At Peebles Cycling Club (PCC), we know the many benefits cycling can bring to people’s lives and we’re working to make sure more women and girls feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to get out on their bikes. PCC has many inspiring women in our cycling club who are strong, supportive, and always pushing boundaries on and off the bike!
From our youngest riders to seasoned club members, PCC has always advocated inclusivity. Over the years, our Junior section has nurtured incredible female talent; inspiring women such as Anna, Elena and Christina McGorum, Eve Hanlon-Cole, Lucy Grant, Flora Gillies, Katie Winton and Emily Carrick Anderson, all who began their cycling journey with us and who have or still continue to race in national and international stages. Their inspirational journeys continue to light the way for the next generation of girls in the Scottish Cycling community.
But we know that talent needs opportunity. That’s why we’ve expanded our outreach and reshaped our club offerings, all with one goal in mind: to make cycling more accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for every woman and girl who wants to ride in our local area.
One of our recent hugely popular and successful initiatives we’ve introduced, is our women-only social rides. These relaxed, welcoming outings are more than just bike rides—they’re spaces where new cyclists and non-members can connect, have fun and enjoy the cycling around Peebles.
We’ve also taken meaningful steps to support female leadership within the club. With a female Chair (our second to date) leading the way, and a female Welfare Officer supporting our members, we’re proud to be investing in women across all areas of the club. Two of our female members have recently gained their British Cycling Trail Leader Award (formerly the MTB Level 2 Leader qualification) and now play an essential role in guiding our thriving junior MTB section. Another highly valued female member is currently working towards the same qualification, using her skills to lead and grow our women’s gravel and social rides creating even more opportunities for women to come together on the bike.
We know that the mechanical side of cycling can sometimes feel challenging to many women so that’s why our next initiative is all about breaking down that barrier. We’re launching women-only bike maintenance and repair workshops. Open to non-members, these sessions are designed to create a safe, supportive space for women to build their confidence in tackling common mechanical issues and become more self-sufficient riders.
We’re so lucky in Peebles to have access to such incredible cycling routes from scenic road rides to epic trails. With many other bike clubs available for girls to ride in Peebles, young riders are spoilt for choice. But within our own junior section numbers, membership of females was low, and this is something we’re passionate about changing. More girls on bikes, more fun, more future champions in Scottish Cycling!
With the generous support of Scottish Cycling, through the Women and Girls Direct Support fund, we’ve launched an exciting new chapter for our youth club. Now rebranded as the PCC Trail Collective, we want to encourage more girls aged 8–16 to join us at our MTB club sessions.
Partnering with Dirt School and supported by a brilliant female coach, we’ve delivered a series of low cost, subsidised MTB coaching sessions at the trails of Glentress. Thanks to additional support from Alpine Bikes with discounted MTB hire, these sessions have opened the doors to girls who may never have had the chance to try mountain biking.
The feedback speaks for itself:
“It was fun, I’ve never been to Glentress before or done a cycling class, even though I’m nearly 10. I liked that it was a small group of just girls with an instructor who helped me to learn in my own way. I am booked to come again after my holiday, and I am looking forward to it. I have asked my mum to take me back in between then so I can practice”
Charlotte, aged 9
“Blythe enjoyed riding her mountain bike with other girls. Typically, she rides with her brothers and dad and sometimes finds herself wishing she could ride with girls her age. Blythe was delighted to find the session was girls only and the instructor was a very cool “big girl”. It’s important Blythe enjoys her ride and has other women modelling and setting the example of what can be achieved in cycling.”
Beth Smith on behalf of Blythe.
Many are eager to continue their cycling journeys as part of our junior club after their experience attending these sessions. As part of Women and Girls in Sport Week, we’re excited to run two more MTB coaching sessions for girls with Dirt School. We can’t wait to see more young riders discover their confidence and love of the sport—all while having fun on the trails.
If you want to find out more about how you can join Peebles Cycling Club, you can visit their website and/or contact them at [email protected]
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