On your bikes, ladies! Spring Social Ride puts the focus on women’s health

Local cycling clubs have partnered to put on a free Spring Social Ride for women of all ages and abilities on Sunday, October 23.

No matter your ability, nor your bike type, the Orange Cycle Club, Orange Mountain Bike Club and Orange Bicycle Users Group are encouraging you to dust off your bike and join them for a social, fun day out.

Starting and finishing at the Bloomfield Country Club, women will have their choice of two ride options: one, along quiet roads and cycle paths suited for road or hybrid bikes, or a more challenging gravel ride suited to hybrid, gravel or mountain bikes.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s been a while since you last rode a bike, as long as you have one and a helmet, there will be people to help and assist you along the way”, said Sue Bonar, Orange Cycle Club coach and ride leader with the Orange Bicycle Users Group.

“We're just getting women out to have some fun and meet some other women,” Sue said. “And, with the clubs, providing information about opportunities that can help them, like supported rides, to help them keep riding.”

Affiliated with the national cycling promotional body Ride Nation’s “She Ride” program, the idea is to encourage more women to take up cycling and provide a support network to keep them on the roads and cycle paths.

“We have run some programs for women over many years and we just wanted the opportunity to touch base with women who’ve participated in previous programs as well as opened it up to new women that are interested in taking up cycling,” Sue said.

“It's supported, it's showing women where good places to ride, linking up with other women, riding together… social connections.”

Prior to the ride, Sue said club members will conduct a guided bike safety check, making sure the women's bikes are safe, and showing them how to do that for themselves.

And on their return to the Country Club, there will be complimentary refreshments and an information session focusing on women’s health.

Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, riders are also being asked to wear something Pink in support.

“We've got a dietitian and a physio joining us and we'll be providing some women's health specific information,” Sue said, adding that there will be a raffle and opportunity to donate to breast cancer charity, the McGrath foundation.

All women over the age of 18 are invited to take part in the Spring Social Ride starting at the Bloomfield Country Club at 10am on Sunday, October 23.

To register, simply visit www.ridenation.com.au and search for “Orange” to find the event link. Or scan the QR code here: https://www.ridenation.com.au/a/she-rides/other/nsw/orange/spring-social-ride/100001348