Karen works part-time in admin and fundraising for youth charity, Outfit Moray who deliver life-changing outdoor learning and adventure opportunities to young people in Moray. 

Her own outdoor activities however have been limited by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia and arthritis as she struggles with chronic fatigue, joint pain and muscle weakness. 

After trying an electric bike at a local event in March 2020 she bought her own and was quickly hooked. 

As one of Cycling UK's digital champions promoting women's cycling this summer, with the support of her colleagues at Outfit Moray, Karen hopes to cycle up local hill Ben Rinnes (841m) on her electric mountain bike.

Karen Jane said…

“Because of my health conditions, exercise normally wipes me out and causes a lot of pain, but because cycling on my electric bike is low impact it's easier on my body and being out in the fresh air and seeing the countryside, plus having a natter with whoever is with me, gives me a great wellbeing boost.”

Nominated by…

Karen Jane was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by several people.

Donna Brown said: "Karen works for our charity and always has been a huge supporter of cycling for our bike Revolution project where bikes are recycled and led rides and bike maintenance organised. She has organised inspirational summer and January challenges during Covid which have encouraged a lot of people to Cycle.

"She is disabled but got on an e-bike at our Bike Fest in March after not having been on a bike for decades - loved it and bought an e-bike and has been riding regularly on it. She is so keen to encourage others and has helped with two sets of e-bike sessions with older people where she shares her enthusiasm and ‘if I can do then you can’ and demonstrates the bike.

"She went mountain biking for first time on an e-bike and shared her inspirational story. Now she has set herself a bigger challenge despite her disabilities. She is inspirational in her determination and personal cycling achievement and in her Facebook interaction with hundreds of people."

Alison Read said: "Karen is a community fundraiser for cycling social enterprise, Bike Revolution, helping disadvantaged kids access bikes, servicing bikes and refurbishing donated bikes.

"She has multiple health conditions including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which affects her mobility and can leave her fatigued for days. She uses a wheelchair when it's really bad. She hadn't ridden a bike in years. Last year, she tried an e-bike (at a bike rev event). She loved it so much she bought her own. 'Buzz' has helped her explore all over the local area and she has become a huge advocate for e-bikes and disability champion.

A few years back she learnt to fly a plane with Flying scholarships for the disabled, which she blogged, was featured in the papers and all over social media. She's raised thousand for charity, and is a fantastic ambassador for cycling and empowerment

Alison Read

"A few years back she learnt to fly a plane with Flying Scholarships for Disabled People, which she blogged, was featured in the papers and all over social media. She's raised thousands for charity, and is a fantastic ambassador for cycling and empowerment."

Linda Brooks said: "Karen has overcome her own fears and disability to cycle and promote cycling to others. She is keen to get people out of their comfort zones and access e-bikes to extend their abilities."