Rockhampton's CQUni Bike 4 Life event scheduled for Sunday, July 31 is an ideal opportunity for cyclists to set new goals, according to intending participant Trishia Cutler.

Trishia says she became aware of the event after taking on a new job relating to cycling facilities, as part of her role with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Trishia Cutler prepares for the event

"When I first heard about the Bike 4 Life event I thought that I would be able to complete the 5km event," Trishia says.

"Since then I have had encouragement from colleagues who participated last year and I have been challenged to undertake the 25km Tour de Town. Depending on how training goes I will either do the Tour de Town or I will do the Tour de Uni several times and challenge myself to see how far I can actually go.

"I needed some form of exercise and I thought that I would give cycling a go. By making the commitment to participate I have had to start 'training' as I generally don't exercise at all. I am hoping that I will have the additional benefit of developing some new healthy lifestyle habits."

Trishia says that, as with all training programs, her enthusiasm was challenged, in her case by work trips to Brisbane.

"I have reassessed what I can realistically achieve around work and family commitments so now I endeavour to train 2 - 3 times a week. I found having a training program great when going from zero exercise and beginning a program. The program said how long to walk and cycle for and included rest days. At the moment with the cold weather and short days, training is a bit of a struggle.

Trishia Cutler in training mode

"Cycling is something that you can't enjoy for the first week or so. When the aches and pains diminish and the lung capacity improves the enjoyment comes as you can enjoy the company of other cyclists and the environment where you are riding. This is coming from a person who in April did no exercise at all so I am also in the process of learning to enjoy exercise in general."

Trishia has advice for those facing their own exercise challenges.

"Keep going. If you haven't been able to stick to the training schedule or are only just beginning - don't give up. Reassess and do what you can. Just keep going."

Riders of all ages and abilities have the chance to take part in the second annual CQUni Bike 4 Life event, conducted by Rockhampton Cycling Club and  Rockhampton Regional Council in partnership with CQUniversity.

Departing from the CQUniversity Sports Centre on Sunday, July 31, there'll be a 1km Tour de University, 25km Tour of the Town, 60km Cawarral Challenge and 100km Beaches Bash.

Participation in this event is free for the Tour de University and $15, $20 and $25 respectively for the longer distances.

This event proudly supports The Amy Gillett Foundation and the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

For more information on this event please contact Sophia Czarkowski on 4936 8022 or sophia.czarkowski@rrc.qld.gov.au