As the warmth of summer fades and the seasons turn, it’s time to reflect on the adventures and moments that made summer 2024 unforgettable.
For some, this meant pushing their limits on epic bike tours and in races, for others it was cheering at the sidelines of professional races or teaching kids to ride for the first time. No matter the experience, these stories prove one thing: cycling isn’t just a sport - it’s a way of life, a community, and a journey filled with personal growth.
Let’s meet four of our members whose summers were defined by the joy of cycling.
The Thorntons on tour
Sue and Bill Thornton are both endurance and gravel enthusiasts, Guided Ride leaders and members of Newquay Velo who have had quite the adventurous year. They embarked on two epic bike tours: Land’s End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) in June, and a challenging End-to-End ride in France from St Malo to Nice. They tackled tough terrain, steep ascents, and unpredictable weather conditions, all while supporting each other every step of the way.
Reflecting on the experience, Bill emphasises the importance of resilience and teamwork, particularly over the continuous 14 days of riding. "The variety of road surfaces, the changing weather, and even bike issues tested us, but sharing those moments with others - especially Sue - made it all worthwhile," Bill says.
For the pair, it’s all about being ready and having people around you who lift you up. "Sue deserves so much credit, and Newquay Velo has been a fantastic support," he adds. "These experiences not only enhance your skills and confidence but also give you the chance to pass on what you’ve learned to others."
Racing to victory as a new mum
Sometimes, the most unexpected stories are the most inspiring, and Brenda Watson’s family has one such tale. Brenda’s daughter Heather, at 26 years old, discovered a newfound love for cycling after having her second child. She borrowed her sister’s old, heavy bike and decided to give a few 10-mile time trials a go. In only her second time trial, Heather clocked in just over 26 minutes, a competitive time that spurred her on. Soon after, she rode solo and returned home as the fastest woman in a challenging 100-mile hilly sportive in Hertfordshire.
From there, her passion for racing only grew. Heather placed an impressive 11th out of 36 in a category 4 race at the Lee Valley Velodrome in London, and then, balancing life as a mother to a three-year-old while breastfeeding her six-month-old, she won her first one-hour race at the Redbridge Cycling Centre.
Her first victory was especially sweet, not only because it was a personal milestone, but because it came with her family by her side. "She attacked downhill on the final lap and powered uphill for the win," Brenda recalls proudly. "The look on her face as she crossed the finish line, with her children and their proud grandparents cheering her on - it was a moment none of us will ever forget."
Heather’s story is a powerful reminder that challenges - whether they involve balancing family life, taking on new sports, or simply finding time to train - can be overcome with the right support and determination. "Achieving your goals isn’t easy," Brenda reflects, "but with family by your side and the drive to push through, you can make things happen, even as a new mum."
A family day out at the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men
For some, the joy of cycling comes not from being on the bike, but from watching the pros in action. Dean Rowntree spent a memorable day with his two daughters, aged 6 and 7, as they watched the race unfold. Their adventure took them from Darlington to Redcar, a day filled with excitement, learning, and a bit of bike shopping.
“In Darlington, we wandered around the start zone looking for Remco Evenepoel’s golden bike,” Dean recalls. “We’d watched the Olympics, so my daughters were excited when we finally spotted it outside the team bus. It was a small victory, but for them, it was like finding buried treasure.”
The real thrill came in Redcar, where the girls grabbed a spot in giant deckchairs, cheered as the riders passed, and even got a chance to ride some demo bikes.
“My youngest struggles with getting started on her bike,” Dean says. “But that day, she managed to take off on her own - and the smile on her face was worth the entire trip.”
Dean’s day out with his girls wasn’t just about watching a race - it was about sharing an experience. “Spectating can be just as exciting as riding,” he says. “And it’s a perfect way to build enthusiasm for cycling in the family. It turned into a day full of smiles and great memories.”
Teaching children to ride for the first time
Not every cycling story is about competition, sometimes it’s about giving back. Tim Morton spent two scorching summer days at the Leicester Cycle Circuit, volunteering at a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) play scheme for children, many of whom had never been on a bike before. His role was simple: to help children learn to ride. But as Tim soon found out, there’s nothing simple about watching a child discover the joy of cycling for the first time:
“On the first day, I helped a 6-year-old girl who couldn’t quite get the hang of balance bikes,” Tim says. “After a few tries, she finally managed to pedal on her own, and the look on her face - it was pure joy.”
Tim remembers a young boy who struggled all day to balance. “He kept trying, over and over again,” Tim recalls. “And just as we were gathering up the bikes at the end of the day, he managed to freewheel down the track, perfectly balanced. The joy was unconfined, both for him and everyone watching.”
For Tim, the experience was a reminder that cycling can be transformative. “The only thing better than riding on your own for the first time is helping someone else do it,” he says. “It’s about watching their confidence grow, seeing them push themselves, and knowing that you’ve given them something they’ll carry with them forever.”
The joy of cycling: A season of memories
As the summer winds down, these stories highlight how cycling can be so much more than just pedalling. It's about the memories made, the bonds formed, and the personal triumphs. Cycling brings a sense of community, and it’s a sport where every ride is an opportunity for growth, connection, and fun.
A big thank you to Bill, Sue, Brenda, Heather, Dean, and Tim for sharing their stories with us. Their stories show that whether you're a seasoned rider, a spectator, or just starting out, there's always something to celebrate in cycling.
