Q&A with Quinton & Cindy Rutherford
Meet Cindy and Quinton Rutherford – a powerhouse duo on and off the trails! From tandem rides to tackling the grueling Freedom Challenge together, these two embody what it means to be a team. In this Q&A, they share their journey into mountain biking, how they survived training (and marriage!) during one of the toughest endurance challenges, and the lighter moments that kept them going – even when sipping Frisco on a concrete floor. Whether they’re pushing limits on Holla’s scenic routes or enjoying a post-ride coffee, Cindy and Quinton prove that cycling as a couple is all about adventure, grit, and lots of laughter. Let’s dive in!
How did the two of you get into mountain biking, and was it something you started doing together, or did one of you convince the other?
Q – The adventure of the sport attracted me and I followed a few friends into it after some road riding experience. After a while I convinced Cindy to join me.
C – I don’t really enjoy training indoors, so when a friend asked me to ride the Argus with her 17 years ago with zero cycling fitness I saw it as an opportunity to spend time out in the fresh air to stay fit and healthy. After a couple of road races on a tandem with Quinton, he persuaded me to try mountain biking and I was hooked.
You have completed the Freedom Challenge together – how did your marriage survive the training and the challenge itself? Any funny moments or stories?
Q – I found it a lot easier being away from the day to day stresses of running our businesses. This was a great bonding experience without any distractions. It would have been a funny moment to see the look on our faces when we reached the bottom of the Lehanas pass, and realised that the tiny speck up on the top of the mountain, which was actually a blue 40ft container, was our destination. We realised we had to climb up to it with our full backpacks and bicycles on our backs. Nothing could have prepared us for that.
C – We actually have worked together for over 25 years and I think this really helped with the team work required to get through. Quinton is so patient with me and believes in my ability more than I do! I am so grateful to have been able to do this with him. Funny moment that wasn’t funny at the time… 17 hours on the bike, dark, raining, freezing after drinking Frisco with no milk on the concrete floor of a policeman’s house in a local village, we head back into the weather, up a 7km steep climb. The tears came, and my words were “FFS, this is so childish. I have a perfectly good, warm bed at home, why are we even here?”
Any advice for other couples planning or thinking about doing Freedom together?
Q – See it as an adventure, not a race. Take one day at a time and absorb every moment. We have some great memories.
C – It was so interesting to see each other outside of our comfort zones. It is the most incredible experience to share. If you are unsure about the distance, there are shorter 5 / 6 day legs you can do together first to get a feel for it. Be careful though, it is addictive.
What’s the best thing about training together as a couple? Do you push each other harder or just enjoy the ride?
Q – We enjoy the ride and we each have a role to play as a team. Cindy is the organiser, I just arrive and carry heavy things far.
C – I think sometimes when life gets in the way you can become like passing ships. Training together and having a common goal is important to us and gives us an opportunity to spend good quality time together.
What are you currently training for? Any exciting events or challenges coming up?
Q – We would love to do another Freedom Challenge this year if we can afford the time. We are currently training for it and hope to make it to the start line.
C – I didn’t actually complete the Freedom Challenge in 2022. I had developed an overuse injury and by day 21 I couldn’t continue to finish the last 3 days. Quinton went on to finish – it was important to get at least one blanket! And so I have unfinished business on the Freedom Trail…
Do you have a favourite route at Holla Trails, or do you mix it up?
Q – We have to mix it up because we need to cover distance and time on the bike.
C – I think Yellow is my favourite trail, but thankfully after 11 years of riding at Holla we are able to mix things up to include all our favourite bits – and there are many.
What do you love most about Holla Trails as a training ground? Is it the scenic views, the well-maintained routes, or the post-ride coffee?
Q – All of these are great. The coffee stop carries us the last 10kms home after a long ride.
C – Holla Trails is full of happy people – we are all out there getting our dose of endorphins and extremely grateful that we are able to enjoy all it has to offer. The trails are beautiful and nothing beats that post coffee ride, served with a smile.
How do you celebrate after completing a tough ride together? Is there a ritual, like grabbing a coffee, indulging in a big meal, or just lying flat on the couch?
Q – A recovery smoothie and flat on the couch
C – What he said
Do you ever compete against each other on the trails, or is it more about supporting one another? And be honest – who’s got the most grit? 😉
Q – My wife definitely has more grit because her pain kicks in days before mine and she just keeps on going.
C – Thankfully Quinton is happy to ride at my pace so there is no competition on the bike. We don’t realise how much grit we have until we are pushed to our limit. It is a great lesson.