Isabel’s Story (2008)

I joined Essex Roads Cycling Club late in January 2008, after my friend was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and I signed up to ride and help organise a sponsored ride from Amsterdam to London. I hadn’t ridden a bike for 20 years so I bought a fast hybrid bike, searched the internet for a bike club and was very happy to find this friendly and active local club.

After bringing my new bike and kit home I headed out of Billericay alone along Norsey Road taking the path of least resistance for 3½ miles. I found I was incapable of prising my hand off the handle bars to indicate left and far too much of a scaredy-cat to turn right across the traffic. So I stopped, dismounted, crossed the road, and then cycled back again. Seven miles on my first day. Not bad. Then on Sunday my first ride out with the club. The Novice ride goes at the pace of the slowest rider – so I wasn’t too concerned – though I was sure to be the pace setter! Roy led us out on quiet roads to Hylands Park for tea and toasted tea cake and we met the faster club groups. On the way back we stopped a few times for my jelly legs to recover, and so I could stuff my face with an energy bar kindly donated by a fellow rider. It felt so much safer and more sociable riding in a group and the 27 miles went so quickly. Extremely proud of myself, I was raring to go out the next weekend.

Since then I’ve been riding regularly with the club. I made it from Amsterdam to London and I’ve done 100 mile rides in Essex, Suffolk and the Chiltern Hills. The speed and distance just gradually improve but don’t get me wrong, I’m still a slow coach. I’ve participated in the Time Trials too, and uncovered a previously well-hidden competitive streak.

In the summer I got involved with the Go-Ride scheme for children. Graham, our club coach arranged Go-Ride training sessions which I helped to organise as the club’s Welfare Officer. Needless to say, the kids regularly beat me in the skills tests!

I’m really chuffed that I found this club full of friendly and supportive people. There’s always someone to ride with which keeps you motivated, you learn where the quiet local roads are, and you can’t help but be encouraged to join in with the variety of activities that the club offers. Come along and see for yourself!