Rapha Women's 100

The Rapha Womens 100 is an annual global event aimed at connecting women who ride with other keen riders in their area. Being fortunate enough to have been born into the Southern Hemisphere, we get the privilege of riding the event in the midst of our winter. This presents the usual challenges of battling the elements, but also brings us closer together as we share the experience.

Riding with a crew of women who are out for a good time, to enjoy their surroundings and each other's company, who are eager to learn, and willing to share knowledge, guarantees you'll have a fun and memorable ride. 

Amy and Emma were the ride leaders and had done all the planning and route mapping in preparation for the big day. We started out admist a light fog, with a definite chill to the air. Course reconnaissance hadn't discovered that the gate on the Temple farm access road is sometimes locked. We didn't care. We tip-toed across the cattle grate and lifted the bikes over the gate. Onwards!

Photo: Amy Taylor

We rolled along in 2-up formation, giving us ample opportunity to chat and take photos. Some of which were more flattering than others. Here I am with a prime example of #bicycleface.

Photo:Amy Taylor

At our halfway point, we rolled into Te Awamutu whereupon we were spoilt with a tasty array of cupcakes and gluten and dairy-free treats, courtesy of @littlesugarsnaps and Paige who drove out to TA to set up the feast.

Photo: Megan Ward

Feeling revived, we headed out for Part 2 of the ride, along the backroads of Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, the sun was shining and the wind was (sometimes) at our backs. We waved at the Teletubbies and continued on towards home.

My day was made better for having Metal team-mate Megan along. She puts the grrr in great. Love your styles:

We finished where we had started - outside the Good George dining hall. Thanks to the generosity of the people at Good George we had a few platters of food to fill our tummies before ordering up some pizzas to overcompensate for the days activities. Paige, Emma and Amy could smile knowing they'd completed a successful day and planted the seed for something bigger.

Thanks to Rapha for the wonderful initiative to support women's cycling.