About The Personal Cyclist

I started the Personal Cyclist to help everyone get out on two wheels and discover the freedom of cycling in one of the best places on the planet, Yorkshire.

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Want to get outside more or use your car less? Cycle-curious or looking for challenge? Daunted by busy roads or unsure where to ride safely? I wanted someone to help me answer  every question I'd been too afraid to ask when I started out, so trained with British Cycling and  help you discover your inner cyclist in a highly personalised, unintimidating way, at your pace and in your own time, no question too silly.

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New to Harrogate or want to discover its hidden gems? I host bespoke, curated cycling experiences from Harrogate to discover the beauty on our doorstep; taking in stunning views and local delicacies along the way.

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But it wasn't always like this; I learned to ride a bike properly in my late 30's & grew up in an un-sporty family, working for Radio 1 and representing big travel and fashion companies for over a decade.  Writing for the Telegraph about campervanning across Europe and swapping my membership of Soho House for a Caravan Club card got me hooked on adventuring - with a large side order of comfort.

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I took a job with the 2012 Olympics & relocated to Yorkshire to start a family. But  the combination of kids, exhaustion and lack of confidence meant the prospect of exercise or outdoor adventure felt difficult, cold & quite frankly a hassle. So I stuck in my comfort zone of the occasional run/ spin session.

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In 2015 on the back of a dare, I plucked up courage to muster a ladies' team for the Great Knaresborough Bed Race; part fancy dress pagaent, part gruelling time trial ending with a swim through the icy River Nidd. It showed me how fast a bunch of women learn, gave me a taste for group training and the confidence to learn new skills outdoors.

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Watching the Tour De France Grand Depart the previous year had left me cycle curious but intimidated; it all looked a bit serious and competitive. Where to begin?  What was with all the jargon? Where to start with kit? How much to spend? A family reunion in Wales sealed the deal as I was cajoled into a cycling tutorial from my avid cyclist hubby and two young sons. It wasn't pretty but it lit a spark, bolstered by the confidence I'd found racing beds around Knaresborough.

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Over the years I learned the hard way; falling off, feeling intimidated by bike shops, buying dodgy kit, petrified of punctures and getting lost a lot. But in the process I discovered cycling is more than blindly chasing Strava segments; it's pure freedom and escapism. Brilliant for our brains, bodies and the planet- and far gentler on the jowls & joints than pounding pavements.

Harrogate was the natural birthplace of the Personal Cyclist given its spa history and reputation as a global cycle hub. We work with brilliant local partners, we're passionate about enjoying the ride and can't wait to help you!

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