Early Days
As a child I always liked playing out on my bike, cycling round to friends’ houses and hanging out.
However it was years later that I found my love of cycling again. Five years ago my dad was given a road bike by a friend and he asked me if I fancied joining him on a bike ride along the tow path into Leeds. So I got my rusty old Raleigh bike out of the garage, gave it a dusting down and went with him. I remember thinking there’s no way I can cycle all the way to Leeds and back, I’m not fit enough! But somehow I managed it and the reward came when we got to Leeds and we went to the pub for a drink to quench our thirst. From that moment on I was hooked!
Progress
I loved going out on my bike enjoying the fresh air, and was amazed how much it toned my legs up whilst getting me fit.
After going out with my dad a few times I decided I was fed up of trying to keep up with how fast he cycled and decided to look for a local womens cycling group that I could join, and so found the Bingley Belles.
Everyone was really friendly and welcoming, and there was the added bonus of promised tea and cake on every ride, which always gave me motivation to go! Getting into cycling was great for me at that time as it helped my mental health and gave me an outlet for my stress whilst going through a difficult divorce.
Accident Recovery
Unfortunately I ruptured my achilles tendon 4 years ago but managed to recover and get back to cycling with the help and support of all the ride leaders who have always reassured me and accommodated me on every ride I ever have been on.
Holidays with the Belles
I have been on a few holidays abroad with the Belles, twice to Marjorca and once to Amsterdam this year. My favourite ever ride was cycling along the sea front in Porto Pollenca seeing the beautiful coastline whilst watching the sun come down. Back home my favourite ride is 5 rise locks to Cliffe castle.
I love cycling with the Bingley Belles when I can, as the group is so welcoming and I have met some inspirational women and made some great friends.
Vicki Green's favourite ride
- 5 Rise Locks to Cliffe Castle
- Distance: 10 miles
- Terrain: Towpath and quiet roads
- Type of ride: Two cake