Starting Early
My first experience of cycling was when unexpectedly my dad brought home an old blue second hand bike for me. I was about eight, the bike was far too big but I was determined to learn how to ride it. I remember going up and down our street with my dad holding onto the back until I finally mastered it. I loved the rusty dynamo light, the harder I pedalled the brighter it shone!
After that I went for Saturday morning cycling lessons and got my cycling proficiency badge.
I have never been a strong cyclist but I have always enjoyed it. As I write this I realise that I have cycled on and off throughout my life.
In my early teens I was over the moon when I got a brand new red shopper bike from Halfords complete with a tartan saddle bag. I thought it was amazing and it was the right size!
Main mode of transport
We didn’t have a car and my bike was my transport. My favourite days were going out with my friends during the school holidays and cycling the 12 mile round trip to Gunthorpe Bridge in Nottingham.
Holidays as a child were spent in the Peak District and involved lots of cycling along the Cromford canal.
I lived in London for 10 years where I went to university and then worked and didn’t cycle during my time there. The bike would come out of the shed however on trips home to Nottingham as I cycled to my old haunts.
Later family holidays with our children often involved bikes and tents. I have nice memories of cycling in Austria and Frankfurt with children.
Getting back into it
For a while, I think cycling was on the back burner as work and family life took up a lot of my time and I joined a running club.
After a running injury a physiotherapist advised I might be better cycling. This prompted a trip to Ellis Briggs to buy a new bike. I enjoyed holidays cycling on the Monsal trail and Cinder track in Whitby.
The joys of an e-bike





The real game changer was getting an e bike. We popped into a bike shop in Buxton to buy an inner tube and I came out with a new folding e bike. I could suddenly get up hills and wasn’t quite so slow!
I started cycling regularly to work along the canal from Guiseley to Leeds.
With retirement came the discovery of the ‘Let’s Ride’ website. I had seen a group of cyclists in a coffee shop in Otley and thought that I quite fancied doing that which triggered an internet search. From there I discovered the Meanderers which led me to the Bingley Belles and then the Breezers.
I love my Monday morning bike rides, I’ve met a great group of cyclists and friends.
I’ve now got another e bike with bigger wheels which I prefer. The folding one is still great to take on holiday in the camper van.
I have enjoyed doing the co ride leader training and taking out community rides.
I think my favourite Breezer ride is from Hirst Lock along the canal to the Marina at Apperley Bridge. I also really enjoy cycling from Parsley Hay up the High Peak trail to Ashbourne.
The most enjoyable part for me is a cuppa and cake with my cycling friends.
Anne's favourite ride

- Hirst Lock to Apperley Bridge
- Distance: 10 miles
- Terrain: Towpath and minor roads
- Type of ride: One cake