An after-school job in a bike shop and the purchase of a French racing bike at 15 set Gerri on the road to a life on two wheels. Marrying a cycling obsessive cemented it, while touring 3,500kms across France on a fully-laden bicycle made her appreciate South Australias relatively flat terrain.
Now a freelance journalist and photographer living in the Barossa, Gerri still doesnt like climbing but thinks cyclings one of the best - and most inclusive - ways to get around.
"No matter who you are - young or old, fit or unfit - you can get on a bike and ride. There are no rules about how far or fast to go, or that you have to ride on hilly routes, and the satisfaction at the end is all yours. Then theres the camaraderie you have with other riders: theres something about cycling thats incredibly bonding and if youre a cyclist, youre automatically part of the fraternity.
But the best thing of all is the chance to get out and ride with friends or family, catching up and taking in the scenery. Life goes so fast these days, its a great way to slow down and just spend some time together."