This all changed with a chance encounter with the late Stu Downs.
"He just talked to me - there was no pressure, no judging, he just talked to me and encouraged me to have fun."
Grace now travels to Wellington three times a week on the train just to get the extra time on the velodrome.
Wellington Schools Cycling coach Gary Gibson runs every training session for age group riders at the velodrome.
"The structure of the training is perfect for me, there is heaps of variety and skills and Gary is always testing us - asking us questions and getting us thinking about what we can do better.
"Everyone is really nice and it's great to have people cheering on the side lines when you are competing."
Port Nicholson Poneke Cycling Club runs regular events that Grace is using for preparation towards the national age group track cycling in March.
She is currently leading the Burkes Cycles Speed League Track Series.
"My times have progressively come down and it's great to be competing against adults and senior riders every weekend, it really tests me."
The Kapiti Cycling Club has so much support and options for Grace - from indoor training session run by her coach Adam Johnston to 90km weekend road rides.
"Adam will often ask me to do a specific weekend road ride.
"He picks which group I should ride with and how far.
"He sets up my bike and sorts it all for me.
"It's just awesome, everyone is really kind and happy to share their knowledge."
Over the next few weeks Grace will be concentrating on the build up to the age group nationals at the Cambridge Avantidrome.
"I hope to do well.
"But I just want to improve on last year and have fun."
