Achieving my goals
Lizzie Ingham
I joined BellaVelo earlier this year as I had specific cycling goals I wanted to achieve and I had heard nothing but great things about the club...
I had signed up to my second Ironman (IM Switzerland) and also had been lucky enough to secure a place in the Prudential Ride London, so I needed to focus on speed and strength over distance.
The BellaVelo group is very disciplined. They use an app where you can sign onto rides and they leave from Roehampton Gate in Richmond Park promptly. My favourite rides are the Saturday morningrides which are about 50 miles ish and the Sunday series increasing distance to 100 miles to get ride fit for ride London ‘My first 100 miles’ There are also morning interval training sessions and many other rides too.
It’s so fabulous to cycle every week with like-minded ladies in the South London area. They are all very welcoming and supportive (irrespective of your cycling ability) and I continue to learn from them and improve my cycling. Friends of mine have commented on how much I have improved my cycling in a short period of time. I finished my Ironman with a strong bike leg and I’m looking forward to the Prudential this weekend!
If you’ve thought about taking up cycling - now is your time! Join BellaVelo! :)
Lizzie Ingham
I joined BellaVelo earlier this year as I had specific cycling goals I wanted to achieve and I had heard nothing but great things about the club...
I had signed up to my second Ironman (IM Switzerland) and also had been lucky enough to secure a place in the Prudential Ride London, so I needed to focus on speed and strength over distance.
The BellaVelo group is very disciplined. They use an app where you can sign onto rides and they leave from Roehampton Gate in Richmond Park promptly. My favourite rides are the Saturday morningrides which are about 50 miles ish and the Sunday series increasing distance to 100 miles to get ride fit for ride London ‘My first 100 miles’ There are also morning interval training sessions and many other rides too.
It’s so fabulous to cycle every week with like-minded ladies in the South London area. They are all very welcoming and supportive (irrespective of your cycling ability) and I continue to learn from them and improve my cycling. Friends of mine have commented on how much I have improved my cycling in a short period of time. I finished my Ironman with a strong bike leg and I’m looking forward to the Prudential this weekend!
If you’ve thought about taking up cycling - now is your time! Join BellaVelo! :)
A member of the club
Patricia Bacon
I feel very lucky to have found a club that is just so wonderful in every way - so inclusive, encouraging, fun, real, honest, inspiring and pioneering in so many ways. It doesn’t sit still and nor do we - and we know how to have fun together on and off the bike. Watching how far people have come and gone on the bike has been one of the most magical things to watch and whilst we know not what we are capable of, these women are rocking one another's worlds. And it’s so refreshing to see 20 some-things inspiring 60 some-things and vice versa. We are all forever learning. And it is really interesting to see how many people are watching our innovations and how we are scooping up women from all over.
Patricia Bacon
I feel very lucky to have found a club that is just so wonderful in every way - so inclusive, encouraging, fun, real, honest, inspiring and pioneering in so many ways. It doesn’t sit still and nor do we - and we know how to have fun together on and off the bike. Watching how far people have come and gone on the bike has been one of the most magical things to watch and whilst we know not what we are capable of, these women are rocking one another's worlds. And it’s so refreshing to see 20 some-things inspiring 60 some-things and vice versa. We are all forever learning. And it is really interesting to see how many people are watching our innovations and how we are scooping up women from all over.
We have Champion Cyclists too
Jasmijn Muller
I joined Bellavelo at the end of 2018 because I wanted to give back to cycling and women's cycling in particular after several years of receiving great support from men and women alike with my own riding and races. I joined because I wanted to help, encourage and inspire other women riding their bikes. Little did I anticipate how much joy joining such a supportive community of women is giving me. I have always been a bit weary of women-only clubs out of an unjustified fear that it might be a bit 'cliquey' or 'bitchy'. Bellavelo totally changed my views on women-only clubs. It is the most supportive club, where people genuinely care for and encourage each other; a club for women by women. I know many men who are very supportive of women's cycling, but as encouraging as men can be, many women are still more likely to do something because of the social factor, because other women they know will also be there, because they know they won't be judged and can discuss anything they want. It is great to see how much momentum BellaVelo currently has and I hope the club will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Jasmijn Muller
I joined Bellavelo at the end of 2018 because I wanted to give back to cycling and women's cycling in particular after several years of receiving great support from men and women alike with my own riding and races. I joined because I wanted to help, encourage and inspire other women riding their bikes. Little did I anticipate how much joy joining such a supportive community of women is giving me. I have always been a bit weary of women-only clubs out of an unjustified fear that it might be a bit 'cliquey' or 'bitchy'. Bellavelo totally changed my views on women-only clubs. It is the most supportive club, where people genuinely care for and encourage each other; a club for women by women. I know many men who are very supportive of women's cycling, but as encouraging as men can be, many women are still more likely to do something because of the social factor, because other women they know will also be there, because they know they won't be judged and can discuss anything they want. It is great to see how much momentum BellaVelo currently has and I hope the club will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Becoming a ride leader
Lucy Jones
When it was suggested to me that I should become a ride leader I was surprised to say the least. I wouldn't describe myself as fast, or experienced so it wasn't something I had considered, but I was excited at the prospect. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I did have something to offer.
