Hannah is always happy to get on her bike - why don't you join her? via Northampton Chronicle
Cycling continues to be one of the leading recreational activities within the UK and with the arrival of the Women’s Tour Northamptonshire, what a great time to not only head out and support, but also to dust off the old two-wheels and get out there yourself!
Since 2012, more than 100,000 people in the UK are cycling regularly, according to Sport England’s latest Active People Survey, and that number is still on the rise. As an avid cyclist myself, I know how lucky we are in Northamptonshire to have some of the most beautiful countryside roads and a good cycling network to get around. Now don’t get me wrong, quite a few of the busier cycle lanes need improvement, but today we will not go there, and instead let’s head out into the rolling hills a bit more and smell that fresh air shall we?
Last week I caught up with local girl Hannah Barnes, who will be competing in the Women’s Tour this year. Having represented England at the Commonwealth Games, she told me how she got involved in cycling, saying: “It all started with myself and my family cycling around Pitsford Reservoir when I was younger and I just loved it. Dad took us to a couple of races and that was pretty much it! School came second and I knew I wanted to do it as a career. “For me the freedom of cycling is amazing. Travelling is great and you go to some pretty amazing places. You meet a lot of friends through it too and there’s no age cap. I know people who have turned professional at 30 if that’s what you’re looking to do. “It’s brilliant to be home as the support from everyone means so much and I’m not home very often. I think last year, many of us couldn’t quite believe just how many people came out to see us and it really makes a difference when so many people are cheering us on. “I was at my old cycling club, Team Milton Keynes, recently and saw these little girls who asked for my picture and things. They just seemed so happy that I was there and I like to think I’m inspiring more people to get on their bikes.”
Speaking with Hannah, I couldn’t help but get sucked in to the conversation, as the passion for her sport is evident. She is also the perfect example of what can happen when you simply try a new activity. There’s plenty of ways to get involved in cycling around the county. Check out the local women’s Breeze rides, which cater for beginner to expert. The qualified cycle leaders will encourage and support you on your new cycling journey and it’s a great way of meeting like-minded ladies.
Want some expert advice or just want to hire and go? Northampton benefits from the Cycle Connect service, which means you can hire one of 50 bikes anytime and just go for it.
Or you can head up to one of my favourites, Pitsford Cycles, where the team are more than happy to find you your perfect two-wheeled companion. They also hire out bikes, so like Hannah, you can go for a ride around Pitsford Reservoir very easily.
MORE FROM Northampton Chronicle - Find Women's cycling opportunities on ACTIVEMapX
