scene, undoubtedly influenced from our friends south of the border. Here are a couple of good spots to check out…
CBD
Lune Croissanterie: This recommendation is self explanatory – enjoy mouth watering
croissants and decent coffee. Get there early to avoid the rush!
West End
Banette: Owned and operated by a French family, Banette specialises in authentic French pastries and some regional treats such as the Breton delicacy, kouign amman.
Toowong
Riser Bread (and coffee):This is an artisan cafe, tucked away in the backstreets of Toowong.
You’ll find all manner of sweet and savoury pastries on offer, Coffee Supreme coffee all with a historic Queenslander as its backdrop.
What motivates me as a coach and guide
Like many women, I started cycling for fitness when my children were grown up.
I fell in love with the freedom that riding a bike brings – nothing better than immersing myself in the great outdoors and gaining a completely different perspective of the world.
As a coach and guide, I get to share this every day with my athletes and customers. Their success and enjoyment of the process is my joie de vivre, and what gets me out of bed every morning.
Now, I spend three months in Europe every year, sharing the landscapes, climbs and culture that have stolen my heart.
Favourite European destinations
This is a tough question to answer, because I appreciate the cultures, landscapes and climate of everywhere I guide.
Italy
I cannot go past recommending the Dolomites as a must see (and ride) destination.
The Dolomites are a mountain range that has been formed by light colour dolomitic limestone, which erosion has carved into jagged saw edged shapes. Many of the mountains top 3000m altitude.
My favourite loop ride is the Sellaronda loop – which takes in four mountain passes in approximately 50km with 1700m climbing.
France
My favourite spot is the Pyrenees, the mountain ranges which are in the south of France – close to the Spanish border.
A little more rugged and rough around the edges compared with their polished French Alp cousins.
The region is home to several climbs that have featured in the Tour De France, including the mighty Tourmalet.
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend the the Montée du Géant (Ascent of the Giant) folk festival.
The “giant” is a monumental sculpture installed at the top of the Col Du Tourmalet during the summer months every year.
The festival involves the sculpture being driven up to the top of the pass on an open truck. This truck is accompanied by thousands of cyclists, keen to celebrate the official opening of the pass.
My favourite climb?
The Col d’Aubisque, with its balcony road and sweeping views.
Why Ride International
It’s a pleasure to work with Pat and Grace and the rest of the RI team, whose approach aligns beautifully with my own.
One aspect I particularly enjoy on tour is meeting our new riders and integrating them into our Ride International family as firm friends by the end!
Grace and Pat manage to curate the perfect blend of food, culture and ride options to provide unforgettable memories on tour and I’m so happy to be a part of it!
See you on the Giro D’Italia and Tour De France tours!
