By Lina Arshad
With West Yorkshire in the grip of cycling fever following the Tour De Yorkshire, women in Queensbury are getting on their bikes.
Queensbury Queens of the Mountain is a female-0nly cycling group which was established in May 2016 as a social initiative to get women of all abilities on their bikes to participate in club rides.
Communications officer, Elise Fitzgerald emphasised how the presence of Tour De Yorkshire over the weekend will help more women to take up cycling.
She said that the Tour De Yorkshire has helped people to understand it is not solely about the cycling, but also the social aspect which is a big contributor as to why people take up the sport.
Ms Fitzgerald added: “It is a very social sport to do, and I know we have the one day for the women on the Tour De Yorkshire, but fingers crossed that changes to two days at least by next year. It will be getting attention for women everywhere.”
The club is for females aged 18 and over, and can include participants of any ability with additional measures offered for more nervous riders including a buddy system, as well as the opportunity to join a Breeze ride which involves cycling on traffic-free routes.
Ms Fitzgerald acknowledged that for some women it is difficult to find some down time given the motherly role they have but emphasised the benefits of the club.
She said: “We don’t stop so by the time we do get some me-time, we’re kind of exhausted.
“This club is more than a cycling club, you make true friends.”
To register your interest and join the Queensbury Queens of the Mountain please visit http://www.queensburyqueenscc.co.uk/join.html.