Kerry Doyle of Faulconbridge has found a new way to unwind. Cycling.
The 37-year-old mother of two recently rediscovered a bike she had bought after finishing university 15 years earlier. She dusted it off six months ago and started to ride, while also completing a national cycling program which encourages more women to get on their bikes.
The nationally co-ordinated women's riding program She Rides is set to get rolling again in the Mountains on Sunday, March 6 after a successful season last year. Cycling Australia CEO, Nick Green, said it was a “fantastic way for women to get fit, make friends and discover their freedom”.
“Communities like the Mountains can only benefit from a program like this, it’s a wonderful way for women to make positive changes in their lives.”
About 1000 women like Mrs Doyle have already completed the program nationally, with 95 per cent of graduates feeling more confident on a bike.
Mrs Doyle said the program had a “roll-on effect” on other parts of her life. Now instead of coffee with friends she enjoyed cycling outings twice weekly.
The program is offered in two formats; a road/traffic program and a mountain/trail one. It was created after Cycling Australia found most women would ride more if they felt safer, more confident in their abilities and had an organised group to join.
Mountains program leader, Lindy Turnbull, said she was excited to help another group of up to 18 riders improve each week. “I am so passionate about riding and the positive impact is has had on my life so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help more women in the community start their journey with She Rides,” Ms Turnbull said.
For Mrs Doyle it means her six-year-old son Patrick doesn’t need to nag her anymore to ride and she’s traded up to a flash mountain bike. “I’ve gone from being a cyclist’s wife to the cyclist of the family,” she said laughing.
Registrations: www.sherides.com.au.