Finding her way back to cycling via the Aberdeenshire Bothy

Through Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities project, Helen found the support and encouragement she needed to get back on her bike after more than a decade away from regular cycling.

After retiring, Helen was keen to return to something she had always loved. She had enjoyed cycling holidays and fun sportives in the past, but work, caring responsibilities, an injury and getting a dog had gradually meant cycling slipped out of her life.

One day, Helen met a group of Aberdeenshire Bothy cyclists. They looked approachable and, importantly, not like super-fit cyclists. Helen asked if they were part of a club and they told her about Aberdeenshire Bothy.

Keen to get involved, Helen decided to try cycling on her own first to see how she was getting on. After 10 to 15 years away from regular cycling, she was shocked by how difficult she found it. She struggled with her balance, couldn't turn to look behind her without wandering across the road and had lost much of her confidence.

Close to giving up

After several attempts, Helen was close to giving up altogether. Then she spotted an Aberdeenshire Bothy post on Facebook advertising one-to-one confidence sessions through Connecting Communities.

Helen contacted group leaders Emma and Anna in Ellon, and an hour with Emma at the cycle park was enough to help her rediscover the feeling of riding a bike.

I was moving freely. I had the lovely feeling of flow again. Helen, Connecting Communities participant

From there, Helen took part in a one-to-one buddy ride with Anna. The short three-mile ride gave her the chance to try cycling on a route without worrying about holding anyone back. Anna reassured her that she would be ready to join the beginner rides.

Helen soon started joining rides with Aberdeenshire Bothy, including a night glow ride, and began cycling on her own again. Friends also dusted down their bikes and started getting out regularly with her.

For Helen, the impact of Connecting Communities has been about much more than getting back on her bike.

It got me back on my bike, rebuilt my confidence and rekindled my love of cycling. Helen, Connecting Communities participant

What we're capable of

She's now cycling regularly, making short trips to visit friends and heading out with them to local cafes. She's also enjoyed exploring routes around Ellon, including the cycle track in Gordon Park and the Buchan and Formartine railway line.

Most importantly, the experience has changed what Helen believes she's capable of.

It’s changed how I believe in myself. Helen, Connecting Communities participant

Connecting Communities has helped Helen find her way back to something she had always loved, while giving her the confidence, encouragement and company to keep cycling. And the result is clear in how she describes cycling now: “Fantastic”.

Connecting Communities activity in Aberdeenshire is made possible thanks to support from Nestrans and Aberdeenshire Council with funding from the Scottish Government through the People and Place Programme.