Hi, I’m Aileen and live in Glasgow, central Scotland. I am writing this blog to share my experience of cycling and how it led to a change of career.
I have ridden my bike from a very young age and just love the fun, freedom and being able to get to places using your own leg power. Over the years, I have commuted by bike, cycled for leisure, mountain biked at many of the 7 Stanes mountain bike centres and more recently went bike-packing with the Glasgow Gals cycling club.
I joined the Glasgow Gals cycling club in April 2021 after being on the waiting list for a few months. Completely dedicated to women’s cycling, the club is very inclusive, has a no-drop policy and enjoys social rides on Thursday evenings at Glasgow Green and longer weekend runs which usually involve a café stop.
In December of the same year, I was offered a last-minute place on a ride leader course being run in my local community. I jumped at the opportunity. I remember it was a very cold, foggy day but the trainer was fantastic and we spent most of the course outside cycling and learning how to lead a group safely. Just over a week later, I saw an advertisement for a job in cycling and thought I might as well apply! I started my role as a health and wellbeing practitioner for Bike for Good, a Glasgow-based cycling charity in February 2022.
One of my first experiences with them was teaching a group of Afghanistan women how to cycle and the sheer joy on their faces once they knew they could travel independently was absolutely amazing. I particularly enjoyed teaching women from many different backgrounds and seeing the bond they created through cycling with each other every week.
I have taken a slightly different direction now working as an active travel coordinator for Forth Valley College, covering campuses in Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa. Unfortunately, this busier role means I don’t get to cycle as much as I used to. However, most days I commute by bike getting the train to Falkirk High then cycling the rest of the journey. Sometimes I cycle through Callendar Park on my way to the station and look enviously at the lovely new pump track, one day I will not be rushing for the train!
In my current role, what I enjoy most is engaging with students about how they currently travel and supporting and encouraging and them to walk and cycle more for short, local journeys.
So, back to the Glasgow Gals. Through the club, I’ve been involved in delivering coaching sessions and being coached, leading rides, away days. More recently I was introduced to bike-packing for the first time, when a group of Gals went away in May 2023 to Arran and Islay. It was amazing to spend time doing what I love with like-minded people.
Through the Gals, I have made some amazing friendships, and it helps that I’ve found a place where I can be myself. We’ve recently appointed a ride leader champion for the club and I am really looking forward to working with Alison to see what new cycling activities we can offer our members.
Next year, I am looking forward to doing more bike packing, exploring new routes, and leading rides for women in the club. I would also like to participate in a women’s only event, such as Dirt Divas, where it’s all about the taking part and having fun! I am not sure racing is for me, having been an athlete when I was younger, now I just want to enjoy participating and not having to concentrate on times etc.
My biggest challenge is probably bike mechanics, I successfully completed a Velotech bronze course in January 2024, however I still feel I lack confidence in my own ability to fix things for myself. I love learning and think if you use the skills regularly you will eventually improve. Use it or lose it!
It’s fantastic that cycling has taken me all over Scotland and I have been able to explore some beautiful, stunning Scottish scenery.
Thank you, Aileen, for sharing your inspiring story and showcasing the many benefits of cycling and joining a cycling club. For more information about cycling clubs and finding one near you, click here.
If you’d like to share your own cycling story as part of our monthly Scottish Cycling BlogHer series, we’d love to hear from you! Please email Melanie Toner, our Women and Girls Development Manager, at: [email protected].