Cycling photographer Alastair Johnstone is continuing to help us in our mission to capture the essence of female cycling in a series of portraits.
We hope by showcasing all types of women and their bicycles over the coming months, we will be able to make people realise just how accessible cycling is – because that’s our passion – to get more women cycling!
Alastair recently popped along to the Sodbury Sportive, a road event in Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire.
Clare, 51, Accountant
Name: Clare
Age: 51
Job: Accountant
Bike: Orbea
How did you get into cycling?
I’ve always cycled since I was a student, but more commuting.
What do you love about cycling?
Travelling, safari.
What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve been given?
Erm, probably get cycling pants.
Why do you think fewer women than men cycle?
Because they’re not as strong as men.
Where’s you favourite place to ride?
Err on quiet roads.
Who do you usually cycle with?
Usually with my husband.
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Carley, 31, Quantity Surveyer
Name: Carly
Age: 3
Bike: Scott Speedster 35
Job: Quantity Surveyer
How did you get into cycling?
A property agency sponsored an event that is yearly, for road cycling.
What do you love about cycling?
Fitness, and just getting out in the countryside.
What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve been given?
Keep going! (Laughs) Wear a helmet.
Why do you think so few women cycle instead of men?
I think it is a bit like golf, they don’t get invited out on bike rides so they don’t go, so they get further behind and further behind. Sometimes you’ve just got to stand up and go and do it yourself.
Where’s you favourite place to ride?
[Locally] it’s convenient.
Who do you usually cycle with?
I used to cycle alone and with anybody who would come, now I’ve managed to get my husband to get a bike, so that helps.
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Clare, 44, Communications Manager
Name: Clare
Age: 44
Bike: Felt ZW3
Job: Communications manager.
How did you get into cycling?
Well I got into it 2 years ago, just kind of through friends at the gym really.
What do you love about cycling?
Lots! I love the challenge and being outside, and just pushing yourself to do things, and setting myself a target and achieving it.
What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve been given?
Drink lots.
Why do you think so few women cycle instead of men?
Probably just opportunity, and a lot of women don’t think about it, they just think it’s a blokes thing.
Where’s you favourite place to ride?
France, the Alps.
Who do you usually cycle with?
Mostly on my own.
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Charlotte, 22, Nursery Nurse
Name: Charlotte
Age: 22
Bike: Felt Z85
Job: Nursery Nurse
How did you get into cycling?
(Points at friend…!)
What do you love about cycling?
The social side of it I think, you can chat more, because we used to run, and you can chat more cycling.
What’s the best piece of riding advice you’ve been given?
Keep your heels down.
Why do you think so few women cycle instead of men?
I think it is a fear things, about pedals and [things]. Well that was for me anyway.
Where’s you favourite place to ride?
Erm, just locally, the local area.
Who do you usually cycle with?
[Friend with her] or people from the running club.
