She knew the individual time trial course at the Adelaide-based event would not be entirely flat and fast, but when laying eyes on the route she would have to tackle, Tuynman got a shock.

"I knew there was a bit of a climb ... but then when we drove the course I though 'Oh my God', it was a five percent climb right smack at the start. After you got to the top you had about another 15 kays," she said.

That climb, coupled with some stiff opposition in her women's masters 5 category (51-54 years), meant her goal was simply to make it to the finish.

Six months under the guidance of coach Damian Mason - who she said "slapped me when I needed it and gave me insights - because he's a national winner himself - which are just amazing" - went into preparing Tuynman for the race.

"It was my first individual cycling race for about 30 years," the Bathurst-based Illawarra Cycle Club member said.

"It was a very tough field, they pretty much came from the road nationals to the masters games. I didn't go to nationals, so I really wasn't sure what to expect, my aim was just to get up that hill."

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As well as the climb to begin the 20 kilometre individual time trial, Tuynman had to battle a headwind then faced a tricky descent.

But Mason gave her some tips on how to angle herself on her bike and they worked - she was clocked at 62km/hr coming down the hill.

"It was a very, very tough course," she said.

"I pedalled the whole way from top to bottom, I knew I had to make up time where I could. I wasn't expecting a medal, I just wanted to get out there, so I'm pretty chuffed.

"One went past me but I was like 'Right I want to keep her in sight'. I just kept chasing and chasing the whole way.

"She got me at the top of the hill .. but yeah it did make me push harder, I kept her in sight the whole way, pedal to the metal."

In the end it was Alison Kent who claimed the gold medal as she averaged 31.5km/hr for the course.

But Tuynman surprised herself as she snared the bronze, covering the course in 43 minutes, 42 seconds.

Her average speed was 27.25km/hr and she enjoyed the experience enough she plans to attend next year's games in Alice Springs.

"My coach said that either you'll never want to go back or you'll enjoy it and want to keep going, I definitely want to keep going. Renee [Covington] - she's been my training buddy for the last six months - has roped me into do track, so that's my next thing," she said.