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21
May 2022
I consider myself a pretty active person and I have given pretty much everything a go - from climbing and surfing to running and roller skating.
But for some reason, I have always been intimidated by cycling.
I'm fine with a stationary bike at the gym. I used to love a bit of spinning and I don't mind a BikeErg.
But when it comes to letting me loose on the road, the confidence just isn't there. I have no idea what bike I would get, what size, what equipment I would need. I am utterly clueless when it comes to cycling.
So when I was invited to an event collaboration between The Personal Cyclist, Sweaty Betty, Hustle & Co and the Electric Bike Shop, I snapped up the opportunity. It is about time I conquered my cycling demons.
Kate said the cycling event had revealed that women in particular are nervous of the roads or unsure what to do.
Getting kitted out with an e-bike.
I put on my helmet, which Kate explained needed to fit snugly with space for two fingers between my eyebrows and the base.
We walked the bikes through town to Beech Grove, which was closed to through traffic in February to encourage walking and cycling.
I told Kate that I wanted to get out on a bike with my kids and also to escape from my kids.
When I rode the bike back to Sweaty Betty - using some of my new stopping-at-traffic-lights skills - Kate analysed my technique. Apparently my head position was great, but I needed to work on the positioning of my feet.
Memories of my cycling proficiency test at primary school started to come flooding back...
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