HelenSmeaton

Before moving to Cyprus to "live the dream" in January 2005, Helen spent almost 20 years in the retail industry. She studied languages at university (French and German) and took a job in retail for "something to do over her first summer holiday."

Quickly discovering the dynamic fast pace of working in a head office based Buying and Merchandising environment, however, she soon decided to make a career out of retail. She also fancied having that company car, a perk for buyers and merchandisers, and a real incentive for fast career progression.

Helen worked first in menswear, got the car, then moved to outdoor sports and finally discount ladies fashion. Retail was fun and well paid, especially at a senior level, but the long hours meant little free time for enjoying the great outdoors. Helen also hated having a huge debt round her neck - a mortgage - so she resolved to be debt-free as soon as possible and at the grand old age of 32, she met her husband Al, paid off the mortgage and spent every bit of free time travelling the world on exciting MTB and trekking adventures. And that gave her a new goal - to quit the day job and do something different.

The decision to take the plunge came at the age of 40 after an enforced job change gave Helen and Al time to think and reflect. Life is too short to sit and procrastinate so they took the plunge, did a business plan and moved to Cyprus to start a mountain bike and walking business. They've never looked back.

Now Helen splits her time between riding or hiking the trails with clients and freelance writing and web design. She's doing all the things she loves to do and on her terms. It's an amazing thing to have your own freedom and know that every penny or euro you earn came from your own hard work.

Helen started writing for Suite 101 in 2008 and was promoted to Feature Writer for Cycling and Mountain Biking after 4 months. While many of my articles are about cycling, she also has the freedom to write about any topic, like yoga, for instance, another passion discovered when she moved to Cyprus.

Life is a rocky road...so ride a mountain bike.