How it all began
Let me introduce you to Sue and her story – a true testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the thrill of cycling!
My love affair with bikes began as a child, fuelled by a rebellious spirit when my Dad deemed it unsafe for me to ride at just 10 years old. But as they say, where there’s a will… and I was determined. Borrowing bikes from friends, I embarked on secret adventures, exploring the woods and parks near home, my Dad none the wiser. 
Despite being an unfit and overweight teenager and adult, I still loved the outdoors. On my early rides, I would go to great lengths to avoid hills and considered a 5-mile ride a huge achievement.
A move that transformed my life
But life has a funny way of surprising us. A move from Glasgow to Worcestershire brought warmer weather, friendlier terrain, and new found opportunities to explore locally on my bike. It was here that my cycling journey took a remarkable turn – weight loss and the world of fit people was no longer a pipe dream.
Drawn in by a group of female cyclists near my home, my curiosity led me to Rachel’s doorstep. She had created this wonderful club, Women on Wheels (WOW) – www.women-on-wheels.co.uk. Little did I know, this was just the starting point that transformed my life. The ‘Zero to Cycling Hero’ programme that Rachel was offering was right up my street. I went from a nervous beginner cyclist to conquering my first 50km bike ride with other women on one of the hottest days of the year.
Her journey didn’t stop there
But my journey didn’t stop there. I continued to ride with WOW building my fitness and stamina and with my newfound confidence and self belief made me was hungry for more. Luckily Rachel’s next programme ‘SportDivas – Cycle your way to 100km’ was starting which meant I could work towards something new, pushing myself further than I ever thought possible.
How you can be more Sue?
What makes Sue’s story truly remarkable is not just her physical transformation but her profound mindset shift. From believing that people would laugh at her for being over weight to the fact that there are fit and unfit people in this world and these places are not inter-changeable. Her lack of self belief in her own abilities has also seen a radical shift. Not only has she achieved these amazing milestones, but she is now also a volunteer ride leader as a Breeze Champion with British Cycling. Her journey is a testament to the incredible transformations that occur when courage meets opportunity. 
Are you a woman over 40 in Worcester who is a beginner cyclist?
So, to anyone hesitating starting their own cycling journey, Sue’s message is clear:
Take that leap! What have you got to lose? The rewards – the friendships, the fitness, the pure amazement at what your body can do by pushing your limits – far outweigh the fears.
Rachel offers something truly unique. She gets us and creates a safe space where you feel nurtured and truly cared for. She listens to our fears, tailors our training with a huge emphasis on all of her groups being friendly, welcoming and sociable. That said, she’s not a push over either and will gently and firmly guide us to achieve our best.
Even if we don’t believe we can do it, Rachel will show us that we CAN.
What’s next for Sue?
As Sue looks ahead to her 60th birthday in 2024, she plans to celebrate by cycling the coast to coast across Scotland. A fitting tribute to her remarkable journey and a testament to the limitless possibilities that await. Her husband even now calls her Benjamin Button because he says she’s getting older and looking younger every year. Life is an adventure, and Sue is living proof that it’s never too late to embrace it with open arms.
So I’m sure you’ll join me in saying, WOO HOO Sue – what an amazing journey you’ve had. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope this INSPIRES you.
Would you like to start cycling with other women?
If you’d like to find out about any of the programmes mentioned in Sue’s story then head over to my website to find out more – Cycling – RJ Fitness & Coaching
