A NEW section of Tatton Velo Cycling Club is up and running for women.
And female riders of all levels are being invited to get involved.
A delayed but successful introductory group ride took place recently and the next one is planned for June 12.
The club has taken off since being formed by High Legh resident Howard Barlow in 2017.
Initially it was just a small group of friends and family, but as word spread more members have joined over the past couple of years, with nearly 100 now signed up and the numbers growing each week.
“The growth has been particularly noticed since Covid as more people have turned to their bikes for exercise with gyms etc being closed,” said Joanne Ingham who along with Jane MacGruer is planning the ladies’ rides.
“However, the number of ladies did not see this increase so we started to look into why this was.
“Asking around female friends who cycle but are not part of a club it was to do with lack of confidence in riding with men – the worry about if they would not be fast enough.”
She added: “There is a common perception that cycle clubs are only for those that cycle fast and for long distances.
“And sometimes you just want to go out for a chat with the girls!
“Tatton Velo has always prided itself on the selection of rides for all levels and abilities, and in being a social club, so we decided to start a ladies section with the aim to encourage more to ride in a group with like-minded people and become part of our cycling family.”
Lockdown and only being able to cycle in twos put the initial plans on hold.
After restrictions were eased, an introductory ride was planned in two loops, starting from Tatton Park and around local country lanes.
“The ride was split into two loops so that anybody who was time constrained or new to cycling could stop at that point – with the obligatory coffee and cake stop – and others could then carry on, on a new loop.”
Unfortunately the weather had other plans and the ride had to be rescheduled twice before finally eight ladies – including four newcomers to the club – set out on the section’s debut ride, which was paced for the slowest cyclist.
Hybrids and road bikes were welcome and hopefully ladies on E-bikes will join the next ride on June 12 which will again be on a loop format with a stop at Plumley’s Garden Centre Café.
And the ride coincides with Pride month in the UK, so it will celebrate the club’s connection with PRiDE OUT.
Anyone interested in getting involved can join the facebook group ‘Tatton Velo Ladies’ or contact hello@tattonvelo.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here