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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What We Do
1. Signature Experience
Discover your inner cyclist. (Re)discover your bike mojo. Step out of your comfort zone & find adventure on your doorstep. We build your confidence and open up new possibilities. Leave confident, in control and feeling fabulous.
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Our flagship experience, designed to empower you on your cycling journey.
Includes:
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1 hour pre-ride consultation, bike check & kit chat with The Personal Cyclist to understand your needs and set achievable goals, time and place to suit
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8 hours of private, personalised on-bike coaching, broken into chunks to suit you
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Learn including skills & techniques at your pace
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An engaging, supportive mix of closed road, quiet cycle paths and guided road rides
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Experience culminates in a bespoke guided road ride based on your interests and ability, with a hand-picked coffee and cake stop along the way
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Beautifully presented with hand-crafted Personal Cyclist goody bag to support your cycling adventures.
2. Guided rides
Want to try something different?
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Personalised, curated rides for individuals and groups of all abilities, at a pace and time to suit. Discover hidden gems, soak up stunning scenery and get some fabulous photos.
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New for 2023: join us at Conde Nast and AA Hotel of the Year, Grantley Hall
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Ask us about bike hire (we love ebikes too).
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3. Personal Cyclist Consultation
Cycle-curious but unsure where to start? We can support you from the get go. Session includes:
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1 hour face to face session with The Personal Cyclist
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Meeting at a time to suit, we discuss your your cycling experience and run a prviate practical, friendly review of your ride confidence
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We get you ride-ready; take a look at your bike and kit, offering unbiased advice to point you in the direction of great suppliers to suit your style and budget.
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We help you set realistic goals and recommendations to get you ready to roll.
4. Group sessions
Try something new, at your pace. Leave confident, in control and comfortable.
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All of our sessions are designed to bring you confidence on two wheels. Discover (or rediscover) your cycling mojo. Highlights include:
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Nail The Basics
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In Control
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Ride Social
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5. Spin & spa
New for Spring 2023. Click here to find out more