A multiple national champion, Bates rode as a professional since 2002.

Her sister, Natalie Bates, was also a professional racing cyclist.

She now co-runs Chicks Who Rides Bikes, a women's cycling organisation which supports women at all levels of cycling as well as working as a freelance television commentator and host.

[3] She co-hosts The Wheelhouse cycling podcast with Australian sports journalist Joel Spreadborough.

[4] Her spouse, Luke Miers, is a Walkley Award-winning camera-operator.