Karen Gibbins

By Christina Bengston

Karen Gibbins

Karen Gibbins is part of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling 2019 list for being an inspirational HSBC UK Breeze ride leader.

Karen regained her childhood enjoyment in cycling when she took part in a librarian cycling tour of Scandinavia.

Before undertaking this ten-day adventure, she realised she needed to do some training so she joined a local Swansea bike club.

After completing the HSBC UK Breeze ride leader training course, she began organising rides and helping to inspire new members.

Supporting and organising local rides and being asked to help at other cycling events has been a huge part of my life over the past five years.

Karen Gibbins

Karen said: “Supporting and organising local rides and being asked to help at other cycling events has been a huge part of my life over the past five years.

“I feel healthier happier and part of a big cycling community as a result and would never look back.

“I love the way I can empty my mind and just enjoy the road I am cycling, the hill I have to climb or the one I can see beyond that. I love that I am fitter and healthier and have hundreds of new friends and feel part of something.”

Karen received an enormous number of nominations for the 100 Women in Cycling. One said: “Karen never lets you give up; she encourages everyone to finish together as part of the team.”

Another said: “She gives a lot of her time encouraging new beginners to the club, but most raised the number of female rides within our club massively, she is there week in week out on club rides as well.”

And another said: “Karen is selfless, gives freely of her time and is a wonderful person to be with when cycling. Thoroughly deserved the award.

“She is a total inspiration and got me cycling when I was just about to give up. She’s encouraged so many ladies to take up cycling, she’s always the first to offer encouragement and praise.

“She is always aware when anyone is struggling. Over the 3 years I have known her she has often given up opportunities of riding for herself to help beginners and less able cyclists.”