Michelle Sando

Michelle Sando

Hi, I’m Michelle. I fell in love with mountain biking 10 years ago after dodgy ankles ended my ultra-running dreams. My husband Nick is a long-time cyclist and chief adventure instigator – if it involves bikes, a tent, climbing, hiking and preferably a questionable amount of effort, he’s in! We drag our 2 (now teenage) children into our “type 2” fun whenever we can.

In 2019 we turned our passion into a business, and through our bike shop we have met some wonderful people – two of whom are the reason I am here.

Peter Smith has been encouraging me to join him on the Ride for Research events since the day we met. I haven’t been able to participate till now, and I am grateful that he is part of the support crew this year. And Emily Paterson – a dear friend and ride ringleader. I may have sparked the idea, but she threw a flamethrower at it.  Before I could find an excuse, she had rallied a crew and signed us up.

I’m excited for this opportunity and a little (actually a lot) nervous.  This ride is well outside of my comfort zone, and training has to squeeze into an already full life. Reading the stories of ROC survivors has been both humbling and motivating, giving this ride real meaning.  Before this, I hadn’t heard of (rare) ovarian cancer – and that’s exactly the problem.

I ride for those who can’t. To raise awareness. And to help fund research that desperately matters.