Pip Ash's Facebook post said it all.
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"Couldn't have had a happier birthday than signing a contract with Dhuez Racing".
The news that the Tamworth Cycle Club member is the teams' first new recruit for the 2020 season was confirmation of what Ash has in her mind known for a little while now - she is no longer just a social cyclist.
Whether it was coincidental or not, that the announcement was made as she celebrated her 32nd birthday, made the day that extra bit special.
"It's probably one of the best birthday presents," she said.
After taking up cycling two years ago when a back injury forced the Australian Country hockey representative to pack away the stick, Ash has enjoyed a relatively rapid progression culminating in some podium finishes in some major races.
In July she was crowned country champion after finishing ninth overall at the NSW Country and Metropolitan Road Championships.
Then last month she won the road race for her age group at the NSW Masters Road Championships at Coffs Harbour. At what were her first state titles, she backed up the following day to finish third in the criterium.
Prior to that she was second in the Division 1 and 2 women's road race at the Goulburn Great Divide masters.
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"I guess since then I've been chatting with Dhuez and they've been very positive," she said.
"I'm just super excited to have a little more motivation and incentive to continue to work hard."
"I think 2020 will be an exciting year, probably targetting similar races but at a different level and in some of those races being able to race as part of a team."
That will be a bit of a difference experience, but one of the things Ash enjoys about cycling is that there is always something new to learn.
"I guess I am still learning every time I get on the bike, whether it be something from the mechanical side or race tactics," she said.
The road season is wrapping up but Ash will head down to the hunter this weekend for the final round of the Dhuez Travellers Trophy. She currently leads the women's standings for her division and would love to be able to finish with the jersey.
