Fab four cycle 50 miles to Liverpool thanks to the Big Bike Revival

A group of cyclists who only learned to ride in the last year have completed their first long-distance overnight ride thanks to the skills they picked up as part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival.

The four-strong group are all members of Moston Cycling Club, Greater Manchester, which is led by Marina Waters. The four women met when they attended a free Big Bike Revival event, which aims to encourage everyone to cycle more often and gives them extra skills to do so.

Before long the women were regulars on the beginner rides led by Waters and soon talk turned to a long-distance ride. They decided to ride from Manchester to Liverpool along the Trans Pennine Trail, with an overnight stop in Warrington – nearly 50 miles and longer than anything the ladies had ridden previously.

“It was an amazing experience and everyone loved it,” says Waters. “Even the weather was great for us. The Manchester to Liverpool ride is the longest we’ve done together. They all rose to the challenge and enjoyed themselves along the way.”

Given how new each rider is to cycling, each faced their own challenges along the way. As a latecomer to cycling, Anne thought her age might get in the way but with the help of her new friends, she completed the route.

The highlight for me was the fun and comradery we had over two days. Cycling into Liverpool knowing I had achieved something I thought would have been impossible six months ago was amazing

Anne, Big Bike Revival beneficiary

“For me the challenge was the duration of the ride due to an ongoing knee injury,” says Anne. “Being over 60, nothing comes easy without effort and determination. The highlight for me was the fun and comradery we had over two days. Cycling into Liverpool knowing I had achieved something I thought would have been impossible six months ago was amazing.”

For Vidhya, her big takeaway was the improvement in her confidence and the knowledge of how inspiring these trips can be for other women who might also be keen to take up cycling but don’t know how.

“Cycling to Liverpool was on my bucket list,” says Vidhya. “After I got back, my friend asked me to invite her on any future rides. That’s the impact Marina had in inspiring other women. I can’t wait for another adventure.”

Judy came away from the trip determined to show others that a long-term illness doesn’t necessarily have to be a barrier to enjoying the country by bicycle.

“I have always wanted to go on a long-distance ride, and with Marina’s support and encouragement my dream came true,” says Judy. “The ride was a particular achievement for me as two weeks before I had a flare up of lupus and thought I might not be able to join the tour. It was a very memorable two days with fantastic company, lovely scenery and sunny weather.”

If you’re keen to cycle more often, find out how the Big Bike Revival can help you or join a local group near you.