Middle aged woman on a bike
I identify as a late-onset cyclist. While I pedalled around the neighbourhood growing up, it wasn’t until later—at twenty-three when I purchased a used department store bike for a cool fifty bucks—that I fell in head over heels in love with the sport.
As I write this, we are in the third week of the 2021 Tour De France. Mark Cavendish has made a remarkable comeback this year and has equalled Eddy Merckx record of 34 Tour De France Stage wins. If he succeeds in Paris he will break this record. It's certainly something to shout about. Yet the sporting media has been so focussed on the Euro's and England making the final, that his accomplishment has been completely overshadowed to everyone other than cycling fans. And while this makes me sad, the truth is, this is what has been happening to women, in all sports, since the dawn of time.
In the early 19th Century, the first bicycles were developed by men, for men. Until the turn of the 20th Century, bicycles were considered only suitable for men since they couldn’t be ridden effectively sidesaddle – which was felt to be the only way that delicate ladies could ride anything!
I want to pay homage to some of those early female pioneers that broke the mould and went on to spectacular achievements at a time when women were still not supposed to exerting themselves, due to it being considered too dangerous to health, and also the stars of today, that still continue to inspire and break not only women’s records, but also some of those set by men. Who says women aren’t strong?
Why do so many of us lose our confidence as we get older?
This motivation series will include inspirational stories, achievements and tips to build confidence.
To put it all in perspective I’d like to share MJ’s story. She’s the perfect example......