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For me, cycling has never been about competition or achieving a certain speed—it’s about savouring the outdoors and the energy it gives back. I’ll admit it now: my true love has always been trails, whether I’m on two feet running, hiking or just walking my dog. Growing up, I adored trail running and whether I was riding horses or hiking, the trails became my sanctuary.
Cycling, on the other hand, was a slow burn—like a friendship that blossoms over time, sparked by necessity but deepened by joy.
My First Bike: Pure Convenience
In 2011, I was living and working in London, with a well-known disdain for public transport. So, discovering H2 Bike Run—a brand-new bike park and changing facility in Soho—felt like fate. It catered to commuters whose offices lacked bike storage, and I loved the freedom it offered. Back then, I lived in a gorgeous mansion flat in Maida Vale, complete with narrow hallways and winding staircases, not exactly ideal for bike storage. That’s when I found my Montague—a full-size, foldable bike that I could zip around Regent’s Park with and carry up those winding stairs at the end of the day. With this trusty companion, I began to clock up miles effortlessly, cycling more out of practicality than passion, yet building a solid base without even noticing it.
My Second Bike: Embracing New Limitations
Fast forward nearly a decade and my life had shifted dramatically. At 29, my body forced a sudden pause when I fell ill with a virus that took me from an active lifestyle to struggling with basic daily activities. Walking down the street or climbing stairs became monumental challenges. Seeking a diagnosis was one of the toughest battles I’ve faced, with little support from traditional medicine. In hindsight, it felt like my body had reached its limit and switched to a low-power mode, refusing to let me push it further.
From this low starting point, I took a holistic approach to recovery. I began to treat myself like an athlete in rehab, focusing on gradual progress: setting tiny goals, like walking to the end of the garden and back, pacing my energy and nurturing myself from the inside out. Along the way, I discovered I had celiac disease, which added another layer to my self-care routine. But as my strength gradually returned, I longed for more independence and ways to get back into the outdoors—this is where the beauty of an e-bike entered my life.
My Wispa e-bike gave me back my freedom. Living on top of the Chiltern Hills, I could now go out, join friends and family, and even take on vacations to the Lake District and Exmoor National Park. With Wispa, I could manage my energy, enjoying the mental and emotional benefits of being outdoors while pacing myself physically. Eventually, my partner and I got a second e-bike so we could explore without needing perfectly aligned fitness levels—a perfect getaway after intense hikes!
My Current Bike: Going All In
I’ve never been one to cave to peer pressure—except when I’m nearly ready to take the leap anyway. And I have two amazing women to thank for the little push that nudged me toward my next adventure: my business partner Lil and wonderful client and friend, Steph. Both are incredible athletes who represent the GB age-group triathlon team, tackling sportives and even Ironman competitions! Their encouragement and gentle prodding convinced me that I was ready to go full power.
With their help, I found my current pride and joy—my Orro. Compared to my Wispa, the Orro is pure power. The flats and downhills fly by and even the uphill climbs are manageable. It’s challenging but rewarding and I am hooked!
Mind Over Matter: Embracing Indoor Challenges
While I’ll admit to being a fair-weather cyclist, I’m also no stranger to mental resilience. This winter, Wispa, with her dependable fat tires, will handle any short trips. But Orro has joined me indoors on the KickR trainer, where I’m tackling a whole new challenge: cycling without the scenery and momentum of the outdoors. Here, it’s all about the mental game, pushing past mental blocks that appear far sooner than any physical limitations. I use the same strategies we teach at EmpowHer Online Coaching, applying small, simple steps to break down the barriers. It amazes me how, once you break through that initial resistance, you can keep going with ease!
The Road Ahead
Next summer, I’ve signed up for a 40km trail run (thank you again, Steph!) and plan to use my bike as cross-training for both mental health and fitness, all while exploring new places. Cycling has transformed from a convenient way to get around into a cherished part of my life, and I’m excited to see where it will take me next.
We’d love to hear about your cycling journey! If you haven’t already, join EmpowHer Women's Cycling—our inclusive FB community for female cyclists (DM or email for the link).
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