Throughout my childhood I was always active and rode a bike, but it wasn’t until I met my partner that I took up road cycling and bought my first carbon bike in 2014, aged 35 years. Ste helped me get fit for cycling and gave my loads of tips and encouragement along the way. Six months later it was time to join my local cycling club St Helens CRC. Wow – I remember that first 45-mile ride, pushing myself to my limits… yet all the club members encouraged me, even pushing me up some of the inclines and everyone waited for me at the top of the climbs. There was only one other female, Katie, who rode with the A group and over the years we have become good friends and always look out for each other.

As the weeks went by, I got stronger and enjoyed cycling even more. In the summer months the cycling club would go on longer rides and we’d get to see some beautiful sites and of course enjoy a café stop. Ste and I invested in a caravan and have now accomplished all the climbs in the Lake District. I do climb at a snail’s pace, but who cares as long as you enjoy it! The holidays abroad, the banter and socialising have to be the best bits of cycling for me; away from the tourist hotspots you get to experience so many different cultures and the scenery is spectacular. Best of all though, you really do deserve that beer when you get back to the hotel after a day of cycling…