Mrs Vaughan and a number of other women participated in a charity ride from Mittagong to Camden as part of the Goulburn to Citi Classic earlier this year.

That event was the catalyst for the development of the new group.

Mrs Vaughan said the cycling group was strictly non-competitive and focused on the social aspect of cycling.

“The idea was to just bring women together,” she said.

“It is about offering an outlet and an opportunity for physical activity.”

Riding together on the first Sunday morning of each month, members will have the opportunity to participate in short or long rides.

“We want to have two rides. One would be a 50km ride, with a shorter 20km ride available and a meet-up for everyone afterwards,” said Mrs Vaughan.

“The group will help women be more independent. We want people to come so we can teach them things and then they can join other groups,” she said.

“There are opportunities available everywhere for competitive cycling, but this group is just about learning how to ride safely.”

With extensive cycling experience, Mrs Vaughan feels she has a lot to offer people who are new to the sport.

“I got my cycling legs riding from Adelaide to Alice Springs,” she said.

There are lots of things that I can share with other women after 10 years experience of riding in the Highlands.”

“I have ridden in lots of places, such as Sydney and the Snowy Mountains but the Southern Highlands is one of the best.”

“We have relatively safe roads and some great routes for beginners and experienced riders.”

Mrs Vaughan said many women, and particularly mothers, struggled to find the time to do things for themselves, and the new group provided an opportunity to escape once a month.

“My husband Simon is really supportive of my cycling and is great at looking after Audrey and Hugh,” she said.