Wheel Women

31/08/2026

Now here’s an event worth supporting…totally fun in 2026 and I’m looking forward to the local vibes again for 2027!

26/08/2026

I don’t know why, but pink has always been my signature cycling colour. Which is odd, because my favourite colour is actually magenta.

I went through several pink Specialized Prevail helmets over the years—as one wore out, another took its place. Until one terrible day… they stopped making them! Oh the disappointment!

And so began my years in the wilderness. Otherwise known as… wearing a white helmet.

But the drought is over. Meet my new Specialized Propero in Dove Pink. Not available in Australia, so thanks to some wonderful overseas connections, I’m finally back where I belong…in PINK. 🩷🩷🩷

Thanks Specialized Bicycles...I feel like myself again!

(And thanks to changes in Australian helmet regulations, certain overseas-certified helmets can now legally be worn here).

25/08/2026

I just added to the blog...this one comes from the heart!
https://www.wheelwomenaustralia.com/single-post/the-woman-who-gave-me-japan

25/08/2026

We've had a change of date for our April 2027 tour...let's just call May the new April! Yes, you asked and we listened so now we will be taking you on a unique and exciting cycling adventure in MAY that explores the creative heart of Japan's Setouchi region.

From the historic and traditional villages nestled into the streets of Tomonoura and Kurashiki to the world-renowned art island of Naoshima, we'll ride through rice fields, along quiet coastal roads and hidden island backways, tackling rewarding climbs and discovering places few visitors ever see. Along the way, we'll ride the lesser known sections of the legendary Shimanami Kaido, one of the world's most celebrated cycling routes.

You wouldn't want to miss it would you? (NOTE:limited places)
https://www.wheelwomenaustralia.com/setouchibydesign2027tour

10/08/2026

Some places you visit. Others stay with you.
That's what happened to me back in 1985. Japan...I just had to return.

For me, cycling in Japan has always been about so much more than the ride. It’s the quiet back roads, tiny villages, unexpected conversations, beautiful landscapes and those moments when you realise you’re experiencing somewhere rather than simply passing through it.

These are the places I’ve fallen in love with over years of exploring Japan — sometimes through careful planning, sometimes through countless wrong turns — and there’s something incredibly special about finally being able to share them with others.

Our Wheel Women Cycling tours are about slowing down, looking a little closer and immersing yourself in the places we ride through. The food, the people, the culture, the landscape…and all those wonderful little discoveries that could never make it onto an itinerary.

Japan. By Bike. By Heart.
Expertly Guided. Deeply Connected.

Come and discover the Japan I love. 🇯🇵🚲
https://www.wheelwomenaustralia.com/setouchibydesign2027tour

Send a message to learn more

09/08/2026

Just a little of what you can expect on a Wheel Women Cycling tour in Japan…

Sublime lunch stops, breathtaking views, incredible food and an adventure filled with immersion, connection and culture.

Expertly guided, deeply connected and shaped by years of exploring Japan’s roads less travelled — with award-winning local knowledge behind every ride.

We just love showing others the places we love — sharing the incredible places we discover, the people we meet and the experiences that make Japan so special.

Japan. By Bike. By Heart.

Come ride Japan with us. 2027 places are limited.
https://www.wheelwomenaustralia.com/setouchibydesign2027tour

04/08/2026

Wow...that was way back in 2021 when Specialized Bicycles released this beautiful film that was such a joy and honour to be a part of. It feels like a lifetime ago now...so much time spent riding, getting healthy and loving riding bikes whenever I can. I am so thankful for the team behind me who have helped me show up for the rides, kept me healthy, made sure my ride was just right and encouraged me when I felt like it was all too hard and helped me face the challenges.

So much healthier, so much stronger, so much fitter (and even a little smaller) and I just don't ever want to give up my Creo. It's a total love affair with my bike for sure!


Specialized Bicycles 1st Project Cycles

17/07/2026

Gosh, who remembers the Japanese themed cycling caps we did back in 2017...all those Japanese fabrics of mine collected over the years put to good use. I called it 'watashi no boshi by ww' (which means 'my hat by ww').

I think we need to go back to this project...looks like my weekend is sorted!! I still have mlountains of Japanese fabric (I can't help myself!!😆)...what a fun project with a new sewing machine.

Do you like them...should we do them again?
I think this time we should do them with a pony tail hole at the back.

15/07/2026

Not like I had anything else to do 😆, but I finally got a map animated of our Setouchi By Design tour for April 2027 with a little line following the course...it's missing the moving bike!! But hey, I'm working on it and it hasn't been easy!

From Onomichi across to Tomonoura to see the revitalisation of an old town and how old buildings have been repurposed, visit Kurashiki to see the history of denim production in Japan and find out how uber cool and much sought after it has become, then to Tamano to stay at an old keirin racing hotel that has been repurposed into a fun and beautifully designed and branded cycling hotel.

Of course no tour about design, art, and architecture in the Setouchi area could miss the incredible Naoshima where we will see work by Tadao Ando and Yayoi Kusama. But if Ando isn;t enough, we then stay at a Kengo Kuma designed hotel before taking on the Shimanami and exploring the course that put Onomichi and Imabari on the radar for so many cyclists...renewal, reinvention, design, architecture and a whole lotta riding!!

(That train section in green looks long but it is actually only 1.5hrs....the rest is BIKE FUN!!! )

You can find out more on our website at: https://www.wheelwomenaustralia.com/setouchibydesign2027tour

10/07/2026

Every year our jersey tells a story.

Some years ago, I was offered an old tansu (Japanese chest of drawers). There was just one condition...

"If you take the tansu, you have to take the kimono too."

Little did they know I'd been collecting vintage meisen kimono for years...kimono has been my passion.

One by one, I unfolded each kimono, wondering who had worn it, what stories it held, and why this family had chosen to let it go.

I'll never know the answers, but the beauty of those textiles has stayed with me ever since.

Our new anniversary jersey, celebrating ten years of riding the Shimanami, pays tribute to the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese textiles and to the women whose lives were woven into them.

As we ride through Japan this October, we'll be creating stories of our own.

(and yes, we used AI to create these pics so apologies for that!!)