Hi, my name is Fiona Barrie 41 years old. I work in Sports and Leisure.
I got into BMX racing as I work at Glasgow BMX track. I had never seen BMX racing before, and once I saw the kids going round the track, I wanted to have a go. It looked fun and fast. Having been coached on how to ride the track, I fell in love with the sport. I loved how hard it was and how fast you could go, but best of all it was such good fun.
BMX helped me get through some hard times and it still does. It helps me focus and clear my mind. You have to concentrate completely on what you’re doing, and you forget what’s going on around you. It’s like I am in my own little world.
I decided I wanted to learn more and get more experience, so I joined the Western Titans BMX Club. I could see how good they were at training sessions here at Knightswood on a Tuesday night. It took me a long time to work up the courage to join, as I am not a very confident person; however, it was the best decision I made.
The great coaches and riders helped me become more comfortable and confident in riding. The encouragement, not just from the team, but also the parents of the riders, has been invaluable. Every Tuesday and Thursday training alongside experienced riders ranging in age from 6 to 55 years has been so much fun as well as hard work. I’m constantly learning from everyone and love encouraging younger riders to keep going. My message is simple: “If I can do it, you can too.”
At the age of 40 I plucked up the courage to start racing and entered my first race in March 2024. It was absolutely brilliant, I loved it! It was such good fun, after I got over my nerves. I competed in seven races and was encouraged to head down south to the British Championships in Derby. It was the first time I was racing against other riders in my age category. I made the finals and came sixth overall.
I was so proud of myself, especially considering I had only competed in seven races beforehand and had very little experience – I couldn’t believe it. It was such an amazing experience. I was blown away by how many other ladies did the sport and that they had all been doing it for some time. They were an inspiration, showing me that I could do this and keep going.
The following year, I entered the British Nationals, competing in as many rounds as I could. I did my best and finished sixth overall – qualifying for a place at the World Championships in Australia. WOW!
I continue to train every week and work hard to improve with every race, mainly to better my times. Racing in Scotland, I’m the only woman in my age category. I can’t keep up with the younger riders, but I give it my all and I always have the best time – it’s such good fun.
What’s great about the BMX community is how encouraging everyone is. The team at Cumbernauld Centurions BMX Club have also been amazing, sharing their experience and offering advice – not just on racing strategy, but on everything else that comes with BMX racing.
Thank you, Fiona, for sharing your story with us.
To learn more about getting started in BMX Racing click here.
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].