CTC Fylde Bicycle Belles celebrate ten years of friendship and fun

By Julie Rand
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
CTC Fylde Bicycle Belles celebrate ten years together this year
Nearly a decade ago, an item appeared in the CTC magazine asking for members to run special events to encourage women to cycle. 'Five Miles to Fabulous' was the name of the initiative and two women were inspired enough by it to organise a ride for their female friends.

Chair of CTC Fylde Bicycle Belles Sarah Crozier said: "Admittedly, we did ride further than the five miles suggested but, such was the response to this initial ride that, even though several people suffered from saddle sore or aching legs, we decided to organise some more."

From that inauspicious start, this year, the CTC Member Group is celebrating its tenth anniversary as CTC Fylde Bicycle Belles.

Sarah says: "Our aim is to encourage women to enjoy cycling in and around the Fylde area of Lancashire and the runs list advertises a ride every month.  We have had bicycle treasure hunts, social evenings and bike maintenance sessions run by a local bike shop, as well as weekends away together exploring other parts of the UK."

Thank you CTC for providing the initial stimulus. Many friendships have been forged over the miles we’ve covered and many happy memories shared at the café stops along the way!"

Sarah Crozier, CTC Fylde Bicycle Belles

She added: "We’ve even been featured in the local press and on Radio Lancashire, promoting the benefits of cycling to women. Our membership is diverse both in age range and ability but the friendship and camaraderie is second to none."

Well done to the Belles and here's to the next ten years of freedom, friendship and fun in Fylde - and further afield!

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