Bants, Bikes and Being Female: Series 2

By Anna Glowinski

Packed to the rafters with information, top tips and plenty of laughs, Cycling UK’s women’s chat show was back with a bang for a second series

After the success of the first series of Bants, Bikes and Being Female, Anna Glowinski returned with a host of experienced guests to help bridge the gender gap in cycling, and encourage you to keep cycling through winter.

Following the same format at the original season, the second series – which was originally broadcast in winter 2020 – discussed such topics as cycling in the dark, what to wear to stay warm, keeping your bike road worthy in winter and how to stay motivated in the cold.

The whole series is available to watch for free on the Cycling UK Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Everything you need to know about winter cycling

Thousands of women started cycling in summer 2020 during the sunny confines of lockdown. Now our experts are here to light the way for those wanting to continue in the darker, colder months.

From what to wear, to the dangers of invisible ice, the return of our panel show was enlightening and entertaining.

Experts: Fran Whyte, Charline Jones, Silvi Vargas

First broadcast: Friday 13 November

Watch it again on the Cycling UK Facebook page

Are you scared of (cycling in) the dark?

Cycling in the dark or low lighting can be an exhilarating experience, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be risky. At this time of year, learning to deal with gloomy conditions can help you continue to cycle safely and enjoyable. What lights do you need? Do you need to change your riding style? What are the laws that every cyclist should be aware of?

Our panel of cyclists talk you through the do’s and don’ts of cycling in the dark, whether you’re a hardened all-weather cyclist or a self-confessed fair-weather rider.

Experts: Fran Whyte, Charline Jones, Lorraine Dixon, Jenny Box

First broadcast: Friday 20 November

Watch it again on the Cycling UK Facebook page

Looking after your bike in winter

Winter can be hard on our bikes, but there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep them from hibernation in the shed until spring.

Look after your bike and you’ll be able to keep cycling through the winter and extend the life of your bike.

Join our lively panel of regular guests who will show you that while your chain should never be dry, neither is the topic of bike maintenance!

Experts: Fran Whyte, Charline Jones, Silvi Vargas, Vicky Balfour

First broadcast: Friday 27 November

Watch it again on the Cycling UK Facebook page

Motivation to ride in the miserable months

We’ve all been tempted to hit that snooze button ‘just one more time’ when it’s cold and dark outside.

Our expert guests have seen and heard every excuse in the book, and we’re all guilty. Nothing gets past our panel in this motivational episode, which will inspire you to send those excuses packing, and get you out the door and onto the bike in 5 seconds flat (or at least messaging a friend to make a commitment).

Experts: Fran Whyte, Charline Jones, Lorraine Dixon, Vicky Balfour, Rebecca Charlton

First broadcast: Friday 4 December

Watch it again on the Cycling UK Facebook page

How to plan a route for cycling

One of the most popular topics we get asked about is on the subject of planning routes. Where to go? What apps to use? How to follow them? Disappointing dead-ends and sneaky hills are no longer a threat with a few minutes of preparation.

Our panellists take you with them on a journey of mistakes made and challenges overcome, be it for five or 5,000 miles.

Experts: Fran Whyte, Charline Jones, Jenny Box, Rachael Walker

First broadcast: Friday 11 December

Watch it again on the Cycling UK Facebook page