Yesterday, I posted about how I had stumbled across road.cc and their ‘Attaining a Higher State of Consciousness’ Challenge 2014′. Since then I have sat and mulled over what I would like to achieve from my cycling in 2014. I expected it to be a fairly easy contemplation but I’ve found it tougher than expected. I got five straight away but the others took a bit longer and I’m still stumped by number 12.
What has become clear whilst I’ve been digging around on the internet, doing my reading and getting caught up in all things ‘women’s cycling’ is that actually, there is still a massive gender divide within the sport and the resources out there for women like me.
For example, I wondered about entering a women’s race at some point this year, but when I looked for ones close to me, I couldn’t find any specifically for women. And I can tell you right now, whilst 2014 is the year for challenges, there is no way I will be putting myself in a race against men.
So, my hope for 2014 is that more support develops for women in cycling. More resources become available and more women are specifically catered for. Whilst that is not directly related to my own personal 12 challenges for 2014, it is relevant.
So, here they are, my 12 challenges for 2014:
#1. Complete 50km cycle ride – planned for 25 February 2014
#2. Learn how to fix a puncture – I rely too heavily on my OH. Independent woman and all that…
#3. Get more women involved in cycling – what’s not to love about life on two wheels?
#4. Encourage my daughter to be brave enough to ride her bike – she’s 6 and so scared of falling off.
#5. Try a spot of mountain-biking – down-hill preferably
#6. Try a Breeze Ride – women together on two wheels, how scary can it be?
#7. Complete the London to Paris cycle ride in September 2014 – palpitations at just typing the words
#8. Participate in a sportive – probably in preparation for the London to Paris cycle ride; a little test of my stamina.
#9. Go to a cycling festival – I haven’t been to any kind of festival since 1998, so a festival is long overdue and this one looks awesome, plus it’s in my home county. What could be better!?
#10. Read more cycling blogs – am I just not looking hard enough?!
#11. Brave a 10km time trial – already concerned about this one. Just the thought of it being timed is bringing me out in hives.
#12. ?
I haven’t found a twelfth challenge yet; more time to ponder needed I think. I’ll be keeping an eye on local races, but just in case nothing comes up, please feel free to offer suggestions and please do share your 2014 challenges. I’d love to hear what you have planned.
More cycling blogs?? In addition to “local” ones as per recent discussion on Velovixen Ride’s FB page, how about this – the ultimate compendium. ALL written by women!
http://bikestylespokane.com/womens-bike-blogs-the-comprehensive-list/
Enjoy! (Your loved ones may not see you again for months!)
FABULOUS! You may not hear from me for some time – and what’s even better is that they are all written by women 🙂 Love it, thank you Rebecca.
Good luck with it all!
I have to admit I don’t do a lot of cycling, one of my brothers and sil do loads though, they love it!
anna recently posted…Helping Your Child With Their Reading
If you get chance at some point this year, you should give it try! I’m really enjoying it. I’d love to hear how you get on if you do.
Great article.. How about for number 12. Go on a cycling infused holiday such as Centre Parcs in which you can cycle for fun and more whilst having all sorts around for the family?
Daddy Geek recently posted…Book Review: Brave New World | Aldous Huxley
What a great idea! I’ve never actually been to Centre Parcs, but the idea of a cycling infused holiday where we can all enjoy being out on the bike sounds like brilliant fun!
Thank you Erika 🙂
Wow you have so much planned, best of luck with the 50k that’s not far away now. I would love to be cycling again but damaged my coccyx in labour (3 yrs ago!) so it’s not happening any time soon.
I did join the Team Honk Blogger Relay for Sport Relief last week though 🙂
Charly Dove recently posted…The Devil’s Punch Bowl
Thank you Charley and I’m really sorry to hear about your damaged coccyx. That must be painful and frustrating.
Congratulations on completing the Team Honk Blogger Relay – how well is everyone doing? It’s incredible! And the camaraderie has been amazing. Thanks for stopping by – I’m off to check out your posts now. 🙂
Great goals to set yourself, I used to love cycling as a kid, I don’t do any of it now though. I used to love cycling through forests and would probably do about 3miles a day when I was much younger.
Good luck with your challenges, especially the learning how to fix a puncture!
Georgie xx
Good luck with your challenges!
Mummy of Two recently posted…Protecting the Little A’s on the internet with TalkTalk Homesafe
Really impressed with your goals. You seem determined enough.
Go Girl!
model mummy recently posted…Valentines Day!
I know Team Honk has already been mentioned but could number 12 be a Sport Relief Challenge? The aim of the Sainsburys Sport Relief games is to Run, Swim or Cycle and you can search for your nearest events on the Sport Relief website
I have to say I am in admiration. number 7 would have me completely running for the hills but I will follow your challenges with interest.
Kirsty recently posted…The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Thanks Kirsty – hope I’m not setting myself up to fail! Will give it a damn good go! And the Sport Relief Challenge is a great idea. I am already doing the Team Honk blogger relay which will be a 50km cycle ride but a local family orientated cycle might be a really good idea.
