Irene swaps solo spins for social adventures with the Aberdeenshire Bothy

Irene spotted a post about the Aberdeenshire Bothy on Facebook. She’d cycled as a child and spent hours on an indoor bike during Covid, but something was missing. She wanted to ride outdoors again, with other people, yet felt nervous about joining traditional clubs because of worries about age, fitness and keeping up.

I knew I wanted to cycle outdoors with others, but I didn’t know how to start

 

The Bothy’s buddy rides, offered through our Connecting Communities project, felt like the right way in. From the very first session Irene felt welcome and reassured: pace, distance and route were all tailored to her needs so she never felt she was slowing anyone down.

Speed and distance were adjusted for me, so I never once felt like I couldn’t keep up

 

Those first rides in and around Inverurie opened up quieter roads and paths Irene hadn’t known about, including routes through Keithhall estate and back ways between Kemnay and the town that avoid fast main roads.

Support that builds skills

Irene also made the most of the Bothy’s Pick 'n' Mix sessions, where people choose the support they need – from buddy rides to maintenance and e-bike try-outs.

I know how to lube my chain now. The maintenance session was really helpful and has given me confidence to do little things on my bike, like looking after it and fixing a puncture

 

Those practical skills have boosted her overall confidence, on and off the bike. Knowing she can handle minor problems means rides feel manageable rather than daunting.

These days, Irene regularly joins 10-mile Bothy rides. Living in a rural area means she does not use her bike for every single local journey, but Connecting Communities has encouraged her to see cycling as a way to get out for fitness, fresh air and enjoyment.

Cycling makes me feel good. Sometimes it’s tough to get out by myself, but the Bothy rides are a real mood-lifter – we always have a laugh and some good adventures

 

Having an e-bike available through the project is another key ingredient. Irene says knowing she has that extra assistance on hills or longer routes removes a big barrier and lets her relax and enjoy the scenery.

Riding for enjoyment not speed

What Irene values most is the pace and ethos of the rides, led by Development Officers Anna and Emma.

The fact that the project is run by two women encourages more women to come along. The rides are about enjoyment and seeing the sights. When I’m out on the Bothy rides I’m there to enjoy it – the wildlife, the scenery, the seasons changing

 

It's an approach she now shares when riding with her daughter, choosing quieter routes and taking time to appreciate the journey rather than rushing through it.

Irene would love to see more safe cycling infrastructure between Kemnay, Inverurie and Kintore so that more people can enjoy the routes she has discovered. In the meantime, she plans to keep joining Bothy rides and is already thinking about tackling slightly longer distances in the spring.

The support from the Bothy has been brilliant. The rides encourage me to get out, and I always enjoy them

 

Connecting Communities activity in Aberdeenshire is made possible thanks to support from Nestrans and Aberdeenshire Council, whose backing helps the Aberdeenshire Bothy team run welcoming rides and sessions that give people like Irene the confidence to enjoy everyday cycling.