Speaking to the founders of women’s cycling groups, all of the ladies I spoke to held relationships between members as the most important element of the club.

Anne Chatterton, organiser of East Yorkshire’s Sunday Girls Road Club explained that club rides were about mixing riding with friendship and chat, saying: “I think what makes our ladies club different is the fact our rides are social occasions as well as rides.”

“We focus more on the enjoyment of the ride and the satisfaction of a good ride with great friends than the speed we are travelling.”

Sue Booth, founder of the Chester Fabulous Ladies, told me: “I think a women only environment is more supportive – women are more likely to come out with other women, as I think they feel very intimidated by a male dominated, usually racing orientated, club.”

Sue won the North West CTC award for Volunteer of the Year in 2010 and added: “I usually come back on a Saturday morning with a really warm glow, happy feeling…I like meeting new people but also as faces become familiar they become more like friends.”

Bee Gregorie, founding member of the 170 strong Kent Velo Girls told me: “The ‘essence’ of KVG is what makes it so special. If I could bottle it, it would be so valuable, people really care about each other, and look out for each other.”