I am new to riding myself, so I thought my strength might be offering encouragement to other new riders so I nervously signed up. We started with some training meetings and mentoring with Hot Chillee which was really useful. You then sign up for some rides you are happy to lead and you are paired with another ride leader so you won't find yourself in at the deep end. I chose some Sunday rides as I like to ride on a Sunday and found myself leading some for the 'My first 50' and 'My first 100' rides. I would always try to recce the route first, once admittedly in the car as the weather was so bad the day I could ride, and then I admit I gave up once the rides reached 100 miles!
I can honestly say I have loved every minute. I have made many new friendships, learnt new skills and enjoyed exciting journeys which has been truly inspirational. I also hope I have been able to use my own experience to the benefit of others. Fresh memories of clinging onto the back of a group is something I can relate to, so as well as leading I often like to ride at the back of the group offering support to new riders. I must confess I was also worried that some of the faster more experienced riders might wonder why I was stepping up to be a ride leader, but they couldn't have been more welcoming. The feeling is definitely the more the merrier. A larger team of ride leaders means that the load can be spread. There is always a need for leaders for the slower groups as these are often the ones that get signed up first, so if you are worried about your speed – don't be. Everyone has something to offer.
Lucy Jones
When it was suggested to me that I should become a ride leader I was surprised to say the least. I wouldn't describe myself as fast, or experienced so it wasn't something I had considered, but I was excited at the prospect. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I did have something to offer.
I am new to riding myself, so I thought my strength might be offering encouragement to other new riders so I nervously signed up. We started with some training meetings and mentoring with Hot Chillee which was really useful. You then sign up for some rides you are happy to lead and you are paired with another ride leader so you won't find yourself in at the deep end. I chose some Sunday rides as I like to ride on a Sunday and found myself leading some for the 'My first 50' and 'My first 100' rides. I would always try to recce the route first, once admittedly in the car as the weather was so bad the day I could ride, and then I admit I gave up once the rides reached 100 miles!
I can honestly say I have loved every minute. I have made many new friendships, learnt new skills and enjoyed exciting journeys which has been truly inspirational. I also hope I have been able to use my own experience to the benefit of others. Fresh memories of clinging onto the back of a group is something I can relate to, so as well as leading I often like to ride at the back of the group offering support to new riders. I must confess I was also worried that some of the faster more experienced riders might wonder why I was stepping up to be a ride leader, but they couldn't have been more welcoming. The feeling is definitely the more the merrier. A larger team of ride leaders means that the load can be spread. There is always a need for leaders for the slower groups as these are often the ones that get signed up first, so if you are worried about your speed – don't be. Everyone has something to offer.
Taking on the Tour de France
Helen Sharp
BellaVelo is a women’s only road cycling club in south west London where ordinary women are supported and enabled to do extraordinary things.
The club is varied in every sense from the people involved, experience of riders, sessions on offer, and times of day/ week. There really is something for everyone.
The club offers both shorter structured weekday sessions (early morning intervals, evening chaingang, hill repeats) primarily within Richmond Park. At the weekend the offering increases in length with rides up to 160km and 3-5 different speed groups going out depending on demand. These rides allow women to venture further afield, see different places and engage in conversation over coffee and cake at the half way stop. More recently the feature of away days have been very popular with a long ride out to somewhere (like the beach) and a train journey to return. The intention of all the rides is to offer accessible choices both in terms of times in the week (many women work or are busy with the school run), speed groups and distance.
But these are the bits that BV offers that are easy for any cycling club to replicate given a bit of planning and care.
The club (around 200 members) is backed by an online community (around 1,000 women) and this for me is what makes the club very special and unique.
It’s the overwhelming support, positivity and willingness of club members to give things a go that is special. There are people who hold world records, people who ride long distances, people who race and people for whom it’s a challenge just to get on their bike and have a ride around the park. Everyone has something to contribute and something to gain. This diversity makes us strong and special.
Recently as part of the InternationElles, I cycled every stage of the Tour de France, one day before the men to highlight the gender disparity in cycling and call for an equivalent platform to the tour, in France for professional women. I was joined by Helen Bridgman, another member of BV. Support came in many forms - before we left members of BV reached out to their personal networks to help us achieve coverage of the ride and the cause. This resulted in our first piece of coverage in the Sunday Times. One of what turned out to be many, but members of BV wanted to help and support women’s cycling. Before we left, the club organised ‘good luck laps’ for us in the park and we have over 50 women turn up. Lots of these women I didn’t know but each took the time to wish us luck. Whilst we were away riding it was as if we had the support of the community riding with us each day to get us through the tough parts - we were partly inspiring those back at home, partly receiving advice from those women more experienced and mostly just receiving warm wishes and virtual hugs. On our return we have been invited along to the next social where many stories will be heard and glasses of wine drunk ☺️. We really couldn’t have done it without them.BellaVelo is a really special club and I’m extremely proud to be a member.
Photo by Attacus.cc
Helen Sharp
BellaVelo is a women’s only road cycling club in south west London where ordinary women are supported and enabled to do extraordinary things.
