Waterford Sports Partnership has just finished running an exciting new programme called “Bike for Life. This new programme was developed by Cycling Ireland and funded by Get Ireland Active, Health Service Executive (HSE) and Women in Sport. The Bike for Life programme ran for eight weeks with 44 women signing up to the programme in Waterford City and County.
The Bike for Life Programme was designed to assist cyclists who wanted to develop their cycling knowledge, skills and fitness levels. This programme encouraged women who may have previously cycled or those just beginning to get out cycling and enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. The overall aim of the programme was to teach the women basic bike skills (balancing, gearing, etc.) and improve their confidence and competence whilst cycling on the road. Each training session included learning a new bike skill followed by a spin (and an odd coffee!!!).
The programme started in July and was run by 13 female tutors and volunteers, and greatly supported by Rolf Power (Waterford Cycle Centre). The tutors were recruited from previous WSP cycling programmes and underwent two days of intense training to become Bike for Life Tutors. The tutors designed and led all the sessions and spins for the 8 week programme, gearing the women up to taking part in the 50km Sean Kelly Cruise.
Programme participant Rachel Neylin was delighted with how the programme ran and said “I felt so good on Sunday August 25th & completely astonished that I’d finished it – down to the training spins and encouragement.” The ladies made the programme the success it was this year and Waterford Sports Partnership is extremely grateful for all their help and support. WSP would also like to extend a huge thank you to Rolf Power (Waterford Cycle Centre), TREO Port Láirge and Go Dungarvan Smarter Travel for all their support in running this programme.
Last but not least, a big congratulations to all the ladies who took part in the programme and participated in the 2013 Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford - Looking forward to seeing you all again next year, so keep the wheels in motion!