Cycletta: An interview with Victoria Pendleton…

I was invited to the conference to speak to Victoria about Cycletta: a series of cycling events created to encourage women to take up cycling, have fun doing so and build up confidence on two wheels. As the primary ambassador for Cycletta, Victoria is committed to inspiring more women to take up cycling as a meaningful lifestyle pursuit. This was a brilliant chance to ask Victoria about her thoughts on the event for the more leisurely rider, and of course talk about fashion on two wheels…

The idea is to give women the opportunity to cycle on traffic free roads, and to make it as appealing as possible. I think that women tend to band together and do things in large groups fairly easily. We [as women] encourage each other and support each other, and I really wanted to get involved with this event to promote it. I think it’s a great opportunity, if I can encourage more women to cycle.

Yeah – I think so! The biggest draw for me is the traffic free roads, because there are a lot of women that lack confidence on the roads on their bikes There are a lot of women who are put off cycling by the amount of traffic on the roads. I think being given the chance to ride in a traffic free environment takes away that stress a bit, so that you can just enjoy what you’re doing, and hopefully gain something positive from it & take forward with you. Knowing what it’s like to train and ride with men, I know can get a bit competitive! Although I admit to being a competitive woman myself, this element may not appeal to all women, so removing any competitiveness may make it more approachable and encourage more women to come along to the event.

A Pashley Princess? Oooh, lovely! I think that when you cycle in a group like this, it will probably split out naturally, so those who want to go faster end up at the front, medium pace riders in the middle and so on. Of course, your level of ability and the machine you are riding will have a big impact on the distribution of riders. You’ll probably end up cycling with people on the same level as you, so it will just naturally balance itself out. I say give yourself plenty of space and ride within your limits and don’t force yourself to go beyond your own personal comfort zone. It’s one of the best things that you can do, especially on a ride like this.

I’m usually training 6 days a week on my bike, but when I’m not, I have an old Shopper Bike… I don’t even know how old it is! It’s a proper old black frame with fat pedals, massive handlebars and Panniers – it’s ancient! I’ve got to remember though on that bike, going up hill I really can’t give it too much welly because it’s a bit flexible! I would love a new bike with a basket on the front, but I haven’t found the right one yet.

Having also done a photo shoot recently dressed in  full Victorian clothing, I know that anything has to be more comfortable than that on a bike! When I do cycle into town, I’d probably be wearing flat Ballet Pumps, a nice little Blouse and some Skinny Jeans and probably my Mac – there is never a situation when a Mac is not appropriate to cycle in! It’s difficult sometimes in Jeans when you’re sat up on the saddle, so I’d insure the length of the top that you cycle in is ok. Don’t wear too little a Blouse because obviously no one wants to see your “builders bum” when you take your Mac off! Wearing a decent length t-shirt would help avoid that!

My three top tips would be:

1) Go at your own pace

2) Invest in some cycle shorts – this is always a good idea!

3) Make sure that you are adequately hydrated and have some food / energy bars on you – if you run out of energy it’s no fun. I say be well prepared like a girl scout!

****

There are two Cycletta events scheduled for 2011:

Cycletta South: Whipsnade Park on Sunday 11th September

Cycletta North: Tatton Park on Sunday 2nd October

Entry to the events cost £45 and the deadline for entry is 31st July 2011.

Registration and full event information can be found on : www.cycletta.co.uk