{"id":7460,"date":"2025-01-14T12:10:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T11:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/?p=7460"},"modified":"2025-01-20T12:13:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T11:13:55","slug":"cycling-through-it-all-inspiring-stories-from-women-riders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/uk\/2025\/01\/14\/cycling-through-it-all-inspiring-stories-from-women-riders\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling Through It All \u2014 Inspiring Stories from Women Riders"},"content":{"rendered":"

With 2025 beginning, many of us are pausing to look back on a year spent on two wheels\u2014a year of personal triumphs, unexpected challenges, and moments that define why cycling holds such a special place in our lives. For some, it\u2019s been about conquering hills we once feared; for others, it\u2019s about finding community in unexpected places or rediscovering joy through long-held traditions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As such, we wanted to share some stories from passionate women cyclists about the unique and special ways that cycling weaves into the fabric of their everyday lives. Through the voices of four cyclists, we explore what the sport has meant to them this year and the anticipation it brings going into 2025!<\/span><\/p>\n

Cycling as a lifeline and a way to explore new horizons \u2014\u00a0Tamasine, UK<\/b><\/h2>\n

For Tamasine Corney, cycling in 2024 has been a sanctuary amidst the turbulence of life\u2019s challenges. At 49, she has faced a whirlwind of personal responsibilities, including supporting her mother after the loss of her father and navigating the complexities of perimenopause and cystic fibrosis. Through it all, her bike has been a steadfast companion, offering an escape from the weight of her responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Just knowing that I can swing my leg over a bike has kept me sane,” Tamasine reflects. Whether climbing hills or riding with friends, the mental clarity and physical well-being cycling provides have been a source of hope and resilience. \u201cIt frees up brain space and gives you temporary respite from what sometimes feels like an ocean of uncertainty,\u201d she explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tamasine<\/a><\/p>\n

This year, Tamasine embarked on two new journeys. The first was purchasing her first gravel bike, which reignited the joy of learning to cycle. She discovered new skills and adventures, describing the experience as \u201cunbridled joy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her second standout moment was realizing a long-held dream of working as a cycling guide. Volunteering at a women\u2019s training camp, she reveled in the camaraderie, challenges, and shared passion for the sport. She\u2019s already been invited back for 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n

And in terms of the year ahead? \u201cI’m hoping that 2025 sees the women’s pro peloton striving for more equality and visibility and i want to see better representation and investment in the pro peloton from developing countries across Africa.\u201d Cheers to that!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Conquering hills and embracing change \u2014\u00a0Louise, Cambridgeshire<\/b><\/h2>\n

For Louise, 2024 was the year she tackled her fear of hills. \u201cI live in the flatlands of Cambridgeshire, where a 100km ride might have only 100m of elevation gain,\u201d she says. \u201cHills were always daunting, but this year I set a goal to face them head-on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From soloing up Cairngorm\u2019s base road in Scotland to conquering steep gravel inclines in Derbyshire, Louise pushed herself beyond her comfort zone. \u201cTwo weeks ago, I did back-to-back hill days around Ilkley and Otley,\u201d she shares. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s not about physical strength as much as mindset. Trying, even if it doesn\u2019t work out, has been my biggest achievement of 2024.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Louise<\/a><\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Louise hopes for safer cycling conditions during her regular commutes. \u201cDodging potholes, school drop-offs, and tourists can make it tough,\u201d she says. However, she\u2019s optimistic about making the most of newly freed-up Fridays for cycling day trips. \u201cI see weekend rides and new adventures ahead,\u201d she says with enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

A journey through memories and resilience \u2014\u00a0Jasmine, Lancashire<\/b><\/h2>\n

For Jasmine, cycling is a deep connection to both personal passion and cherished memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese days, admittedly, I have a love-hate relationship with cycling,\u201d she shares. \u201cI love and always will love the sport, but it also reminds me of people close to me who have unfortunately passed. Without them, I wouldn\u2019t be cycling today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her standout achievement this year was completing a hilly 50-mile ride through the picturesque Pendle Hills in Lancashire with a close friend. The route\u2019s historic connection to the Pendle Hill Witches added emotional significance. \u201cHaving our picture taken by a statue of one of the accused from that time period holds a dear memory for me,\u201d she reflects.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jasmine<\/a><\/p>\n

Jasmine\u2019s relationship with cycling also goes beyond physical challenges. This year, she embarked on a unique project: collaborating with a local custom builder to design a steel-frame bike tailored to her size and needs. \u201cRather than buying a new carbon aero bike, I wanted something that offered better value and was unique to me,\u201d she explains. This choice reflects her belief that meaningful progress in the sport comes from training, nutrition, and rest rather than merely relying on the latest technology.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jasmine\u2019s passion extends to cycling\u2019s storied history. From the tragic ascent of Tom Simpson on Mont Ventoux<\/a> to the legacy of Campagnolo, she finds joy in geeking out over the sport\u2019s heritage. \u201cIt\u2019s incredible how intertwined cycling is with broader history and culture,\u201d she notes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building community and celebrating women\u2019s cycling \u2014\u00a0Julie, Girona<\/b><\/h2>\n

For Julie, cycling is the bridge that connects her to local and global communities. Living in Girona, Spain, she has found a home among the vibrant Girona Gravel Girls, a group of like-minded women cyclists. \u201cOur shared love for riding has allowed me to break down barriers and truly feel part of the culture here,\u201d she explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

A post shared by Julie Chasin | Venga Cycling (@juliechasin)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n