Volunteer to become an HSBC Breeze Rides Champion for women-only cycle rides in Bishop's Stortford
Emily Tickridge, community engagement officer at East Herts Council, on Active East Herts’ search to find female cycling champions to lead the HSBC Breeze Rides coming up in Bishop’s Stortford...
HSBC Breeze Rides are rolling in to Bishop's Stortford this spring in Castle Park and Havers Lane. The women-led, women-only group cycling rides are an initiative from British Cycling to increase female participation in cycling.
They are led by Breeze Ride Champions – volunteers who are fully trained in supporting their Breeze Ride group. This is where we need your support!
We're looking for women across Bishop's Stortford and surrounding areas to join our team of Breeze Ride Champions. Together you will inspire others to get fit, have fun and ride bikes.
British Cycling is providing the FREE training day on Saturday March 12, from 8.45am to 5.30pm, at Birchwood High School. At the end of your training you will be a qualified Breeze Ride Champion ready to motivate and support women cyclists across Stortford. Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and East Herts Community Lottery, the training is free to attend.
For our Breeze Riders, the initiative is a fantastic opportunity either to start cycling or to get back into the saddle.
Before you think 'This isn't for me, I don't do Lycra, nor do I have a road bike', you don't need all the gear. The rides offer gentle fitness progression and a confidence-building riding experience, all with the support of your Breeze Ride Champion.
There are three levels of rides: easy-going, steady and challenging, so all levels of ability are welcome and catered for.
The rides are designed to offer individual support, discover new places and make new friends. Most importantly, they are delivered in a fun and encouraging environment. So, whatever your goals, HSBC Breeze Rides are the perfect start to your cycling journey.
Partnering the HSBC Breeze Rides is Active East Herts, the community sports network for the district. Active East Herts aims to increase physical activity and participation in sport and exercise and will be steering the rides in Havers Lane.
Adam Howard, sport events and project officer, said: "We've worked with HSBC Breeze Rides for a number of years and the volunteer Breeze Ride Champions are the most committed and engaged individuals we've met. They make cycling fun, accessible and sociable – the ride leaders are the reason HSBC Breeze Rides continue to be a success. We're thrilled to be supporting this initiative and look forward to meeting even more incredible volunteers."
HSBC Breeze Rides at Castle Park are part of a £2m project backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund which is set to transform the park in the coming years. At the heart of it is a desire to enhance the offering of community activities at the park. What better way to get involved than signing up to train as a Breeze Rides Champion or being part of the Breeze Rides group.
If you are interested in inspiring women to start cycling, sign up at www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/course/details/6949. To find out more about HSBC Breeze Rides, visit www.letsride.co.uk/breeze.