With summer approaching, now is the perfect time for a leisurely bicycle ride along the Geraldton foreshore.  At least, that’s the feeling among Geraldton’s first female social riding group, and they’re encouraging others to give it a go. 

The enthusiasm for a local female cycling group was first seen at the Women on Wheels workshop, held in March this year as part of the Midwest Bike Festival and International Women’s Day festivities.  The group started riding in April and, since then, have been meeting every fortnight to improve their health, have fun and make new friends.

Isabel Ross, Health Promotion Officer for Primary Health, says that female cycling groups are great for women that haven’t ridden for a long time, as they can gradually build their confidence and skills in a friendly environment. 

Only one in four cyclists in Australia are women, with the main reasons being a lack of confidence and skills to ride in traffic, as well as concerns about appearance and keeping up with others.

Rachel Baker, a regular participant, says that she first joined the group as a way to get healthy.   Now she finds it a great opportunity to get out of the house and meet new people.

“I don’t like to ride by myself, so having a casual group ride is a great motivator to get on the bike.   Plus, I have so much fun chatting to the other women that I forget I’m even doing exercise”.

Women’s social rides are held on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month, starting at the Foreshore Waterpark and ending at a local coffee shop.  Women of all ages and fitness levels are welcome, and there is no cost to join.  For more information, phone Isabel Ross on 9956 2213.