Impressed – well done. My friend is in charge of several cycling projects in Edinburgh. She and her husband and two boys cycle everywhere, whatever the weather. Much respect!!
Kate Thompson recently posted…It’s the SMALL things
Thanks Kate! I have to do them all first though! :o/ I am impressed that your friends brave all weathers. Maybe that should be my #12!
I have to be honest that I haven’t cycled for a good many years. I hope to invest in a bike later in the year and make a start on getting fit and healthy.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. And what I have found brilliant about cycling is you notice a difference in your fitness really quickly. Good luck 🙂
No 12 should be something nurturing like a spa day or afternoon tea 🙂
jenny recently posted…Little Adventures at the Natural History Museum
That would be amazing…but it has to be cycling related. Perhaps I could do a pilates class for core strength while I’m there! ha!
I wish you all the best with your challenges
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…Are you supporting Sports Relief – Dial for Davina Day
All the very best with all your challenges. You have got a super impressive list there.
VaiChin @Rambling Through Parenthood recently posted…Craft-A-Robot
Wow, good luck with all that. I used to love cycling but health issues mean I can’t do it any more sadly.
Emma (My little 3 and Me) recently posted…Tips For Coping With A Power Cut
I love your determination! Good luck with it all x
Emily @amummytoo recently posted…Never leave your straighteners unattended near children (sponsored post)
Thanks Emily. Hopefully the #Teamhonk 50km from Grantham to Nottingham that we are doing will continue to spark the enthusiasm so I can get through all of these! 🙂
Good luck with your challenges – I used to be able to fix a puncture as a kid – not sure I would be able to now though lol x
Sarah Bailey recently posted…Valentines from Oriflame
I am longing to get on my bike again. Need some better weather though as will have baby on the back!
Kara recently posted…Gentle Bathtime Products
Yes, the weather is bit hairy for cycling at the moment!
Wow, go you! I’m so impressed and the time trial does sound scary but I’m sure you’d be great! Good luck finding the 12th, I haven’t touched a bike for years but would really like to one of these days!
Jenni recently posted…Scrapstore Finds
Thank you Jenni, hope 2014 is the year you venture back on to the saddle 🙂
Good luck with your challenge!
Michelle recently posted…Two Of A Kind [Project 365:2014 – Day 43]
Wow some awesome challenges there – you are very brave! :p x
Charlotte recently posted…Dear Joshua: You are three!
Good luck with it all! I’m exhausted thinking about it 🙂 x.
Good for you! Great to have so many goals, good luck with them all x
Wow, very impressive list of goals to achieve…
I hope by the end of the year all will have a “V” next to them 🙂
agatapokutycka recently posted…You are what you drink…
Ultimate 3 peaks challenge. 21st – 28th june going to be a toughie .
Martin, that does look tough. I’m not sure I could do it! Think I need to conquer my fear of hills first! Ha. Good luck if you’re doing it. You’re braver than I am!
Good luck with your goals for this year. I hope you can think of a 12th (although it sounds like you’ve got more than enough to keep you busy!)
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought recently posted…The Gallery: Morning
I wish you lots of luck and pray that all your list gets fulfilled.
Nayna Kanabar (@citrusspiceuk) recently posted…Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Pancakes~ Eggless
Best of luck achieving all your goals.
Nayna Kanabar (@citrusspiceuk) recently posted…Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Pancakes~ Eggless
Looks like a challenging list – good luck!
Laura @ Kneadwhine recently posted…Busting to share the truth
What a list, I do hope you succeed, I’m not fit enough but the London to Paris is something I may have done when younger if I had known about it.
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#7 – just reading that makes me feel tired haha. Good luck with reaching your goals x
Emma TheMiniMesAndMe recently posted…Mother’s Day Guylian Giveaway
Lots of great challenges there! Good luck 🙂
Jo @ 3 Kids and a Gluestick recently posted…The tiger who came to stay
You can work on #3 with me if you want 😉 It’s a shame your daughter is afraid of falling off, has she had a bad experience in the past?
#blogclub
Sophie at Franglaise Cooking recently posted…Artichokes with vinaigrette
Sophie, I honestly do love cycle and was pretty sold on it from the beginning really. You should give a Breeze Sky cycle ride a go. They’re great fun! See my post on my ride with them here. Hope that convinces you!! 😉
Miss N hasn’t had any kind of bad experience, she is just genuinely afraid of falling off!
Great challenges. I haven’t worked out any goals for this year yet – oops. I’m also going to have to learn to fix puncture soon. I’ve gone for years knowing the theory of how to do one but I’ve never put it in to practice. I suspect even my theory is a bit too old to be useful now.
Kate Davis recently posted…Sibling scrap pages – February 2014
Ah, Kate, the dreaded puncture repair! I didn’t have a clue really until the Team Honk ride and we had eight during our ride! I’m an expert now!! 😉