Our December 2024 Belle
An Early Starter!
Hi, my name is Liz and I’ve been cycling since I was 3. That means that I’ve now been cycling for 56 years altogether. I don’t think there is a year I haven’t cycled since then!
Belles come to the rescue
I joined the Belles back in 2022, I had broken my collar bone back in December 2021 and was looking to restart cycling and Bingley Belles seemed like the perfect place to start my rehabilitation.
I’m a mountain biker and a cycle tourer at heart but the Belles provided supportive, friendly accommodating opportunities for me to build back up my strength and confidence on the bike which was lacking following my accident. Little did I know that in the Summer of 24 I’d be on a cycle tour of the Dales with an ace bunch of women and a tent and sleeping bag on my handlebars. Pure joy.
I’ve also been mountain biking with the Belles, trips to Dalby Forest, Gisburn Forest and under the excellent guidance of Nicola discovered some local trails I’d never ridden before. Joining the Belles has supported me to get back on my bike and eventually back on my Mountain Bike and for that I am eternally grateful.
I’m looking forward to many more rides and trips with wonderful women , many who generously give their time to ensure that anyone and everyone who wants to ride gets to ride. I have wonderful memories of our trip to Dalby this summer, the weather was great as was the delicious food and the company. It may come as a surprise but one of my favourite rides is along the canal to Rodley Nature Reserve. I’m a bird lover and it’s a wonderful place to watch birds. I’ve usually got some binoculars in my bag. It’s the combination of cycling and birding that makes it a favourite for me. Any ride that provides an opportunity to see birds, or other wildlife is a win win for me.
Thank you Bingley Belles, you are all stars x
Liz Porter's favourite ride
- Rodley Nature Reserve. This shows Simon - a local artist who has painted various images on walls and notices around the reserve
- Distance: 18 miles
- Terrain: Towpath
- Type of ride: Two cake