Where to find other female teenagers who like cycling?

[pedaling]

(Please bear in mind this post is not intended to be anti any demographic.)

I'm a female teenager in South Manchester who likes cycling, but I don't know enough about it (how to fix etc - like really have no idea) and don't know any other people from my background who like cycling. None of my female friends are at all interested in the idea, and of the two guy friends who like cycling, one lives far away, and the other has not got a new bike since his last one was stolen (he's still pouty about the security of it.)

Having had a look at the websites of the cycling clubs/ groups round here, they all seem to be either 1) too competitive 2) comprised of either vastly older people or people with young kids.

Options I've considered are
1) Manchester uni club (not so practical, would be more suitable if there's a club nearer) or...
2) [am still thinking of a second option...]

I really like the idea of long distance cycling too, since I figure this would also make me more comfortable with repairing and sorting out my bike (as I'd have no choice.) I have a hefty MTB at the moment though so would want a new bike if I was going to do that...

any advice? I don't mind older people or young families at all, but it would be really really lovely to meet some other teenagers, especially female teenagers, who are interested.

(I realise my screenname is misspelt. One of the times my spelling slips...)

 

[a_n_t]

There's quite a few ladies in the wheelers but shall we say, not quite teenagers anymore I think you'll struggle to find many to be honest! Why not just try one of our intro rides and see how it goes?

 

[pedaling]

Err... I'd not manage doing that far yet. My stamina is definitely not that good. I need something easier... maybe I should be more enthusiastic about groups that seem to have loads of parents with children.

Whilst your routes look pretty interesting, the group does look quite competitive (?). I don't mind competitive sport (I used to run a lot) but I want something more relaxed/ chilled to start with at least.

 

[a_n_t]

well the intro rides aren't competitive at all. Usually around 30/40 flat miles and no one will get left behind as they go at the pace of the slowest rider. Guess you do need an amount of base fitness first to do the distance though.

 

[pedaling]

Yeh... that's what I seem to be lacking. However, I am running again, which is good, so my stamina must be on the up at least. Once my bike is fixed it could be something to aim for!

 

[fossyant]

You might have a better chance with Eastlands Velo - the one linked to the velodrome for younger 'folk', but I appreciate it's not near home. Most of the other road clubs in Sth. Manchester do have 'older' folk (well mid late 20's and older).

Stockport Community Club is very much for a mixed bag - i.e. ages, but you usually have to drive out to a place as they don't do many miles.

Always worth dropping an email to the Sth Manch. clubs to see if they have younger female riders ?

 

[postman]

South Manchester do have 'older' folk (well mid late 20's and older.


Gawd what am i classed as? 59


On Wednesday.

Kay get the Bathchair out of the garage

 

[pedaling]

I can drive, and do have access to a car most of the time, so that wouldn't be a problem. Perhaps it would be better starting off with the Stockport club. Do you know if the Stockport club have any youngish female riders? I suppose I'd just like some company whilst I cycle really, and it's difficult trying to find people my age who are positive about cycling.

What's the intended age group of Eastlands Velo? I had a look on that site but don't seem to be able to find it. I'm 18, btw.

Yeh, def worth trying! I know it's not best to just opt out either, because that's not helping the situation of a lack of women who cycle, but I just wish there were more!

 

[pedaling]

postman - one of my teachers used to call herself fossilised... perhaps not what most people would like to call themselves, though I think she adopted the term in an affectionate way, reveling (sp?) in her wise ways!

 

[Willow]

Do you have a local LBS, perhaps he could put you in touch with people as and when they buy bikes and you could gradually start up your own little group. Is there a youth club where you could encourage something.

 

[postman]

I hope you do find some people to cycle with.I find it so much better to cycle in a small group.
We have a laugh,we have some great cafe stops and we meet other people and not all cyclists.
Little story from last year.I fancied a quick short ride out .Otley 25 round trip,got talking with an older guy who was out and by himself.He now rides with us.
So to repeat i hope you can find some pals to team up with.Good luck.

 

[pedaling]

Yeh, have a decent LBS nearby. Good suggestion! (Although I have not yet seen another female teenager in there!) I could always ask them to put a little notice up or something Haven't been to a youth club for ages, but I should ask at my 6th form. I remember they had a bike workshop ages ago which I couldn't go to for some reason... so the 6th form must be at least relatively pro-cycling.

 

[pedaling]

postman - not taken to 'fossilised' then?

Yeh, it's just nice to have company. My friends will hike or walk or swim with me, but for some reason they reject even the idea of cycling. -shrugs- I think cafe stops would have to be included, at least at first! Normally I meet new people very easily, I seem to be one of those people who a variety of people decide to talk to even if they don't know me - finding other teenagers who cycle, however, is another matter...

 

[ed_o_brain]

Firstly, it's really good that your into cycling so young. I remember being close to your age and going out with stodgy old blokes on long rides. I didn't have a clue about fixing a puncture and my bike was a horrid heavy MTB that was too small to me and on it's last legs. Still, I did some 75 mile rides with them! However, the frustration of a knackered bike and no one close to my own age put paid to it. When I was 17 I bought a car and forgot all about my cycling dreams.

If there's anything I would change about my life now it's that last bit. I wish I'd stuck with it because by now I could have been a darn good competitive cyclist.

One of the main organisers of http://www.ibikemcr.org.uk is putting together a group aimed at women including cycle training, bike maintenance classes and cycle polo. If you are interested, I can pass her contact details onto you.

It might even be something you can drag your friends along too?

I can also ask if South Manchester CTC have any members or members with teenage children.

Cheers
Daniel

 

[pedaling]

That would be marvellous thank you Daniel, please do PM me her details!