Julie Batten

Before discovering cycling around six years ago, Julie had a bike in the garage which had been gathering dust for years. She knew she wanted to make a change but was scared to go out on the roads. 

Julie plucked up the courage to join a cycling group and has never looked back, she said: "I had a bike in my garage for about 20 years but was too scared to ride it on the roads. Now I lead rides with Breeze and commute. Something I couldn’t have imagined doing years ago.

I enjoy being on my bike as much as I did when I was a child

Julie Batten

Julie said: "I just love being out on my bike and even better if it’s with a group of women who all feel the same. I enjoy being on my bike as much as I did when I was a child. 

"It’s magical and I think I’ll have that feeling for ever and hopefully I can pass that on to as many women as possible.

"If I can do it, anyone can."

Julie was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Esther Barnes who said: "Julie is one of the most experienced Breeze Champions in the South Birmingham and Solihull area leading well over 250 rides.

Group riding is at it's best if you have Julie by your side.

Esther Barnes

"She has an encyclopedic knowledge of all the lanes in Warwickshire and beyond. Julie likes to mix it up a bit throwing in interesting urban rides with the most beautiful long winding lanes where cars are often not see for miles.

"She sets a wonderful example and commutes on her bike every day to work at a secondary school. She has been involved in cycling challenges at school with the pupils taking them to places they never knew existed and showing them the joys of cycling.

"Julie is a fab leader, always bubbly, chatting and laughing all while making leading a group of 16 riders look easy and stress free. Group riding is at it's best if you have Julie by your side."

 

What is 100 Women in Cycling?

Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to cycle.