Karla Bell

I grew up around bikes and did some triathlons in high school but was never all that invested in cycling itself; just enjoyed some very inconsistent training. The drive to start racing only came a couple of years ago when I was watching some of the Aussie women racing on TV and I was in awe of their strength and determination. I just remember thinking these women are incredible and that lit a fire in my belly to aim to get on the start line with them one day. My parents owned a bike shop for most of my life and we had a great community there with the Saturday morning bunchie and night wind trainer sessions out the back of the shop. I was lucky enough to grow up with a very active and supportive group of extended family and friends, and they were also a big part of why I got out on the bike

I think it was one of the Northern Combines races, I brought a red light that wasn’t charged and the Commissaires wouldn’t allow me to start without a working one. I eventually got my hands on one but missed the start and was very far behind by the time I got moving. I did the whole race by myself, sadly, and never caught back up but I still finished it.

I am working full time currently for my family's business manufacturing emergency vehicles.

Tour of Flanders and Cadels GOR Race have to be up there, those roads are home for me and every year we watch the race come through Ocean Grove (after getting out for an early bunchie to claim the sprint points in Torquay before they close the roads)

Thursday night moto at Brunswick Velo, always love showing up and seeing all the friendly faces each week. The last hour never gets any easier, so surviving the last 10 laps is the best feeling, except when Cam’s countdown somehow goes 4..3..2..1,1