Ladies have saddle-bags of Cycletta enthusiasm

Within the group there is a wide range of cycling abilities but they all have one thing in common – bags of enthusiasm.

Pauline Maitai, 28, had never set foot on a bicycle pedal until three weeks ago but is embracing the challenge and learning how to ride.

Pauline said: “I’ve been teaching my son but I never thought I would get on a bike myself. I used to run a lot but had trouble with my knees. I still wanted to exercise so cycling seemed like the perfect option. I’ve fallen off a couple of times and hurt my leg a bit but since then I’ve got better and I am really enjoying it. I go to Wardown Park in the evenings to practise, I love going there and would really recommend it.”

Both Collette Marchant, 34, and Pauline recommend Sustrans in Luton, a charity that aims to get people on their bikes and runs classes on all things bike- related, from confidence on the road to bike mechanics.

You can also borrow a bike for free, as long as you can show you have a padlock to keep it safe.

Collette, who lives in Dunstable, said: “I’m looking forward to Cycletta as I am keen to cycle more and I think a ladies-only environment will be more relaxed and fun. I took part in the London to Brighton bike ride and found it really tough. It’s 56 miles and I think I took on a bit too much at once so I didn’t really enjoy it. Cycletta is a better distance to try.”

The 38.8km route, just over 24 miles, is completely manageable for any ability and the more seasoned cyclists can choose to compete for the fastest time.

One of the more advanced cyclists in the group is Otille Morgan, who had a kidney transplant four years ago and has just returned from the British Transplant Games in Belfast.

She won three gold medals and retained her British cycling titles and is keen to take on another challenge by entering Cycletta.

Mother and daughter team Sylvia Castleman, 58, and Jennifer Smith, 35, from Houghton Regis, are keen to start their training for the event.

Ms Smith said: “I’m also really excited about the location. I love animals so I can’t wait to see them all at Whipsnade Zoo before and after the ride.”

Mother-of-two Ruchita Sarvaiya, 35, has been cycling since she was a child in India and now rides to work at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital every day and is building up to longer distances and exploring new routes around her home in Lewsey Farm.

Jenny Dean, 63, said: “I cycle all the time but since I’ve retired I haven’t had the chance to do much long distance cycling. I just pootle around the town. I really love cycling though and I’m looking forward to Cycletta, it’s good to have a goal to work towards.”

Cycletta takes place on September 11 and it’s not too late to sign up. Go to www.cycletta.com to find out how.

To find out more about Sustrans, go to www.sustrans.org.uk.