Joanna invites women to take cycle challenge
FANCY taking part in an all-women cycling event around steep climbs of Rochdale with an Olympic gold medallist?
The Middleton cycling legend Joanna RowsellShand will set off all participants in two specially planned routes to take in some of the area’s best scenery, including the longest climb in England, Cragg Vale.
Joanna, who claimed two gold medals in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games in team pursuit, wants more women to take part.
Speaking to our sister paper the MEN, she said: “Men and women ace a lot of different barriers when they come into cycling.
“For me as a female when I was younger my biggest fears were going out on a local club ride, and what if the guys didn’t wait for me up the hills? What if I got a puncture and they didn’t wait for me to repair that? All these worries I had I didn’t actually need to worry because everyone was really friendly, but I think these are legitimate fears that people might have so it’s nice to have a women’s only event, so there isn’t a fear of having to keep up with the boys.”
She added it was a great way for female cyclists to challenge themselves while with riders of a similar ability.
The routes, created by Rochdale Council and cycling coach Tim Kelly, start at Kingsway Park Sports Centre, on May 21, and features a 50-mile and 75-mile course around Hebden Bridge, Heptonstall and Cragg Vale, many of which Joanna actually trained on in her run up to the Olympics.
Joanna who originally came up north and lived in Fallowfield, she now lives in Middleton and says she loves the local landscapes for riding.
On the same day there is also an accessible cycling event, offering an opportunity for disabled people to do a bike ride.
When asked about being an inspiration for women getting into the sport, she said: “I always tend to see people being encouraged by cycling as a whole so it’s so nice to know hear that what I have done has personally impacted another woman’s decision to get on a bike.”
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This new event reflects a growing demand for women only cycling rides, with something for those relatively new to riding as well as more experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
“The scenery on the routes is absolutely stunning. Places are limited this year, but if this proves popular we will look at increasing our capacity in 2018.”
Visit http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/ride to take part.