Jane’s Story
My first bike was a tricycle, it was a wonderous red colour and I loved trundling around the garden on it. Riding outside the boundary of the garden gates came pretty soon as we lived in a cul de sac which meant there were less cars around and playing outside was what I did most days.
Second Hand for Starters
It was a while before I got my own bike, which was a second hand one; I got to choose what colour it was sprayed and I chose a metallic bronze. My dad did the cleaning up and sorting out in secret as it was a Christmas present. I really loved it, and I felt very grown up with my white saddle bag on the back.
I learnt to ride when I was 6 or 7 I think. I was being looked after by a neighbour for the day, who was the local Brown Owl Leader. They had a long driveway so it was perfect for learning how to stay on and having a good run at it in a straight line. Being able to ride a bike without stabilisers for the first time was brilliant, something to tell my mam at the end of the day.
I was born in Thornaby on Teesside, where I lived until I was 18 before going off to uni. At around 10-12yrs old, I used to go on bike rides with friends, 5 or 6 of us girls would go off for the day to cycle to nearby villages, Hilton, Seamer even Stokesley (which was 9 whole miles). We would pack cheese or ham or egg sandwiches and a drink and off we’d go, very Enid Blyton style. No map of course or mobile phones they didn’t exist then. It felt so adventurous, I loved the sense of freedom and discovery. And of course, always more fun with friends.
A First Taste of Independence
When I was 17, I got a summer job on the Thornaby industrial estate, I didn’t have a bike so borrowed my brothers racer to get to work and back. Well, the thing was uncomfortable to ride with a cross bar and the job very boring, I left after 3 weeks to work as a live in chamber maid (as it was called then) in Ventnor on the Isle of White, my brother’s girlfriend was down there so it was a great summer of fun.
I studied engineering and one of my industrial placements was in Holland for 6 months. Everyone cycles in Holland as it’s so flat. I was issued a company bike which was handy. It took me a little while to get used to braking by pedalling backwards and the lights also worked by pedal power. I met some great people during my time in Arnhem and enjoyed the café culture and late-night outs which we all often cycled to. Sometimes things got a little tipsy but everyone looked after each other.
I moved to the South coast for my first proper Job at 21 and cycled to work it was only 4 miles but a lovely part of my day. I did this on and off but then fell out of the habit as can happen.
The Occasional Cyclist
For a long while I’d cycle occasionally and sometimes hire a bike on holiday, but not really doing much cycling for years, well decades really. As I’ve grown older I’ve never lost the feeling of wanting to be out on a bike, but was a bit lost as to how to really find the motivation to go out.
And then the Belles
Last year a friend from work mentioned the Bingley Belles, it took a few months to pluck up the courage to join but when I did, a wonderful world of cycling opened up. What a great bunch, so welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental; you do what you can. I’m so grateful to T’committee for all the hard work they do leading such a vibrant club. It’s a very sociable group and my fitness has improved month on month.
My partner built a bike shed to the front of our house that’s helped enormously with easy access to getting out, I’m still loading my bike into the car for meet ups but eventually I’ll get up Harden hill on the bike.
I love the sense of movement and being outdoors. We’re so lucky in West Yorkshire with the beautiful scenery, it can be hard won as there are lots of hills if you want them, but the sense of achievement is great, I’ve reconnected to the buzz of free- wheeling along lanes.
It’s a fabulously supportive group and I can’t see me coming off my bike again for many years into the future. Thankyou Bingley Belles.