Image from: Pauline Capaldi
Continuing our celebration for International Women's Day, of women whose lives have been changed by cycling, today we share the experience of Breeze Champion and Scottish Cycling Women’s Development Group member Pauline, from Edinburgh.
As a child I spent long happy days out on my bike, and I wanted to pass that joy onto my children. I got back into cycling when they were old enough to cycle alongside me. Each bike ride had to include a picnic, or an ice cream stop, of course!
Life then seemed to get in the way and each year I would vow to get back into cycling so that I could take part in Pedal for Scotland until I eventually did, accompanied by my daughter Sophie. This reignited my love of cycling and I haven’t stopped since!
I joined a few rides with local cycling groups on easygoing bike rides and then became aware of Breeze bike rides for women. Breeze appealed to me after a negative experience on a mixed ride; I cycled to the top of a steep hill to be greeted by a male group member who told me I had done well but perhaps I could try not using my ‘Granny gears’ in future! I was totally shocked!
First, I didn’t know what he meant by ‘Granny Gears’, thinking all bikes come with a range of gears for a reason, which of course is true! I am not out cycling to torture myself, I am out to enjoy it. To this day I remember that negative interaction when I went from feeling elated at getting to the top of the hill, to feeling discouraged and disappointed. Looking back I realise how unhelpful, unwelcome and unnecessary this comment was. I decided that I never wanted women to feel how I felt and decided to train as a Breeze Champion.
I started leading Breeze Women’s Bike Rides in April 2018. This has widened my circle of friends, including friends I have re-connected with, who have also gone on to become Breeze Champions.
Image from: Pauline Capaldi
By March 2020 I had led 100 Breeze rides, approximately one per week, something I am immensely proud of. Leading Breeze rides has helped me manage work life balance; for example, all summer I led a bike ride on a Thursday evening which made me leave work on time! I also completed Pedal for Scotland again, this time with three of my regular Breeze participants, who I had led on training rides leading up to the big day.
I became interested in other charity events and Etapes and signed up to Women v Cancer 100k Ride the Night in Edinburgh, having previously taken part in the London event. I was in good company, accompanied by four of my Breeze regulars. Thankfully they are still my friends, despite some of the epic training rides I put them through! I also completed the Caledonian Etape, and again post-lockdown, also accompanied by a Breeze regular.
During lockdown I encouraged our regular Breeze riders to take part in virtual and individual cycling challenges since we could no longer run Breeze rides. To see the absolute delight when the women completed the 85 mile Caledonian Etape challenge during May and receive their medals will always hold fond memories for me!
I love my food, so coffee and cake stops are an important part of my Breeze rides. I am fitter and in better health, which I believe it is due to regular cycling. The headspace that cycling allows me is invaluable. After a busy morning at work, I can go out for a lunchtime cycle and things become so much clearer in the afternoon. I am also a dab hand at being ready to head out the door at lunchtime, even been known to have my cycle helmet on my head at the end of a zoom meeting.
Applying to become a member of the Women’s Development Group and being accepted has been an honour and I feel privileged to have visited the Velodrome in Glasgow thanks to Scottish Cycling.
Image from: Volunteer Edinburgh
Being nominated and winning the Volunteer Edinburgh Inspiring Volunteer Awards, Special Recognition Sports Volunteer Award in 2021 was a proud moment, and despite the awards ceremony being just before going out for my birthday celebration, I still turned up in my Breeze Champion top!
I want to continue to share my love of cycling and for women and girls to enjoy that feeling of cycling without a care in the world and to feel safe and happy enjoying a sport that truly is for everyone.
