It’s been a very busy couple of months in the Stone household after being awarded the Gold Sponsorship level from the Australia Alopecia Areata Society.

Following a thumb injury in late March which only allowed for mountain bike riding in June it was full speed ahead to try and claw back lost time. I had the Masters World Championships for marathon mountain bike racing over in Dwelling Up, a couple hours out of Perth, to train for and compete in September.

Planning included securing three mountain bike lessons with a professional coach who is one of the best in Australia, his wife coincidentally has also lives with Alopecia Areata . I had heard that the 100km course in Dwelling Up was going to be very technical with some scary sections thrown in and pea gravel to deal with. I knew my basic skills were good however I knew I had to rapidly up skill in some aspects of my riding. Through the three 1.5 hour lessons I was put through my paces and learnt to finally corner quickly and efficiently, clear drops and jumps in the correct, safe manner and learn to climb quickly and skill-fully. These skills were very much in use at the race.

Prior to the World Championships my right and shoulder and left thumb which had been operated on were still weak from the crash in March. I knew I had too quickly and safely bring the agility, flexibility and strength back to these areas. I worked with my personal trainer one on one in weekly sessions and followed additional safe strength training outside of the sessions. I also followed the PT’s plan for fitness on the mountain bike which paid off hugely.

I used other training tactics to get ready for the Dwelling Up race which included some short distance mountain bike racing. The short format (XCO) was up to 1.5hour races. This ensured I was skilled in sprinting, being passed and passing other slower riders, thinking on my feet and practicing skills. I also raced some criterium races on my road bike which are good for the 30 minute efforts and for planning race tactics and watching where I’m riding!

The race went really well and I had the privilege of competing against the best in the country. I enjoyed the course and the camaraderie with the other competitors and completed the 100km course in just over 6 hours pacing 6th in my category against world champions.

During the racing and during training I have been able to talk about Alopecia Areata and increase awareness of the condition. I have been promoting the condition in other ways as well.

I have been continuing on with my public speaking practice in the forum of Toast Masters and have spoken on the topic to increase my confidence of talking about the subject. I have had many questions about the condition which I have done my best to answer.

I have continued to coach the kids club and am often asked by the children why my head is always covered – the Australia sun and my very white head is not a great match and I burn easily. Again I have managed to answer their questions and promote the condition.

With thanks to the funding and the continuing training I am now feeling confident enough to line up for an additional race this year which was not preplanned. I am competing in the world Championships for 24 hour mountain bike racing next week. Without the support I think my racing days would have been behind me.

Rebecca was a part of our sponsorship program – you can also participate! Go here to learn more https://aaaf.org.au/sponsorship-program