Placement Students Charlotte and Olivia took to the saddle – not once, but Twice! Felix set them on a challenge to document their own autumnal bike ride as non-cyclists, sharing their experiences from a new rider’s point of view before meeting for a Bike the UK for MS team ride with alumni Joanna.
Olivia's Ride in Lancaster
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I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go around the local canal, taking my dog, Dot, along for the ride. The ride started off smoothly, with beautiful views along the canal, and we even spotted a few ducks that Dot was very keen to greet (chase)! However, halfway through our ride, we ran into a bit of an obstacle- building work on the canal blocked our path. Instead of turning back, we took a slight detour to get around the disruption and complete our loop.
Though our unexpected detour added a bit of time, it gave us a chance to explore a different area, with new sights and trails. Dot was excited as ever, just enjoying the outside and new smells. However there was slight over
 excitement from Dot, running into fields and chasing birds- which resulted in me ringing mum to come and meet me to take over the responsibility of keeping her eyes on the dog!
Charlotte's Ride in Suffolk
When Felix set me the task of going on a bike ride I genuinely did not think I would have as much fun as I did! As a team sports player with very little endurance background and even less cycling experience my enjoyment truly surprised me. What could have been a simple 10 minute ride to get some footage ended up as an 11km hour long ride and I could have happily carried on!
With my bike recently stolen, I borrowed a mountain bike and started my ride. I decided to use all its suspension features and ride on the local Warren, where no bike transport would be needed and I wouldn’t have to tackle any road cycling.
As a true beginner cyclist I felt the things that made me so content on the bike was knowing that although I was physically cycling by myself I knew Olivia was doing this to, just like others will all be training throughout the year to then come together and complete one of our routes. The thought of doing a long bike ride daunted me but I realised that once you have made the step to just get out on the bike – even if it is for 10 minutes – you realise you are much more able than you think.
I also set no expectations on myself about the time it would take me to ride and stopping mid-cycle – something our trips also offer, and I really understand why now! This cycling exercise that Felix set up made me realise you don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy cycling! After being in the vans this Summer seeing some beautiful scenery and getting on the bike for a ride, I can really see why you’d want to put the two together for a summer experience of a lifetime!
Our Team day Cycle
We recently had a team working day in Loughborough, and it was a fantastic mix of work and fun. We went on a bike ride together and there is definitely a competitive streak in the Bike the UK team as multiple races were had. Surprisingly, there were more hills than expected for the Midlands– though they were only small ones. It was a fantastic day out with the team, full of laughter, a little friendly competition and an opportunity to get out on the bike with friends.
Firstly, we got some help from the cycling professional to reassemble our bikes as we had to transport them with the wheels separate in our cars. With Felix and Joanna all kitted out in their cycling gear, we felt a little underdressed but still excited nonetheless. After a few lessons on gears as Charlotte was borrowing a bike with a techy gear shift mechanism (yes, Felix did have to tell me what it is called!) we were set to take on a blind route that Felix had planned.
With no idea where or how far we were going, we focused on having a good time and enjoying all the terrains Loughborough had to offer us. One of us may have got a little more competitive than the other when it came to a track stand competition and sprint race during our ride, but you’ll have to watch our reel on Instagram to find out the results! gear shift mechanism (yes, Felix did have to tell me what it is called!) we were set to take on a blind route that Felix had planned. With no idea where or how far we were going, we focused on having a good time and enjoying all the terrains Loughborough had to offer us.
One of us may have got a little more competitive than the other when it came to a track stand competition and sprint race during our ride, but you’ll have to watch our reel on Instagram to find out the results!
