When I was a young girl, the world of mountain biking was completely unknown to me. Growing up in a Pakistani immigrant family in Scotland during the 1980s, was a real challenge, navigating everyday life. Fun was a simple thing, like playing on the local swings. A day out exploring the countryside was a luxury that simply didn’t exist in our reality.
My journey on two wheels, therefore, didn’t truly begin until much later in life. It wasn’t until my twenties that I stumbled upon mountain biking, and everything changed.
Mountain biking opened up a world of adventure, one that connected me to my partner, who is now my husband of twenty five years and still riding bikes. Together, we explored the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, seeking out trails that appeared as mere dotted lines on old maps. Those were the days before smartphones and GPS; every ride was an exploration filled with wonderful uncertainty. I can vividly recall one excursion where we rode easily for two hours, only to spend the remaining six pushing our bikes (this was the Lairig Ghru!).
My relationship with mountain biking has always been complicated, a real love-hate dynamic. I often found myself disappointed, feeling I wasn’t as skilled as those around me. However, over the years, I’ve come to understand that mountain biking isn’t solely about being the best. It’s about cultivating a positive mindset, challenging oneself, and, most importantly, practicing self-compassion. Some days, I might feel like conquering a technical drop, while on others, I simply want to enjoy a leisurely flowy ride. It’s perfectly fine to define my own journey and embrace the unique path I carve out for myself.
Through this evolution, my love for mountain biking has blossomed into something deeper. It’s not just about the adrenaline rush; it’s about the sense of freedom, accomplishment, and community it fosters. Recognising that many others struggle with the same feelings now fuels my passion for encouraging women and girls and other underrepresented groups to enter this sport.
I believe that nurturing newcomers to mountain biking is crucial. Instead of overwhelming them with high-stakes challenges, we should create accessible and intersectional pathways to participation. Building confidence gradually allows individuals to discover their own love for biking without the pressure to dive in headfirst.
My own career path mirrors this belief. Since beginning as a Mountain Biking (MTB) Guide in 2015, I’ve progressed to becoming an MTB Coach in 2020 and now an MTB Tutor in 2023. This progression hasn’t just opened doors for me, it has allowed me to share my passion and expertise with others. By instilling a culture that embraces various pathways in mountain biking beyond just the thrill and risk helps us to create a more inclusive MTB culture.
Mountain biking is for everyone, and it’s my mission to help others find their own trails, celebrate their achievements, and build lasting confidence. Through this journey, I hope we can inspire a new generation of riders to embrace mountain biking, discovering both the joy of cycling and the strength within themselves, to create their own pathway, and ultimately, find their own love for the trails.
Thank you, Aneela, for sharing your cycling experience with us! If you’re just getting started in mountain biking, you might find these resources helpful: the Get Into Mountain Biking resource page and the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland ride guide.
You can also check out this toolkit produced by Mor Diversity (Aneela’s company) and Ride Sheffield, “Why Aren’t You Mountain Biking?”, designed as a friendly guide to make mountain biking welcoming for everyone.
If you’d like to share your own cycling story in our monthly Scottish Cycling BlogHER feature, please email Melanie, our Women and Girls Development Manager, at [email protected].