Tag: women’s cycling

10 Reasons Why Women Should Cycle

reasons why women should cycle

If you’re contemplating getting your first bike, maybe these ten reasons as to why women should cycle will be all the encouragement that you need.

According to statistics from the Department for Transport last year, men cycle almost three times as many trips and almost four times further than women. But, with so many reasons why women should cycle, cycling enthusiasts are hoping to see an increase. From taking care of your body and mind to building your confidence and self-esteem, there is an abundance of reasons why women should cycle too.

Fawkes Cycles, run by Nigel and Mandy Bishop, a former cycling World Champion and an ambassador for this year’s World Championships in Yorkshire, thinks more people should be hopping on their bikes to get active. If you want to be convinced, here are 10 reasons why women should cycle. (more…)

The Boardman Road Team Carbon Women’s Bike

Boardman Road Team carbon women's road bike

If you’re looking to invest in a carbon road bike that will last you a good couple of years and your budget is under £1000 the Boardman Road Team carbon women’s bike should most definitely be on your list.

I’ve had my Specialized Dolce Sport since I first discovered cycling some four or five years ago. It’s not carbon framed, but back then it cost me around £800 and my budget wouldn’t stretch to a carbon framed bike. As my first bike, I can’t deny that I’ve been attached to it, so much so that I hadn’t considered upgrading until recently, despite people regularly asking me why I don’t ride a carbon frame. Don’t get me wrong, I still love it and it’s incredibly comfortable but it is starting to look a little dated now and in all honesty, if you’re into cycling, then carbon is where it’s at! So, when Halfords asked if I’d like to try the Boardman Road Team carbon women’s bike, I jumped at the chance. I was really keen to see how it felt and if I could really see a genuine difference in my riding. Does a carbon frame really make a difference? (more…)

At home with Laura Trott and DFS ahead of Rio 2016

Laura Trott DFS

DFS have enlisted the help of Laura Trott and other Team GB Olympic athletes to show the power of relaxation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. See how the comforts of home are helping Laura in her Rio 2016 preparations.

I can’t believe the 2016 Rio Olympics are just around the corner. It seems like yesterday that my, then five year old daughter and I were sitting on our sofa cheering on Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics at the very top of our voices! My son was only one, but now at five, he’s as excited as the rest of the family to set up camp in front of our TV and to get behind our fantastic team of athletes. (more…)

Preparing for Your First Charity Bike Ride

Preparing for your first charity bike rideSo, you’ve decided to take on your first charity bike ride. Charity fitness challenges can be some of the most rewarding things you can do – for yourself and for others. You can get fitter, contribute positively to the life of someone who needs your help, and if you’re new to cycling, discover a fantastic new hobby.

But where do you start? Whether you’re already a cyclist, or you are completely new to the sport, you still need to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, for the challenge. Here are my top tips. (more…)

Best cycling blog: Trespass Blog Awards 2015! Vote now!

best cycling blog: Trespass Blog Awards 2015, Ordinary Cycling GirlGood morning all! Well, I’ve had some lovely news this morning and what a really great way to start 2016. I’ve learned that Ordinary Cycling Girl, my little space on the internet, has been short listed as the best cycling blog in the Trespass Blog Awards 2015. How exciting! Thank you if you kindly nominated Ordinary Cycling Girl.

When you first start writing a blog, you obviously have no idea if anyone anywhere will ever cast their eyes over your words and if they do, whether they will be remotely interested in anything you should have to say. So to be nominated and short listed is wonderful recognition of the time and work that goes into this blog. And a good boost to know that you enjoy at least some of what is written here! Plus, Ordinary Cycling Girl is very nearly two years old, so winning would be a really lovely way to mark that occasion!

Best cycling blog: Trespass Blog Awards 2015! Vote now!

I started Ordinary Cycling Girl as I found it difficult to find any women’s cycling blogs that I could relate to as a woman returning to her bike after a lonnnng time away from it. I hope along the way, you’ve found posts inspiring and motivating, as well as entertaining and informative. Cycling is a male dominated world! And I’ve just realised that Ordinary Cycling Girl is the only blog shortlisted that’s founded and written by a woman, with a focus on encouraging women into cycling! Now, that in itself is an achievement I’m proud of!

If you like Ordinary Cycling Girl, please do vote for me as the best cycling blog in the Trespass Blog Awards 2015! I’m up against some far more established blogs, all of whom I hold in high esteem, so I know I have some tough competition. If you like this blog and can spare a few seconds, your vote would be hugely appreciated! 😀

You can vote for Ordinary Cycling Girl as the best cycling blog: Trespass Blog Awards 2015 here until 22 January 2016.

Review: Be Seen this Autumn in this Trespass Hybrid Hi-Vis Cycling Jacket

Trespass HYBRID HI-VIS CYCLING JACKETThe school summer holidays have absolutely flown and at OCG HQ we’re preparing for the Little Man to start school later this week. It’s all go! With the children heading back to school and 2 September marking the second day of Autumn (yep, that’s officially Summer done for another year), it has got me thinking about the nights drawing in and, I hate to say it, the approach of winter weather when, inevitably, the roads are less safe for cyclists with unpredictable conditions and poor visibility.

I’ve always been an advocate of keeping yourself safe on the roads and I ALWAYS wear a helmet, even when I’m going at a snail’s pace when out with the Little Man who’s four. I think it’s important to practice what you preach…and I do preach to the kids about the importance of wearing a helmet and being seen. But a hi-vis cycling jacket is something I haven’t owned until now. I know – shock, horror and shame on me! (more…)

A move to pastures new. And a little bit of honesty

women's cycling, club cycling, NottinghamshireMy goodness, what a hectic few months it’s been! Since I last posted a lot has happened at OCG HQ. We’ve had a house move, a new school and an operation! Thankfully, Little Man is fine after his op and is raring to go again. Miss OCG is enjoying her new school and the new OCG HQ is starting to feel like home.

Our new house is not too far from the old one, only 12 miles or so away but far enough away to mean new cycling territory and I think that was just what I needed! Some new places to explore! I’ll be honest, it’s a little more hilly than I had bargained for and with a couple of months out of the saddle my fitness could be better! But the sun has started shining and it has some heat in it (so no more Raynaud’s problems for the time being) and the local scenery in my new little spot in Nottinghamshire is glorious!

So, there’s been a few changes… (more…)

It’s time for Jantastic 2015

Jantastic 2015
It’s time for Jantastic 2015

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful Christmas. It was a very lovely one here at OCG HQ full of family festive frivolity. I’ve eaten a ton of chocolate, my own body weight in turkey, cheese and Christmas pudding and drank the equivalent of a barrel load when it comes to cocktails, wine and spirits. All in all, while lots of fun has been had, I’m feeling ready to burst and about as a energetic as Santa on Boxing Day.

Cycling Hubby is feeling the same so we’ve decided to sign up for Jantastic 2015. We’ve never done it before but as life has taken over for both of us over recent months we need something to address our motivation and to kickstart our 2015 two wheeled adventures. (more…)

Powered up for Autumn cycling

Autumn cycling
Image via Flickr

Brrrr, it’s been a cold week in Nottingham this week. Give me summer over winter any day of the week. Warm sunshine, blue skies and green trees…just lovely. But this is the UK and Autumn has arrived, so, if I want to carrying on cycling all year round I either need to toughen up or wrap up. (more…)