Start of biking
I have no recollection of learning to ride a bike! But when I found an old bike with no gears in the shed of my student digs my cycling “career” began.
I rode it around Manchester, back and forth, uphill and down vale, to Uni for 3 years until it got stolen and was replaced by a “New Hudson”, single gear, rod brakes- probably vintage even then!
I also rode this in the early 80’s in London. The child seat on the back providing transport to and fro to Play groups and schools for the children. I even rode it to and from work!!
Moving to Yorkshire I realised I couldn’t climb hills with it and it was sadly abandoned to retirement as an ornament in our garden.
Moving to the serious stuff
Skip a few years to the 90’s and my son decided to take up mountain biking. Short of fellow riders he decided I should join him on his cast-off bike. One ride over Ogden Moor and I was hooked. Night riding with a small battery light with his friends was one of the highest adrenaline thrills ever!
For my 40th Birthday I had my first new bike – a Diamond Back, Sorrento, mountain bike, with no suspension.For the next 20 or so years I enjoyed the thrills of mountain biking up-grading my bike whilst ridingwith various clubs, groups and friends. Riding up to 150 miles per week (and working part time). A real mid-life crisis.
This included trips to The Dales, The Lakes, The Peaks, Wales and Scotland for weekend ventures. Also holidaying abroad to France, Spain, Greece, USA and Portugal. I also took part in Orienteering Challenges, local fundraising challenges and also a 24hr race.
My husband became more interested in cycling and we started riding together. This included bike packing holidays in The Dales, France and Germany plus trips to Vietnam, India and Finland in the snow!
Reality check
So I finally calmed down and various factors, mainly health related, resulted in me turning to an E-Bike.
We moved to Keighley and looking to meet new cycling friends and do more “sedate” cycling I joined “The Belles”.
I met a lovely, friendly group of women – who like me, love cycling. I enjoy the more challenging 3 cake rides. My favourite being the rides out to Bolton Abbey and beyond. Members have also introduced me to other local cycling groups as well as small groups who are happy cycling together.
I have especially enjoyed the weekends away and the great cake stops!