AN AMBITIOUS mission has been launched by British Cycling to encourage one million more women into cycling by 2020 – an ambition supported, albeit on a smaller scale, by the Pedal Power campaign.

The Northwich Guardian’s cycling campaign is about inspiring anyone, of any age, into the saddle, including men, women and children.

As part of our campaign we support British Cycling’s Breeze Network, a programme designed to help women cyclists to encourage more women out on their bikes for fun.

This week we introduce a Pedal Power Ambassador who is determined to do just that – Sara Braidwood, Breeze co-ordinator for Cheshire and Merseyside.

 

A CHAMPION of champions has stepped forward to lead the women of Cheshire in a cycling revolution.

As Breeze co-ordinator for Cheshire and Merseyside, Sara Braidwood heads up a team of volunteer Breeze champions who run relaxed women-only bike rides.

With a new cohort of Cheshire champions being trained this month, Sara is gearing up to help them inspire as many others as possible.

The Breeze Network is all about breaking down the barriers to women cycling for fun and narrowing the gap between the numbers of men and women who cycle.

As part of this Sara, 47, is keen to show women that cycling isn’t merely the domain of lycra clad speed demons or those who want to bike for miles, but something that can be fun, sociable and fit into busy modern lifestyles.

The mum-of-one, who lives in Wirral and works for the NHS in Liverpool, only started cycling herself four years ago when her partner, Northwich man Jim Mole, suggested a cycling holiday in Anglesey.

“At first I said ‘no way’ but then we compromised and walked for three days and cycled two,” she said.

“To train for that and also because of a challenge at work to change your lifestyle and be healthier I thought I would cycle to work.

“I had got out my old bike, which I think was from Woolworths, had been in the shed for 10 years and was a bit rusty, and did it – and won a basket of fruit at work.

“After Anglesey I started cycling a lot more – not massively fast, just for pleasure.

“I heard about Breeze and looked into it and before I knew where I was I was on a Breeze champion training course.

“I wanted to be a Breeze champion because I can relate to how it was for me to not want to go really fast or do 100 miles on a Sunday and I can relate to not having all the gear.

“I love cycling because it’s being out in the fresh air, smelling things you can’t smell in the car and seeing things you don’t see in the car – it’s getting that glow on your face.

“With Breeze it’s about sharing that enthusiasm with others and supporting the ladies that come along.

“You don’t have to have expensive gear and cycling in a group means it’s a safe enjoyable environment – there’s safety in numbers.”

Rides of different distances and speeds are available through Breeze, from slow and steady through to brisk and challenging.

Sara said: “With extra Breeze champions getting trained up there will be more rides available – there’s going to be lots going on in Cheshire.”

• Sara has two rides planned for women in Northwich. The first is at Whitegate on Sunday, April 21, and the second from Rudheath to Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday, May 4. For more information and to book on a ride visit goskyride.com/breeze.

 

Sara’s top tips:

• Pal up – suggest going on a Breeze ride with a friend.

• Get your old bike checked out – if your bike has been rusting in a shed for years, pop along to a bike shop and ask if they would give it the once over to make sure it’s safe to use.

• No bike? Don’t be put off – contact Sara who will help you to find a bike to borrow. Her email address is sara.braidwood@sky.com.

• Wear comfy clothes – it doesn’t matter if you haven’t got expensive gear, just dress sensibly for a bike ride and appropriately for the weather. Routes are not long so you won’t be in the saddle all day. Wearing a cycle helmet is advisable but not necessary.

 

National champions give backing

Led by women, for women, Breeze has already helped more than 17,000 women feel confident and comfortable about going on a bike ride.

The network has trained and supported more than 400 Breeze champions to deliver more than 3,000 local bike rides in across England.

Olympic silver-medallist Lizzie Armistead and national champion Jess Varnish are both proud to be Breeze ambassadors.

Lizzie said: “Cycling is a big part of my life and I want as many women out there to experience the fun and social side of riding a bike.

“It’s not as scary as you think because Breeze is here to help you start your cycling journey.

“From advice on learning how to ride through to local bike rides, Breeze is fantastic and accessible.”

Jess said: “Cycling gives you a sense of freedom like nothing else.

“I’m proud to be involved in Breeze as it’s doing such a great job in breaking down the barriers and empowering women to get on their bikes.”