The club is varied in every sense from the people involved, experience of riders, sessions on offer, and times of day/ week. There really is something for everyone.
The club offers both shorter structured weekday sessions (early morning intervals, evening chaingang, hill repeats) primarily within Richmond Park. At the weekend the offering increases in length with rides up to 160km and 3-5 different speed groups going out depending on demand. These rides allow women to venture further afield, see different places and engage in conversation over coffee and cake at the half way stop. More recently the feature of away days have been very popular with a long ride out to somewhere (like the beach) and a train journey to return. The intention of all the rides is to offer accessible choices both in terms of times in the week (many women work or are busy with the school run), speed groups and distance.
But these are the bits that BV offers that are easy for any cycling club to replicate given a bit of planning and care.
The club (around 200 members) is backed by an online community (around 1,000 women) and this for me is what makes the club very special and unique.
It’s the overwhelming support, positivity and willingness of club members to give things a go that is special. There are people who hold world records, people who ride long distances, people who race and people for whom it’s a challenge just to get on their bike and have a ride around the park. Everyone has something to contribute and something to gain. This diversity makes us strong and special.
Recently as part of the InternationElles, I cycled every stage of the Tour de France, one day before the men to highlight the gender disparity in cycling and call for an equivalent platform to the tour, in France for professional women. I was joined by Helen Bridgman, another member of BV. Support came in many forms - before we left members of BV reached out to their personal networks to help us achieve coverage of the ride and the cause. This resulted in our first piece of coverage in the Sunday Times. One of what turned out to be many, but members of BV wanted to help and support women’s cycling. Before we left, the club organised ‘good luck laps’ for us in the park and we have over 50 women turn up. Lots of these women I didn’t know but each took the time to wish us luck. Whilst we were away riding it was as if we had the support of the community riding with us each day to get us through the tough parts - we were partly inspiring those back at home, partly receiving advice from those women more experienced and mostly just receiving warm wishes and virtual hugs. On our return we have been invited along to the next social where many stories will be heard and glasses of wine drunk ☺️. We really couldn’t have done it without them.BellaVelo is a really special club and I’m extremely proud to be a member.
Photo by Attacus.cc
All Women are Welcome
Fiona Geldard
I came to BellaVelo being open about my trans identity for the purposes of being transparent and open. In doing so I thought I may prove to be a positive role model for the club.
Having communicated initially on line with the club I found them to be warm and welcoming. They asked if there were any special needs or requirements I needed. We continued to chat for a few weeks and eventually I was invited to a club function where I could meet members in person and I was assurances that I would be made welcome.
I was asked by the Steering Committee if I wished to keep my trans identity confidential or share with others. We agreed to share with ride leaders. When I arrived at the function I was initially greeted warmly by SteerCo members and during the night I was introduced to other ride leaders, all of whom welcomed me to the club.
Having been a member for over fourth months the conversation has been about our common love of cycling and I have now been on several club rides. I feel proud to be a Bella, I would describe us as an organised sisterhood of cycling embracing diversity. I have found the Bellas to be a disciplined club and always encouraging of one another. It’s a great sight to see a peloton of the blue Bellas riding sharply and neatly out on the roads. I have been impressed at the range of training, development and confidence building opportunities the club offers
It is a club that is modernised, encouraging its members to use social media to communicate and find out what is happening.
It’s a club that has structured itself to suit a broad range of abilities and I find there is always something going on. Social media platforms are always full of encouragements for riders pursuing their own endeavours or challenges.
I am always happy to talk about my trans identity to anyone who is interested, however I’m a cyclist first as are my fellow Bellas and that is what we talk about, all things cycling.
Fiona Geldard
I came to BellaVelo being open about my trans identity for the purposes of being transparent and open. In doing so I thought I may prove to be a positive role model for the club.
Having communicated initially on line with the club I found them to be warm and welcoming. They asked if there were any special needs or requirements I needed. We continued to chat for a few weeks and eventually I was invited to a club function where I could meet members in person and I was assurances that I would be made welcome.
I was asked by the Steering Committee if I wished to keep my trans identity confidential or share with others. We agreed to share with ride leaders. When I arrived at the function I was initially greeted warmly by SteerCo members and during the night I was introduced to other ride leaders, all of whom welcomed me to the club.
Having been a member for over fourth months the conversation has been about our common love of cycling and I have now been on several club rides. I feel proud to be a Bella, I would describe us as an organised sisterhood of cycling embracing diversity. I have found the Bellas to be a disciplined club and always encouraging of one another. It’s a great sight to see a peloton of the blue Bellas riding sharply and neatly out on the roads. I have been impressed at the range of training, development and confidence building opportunities the club offers
It is a club that is modernised, encouraging its members to use social media to communicate and find out what is happening.
It’s a club that has structured itself to suit a broad range of abilities and I find there is always something going on. Social media platforms are always full of encouragements for riders pursuing their own endeavours or challenges.
I am always happy to talk about my trans identity to anyone who is interested, however I’m a cyclist first as are my fellow Bellas and that is what we talk about, all things cycling.