On a recent anniversary

I joined Wheel Easy in February 2008, when a 0-30 mile group was started on Saturday afternoons. I was immediately smitten by riding in a group and meeting all the lovely people who encouraged me. The next day I survived my first Sunday ride of around 17 miles in awful weather but wasn’t put off.

I joined Wheel Easy about five years ago. I had always ridden on my own – my time off never coincided with other people’s – and I really enjoy the company, the camaraderie and the banter. What really interesting and friendly people you all are.

I’ve been in Wheel Easy from the beginning. It has given me a love for cycling, great friendships and many cycling holidays, so it’s certainly enhanced my retirement.

As to what I feel about the club, it is fair to say that membership helped me get over my heart attack, introduced me to many new friends and opened my eyes to the minor roads of Yorkshire – what more could you want!

Wheel Easy is a pebble. You drop it into a lake and the ripples go further and wider than you might imagine..

The ride embodied everything that’s great about Wheel Easy. It’s always sunny, rides are whatever length you want (this one was about 40 miles), a varied programme and as challenging as you wish. Then there’s all the banter over coffee and lunch.

My first ride was a 40mile medium plus and then I realised how unfit I was, the tail ender trying to keep up! Now a 137mile Audax is no problem!

Rather nervously I turned up and in the true WE style was made very welcome and encouraged on my first longish distance ride. The rest is history and I will always be grateful to the Club and its members for all the enjoyment and friendship I have received.

After several years of solo cycling I joined Wheel Easy in 2014 on a recommendation. I’d always been a bit sceptical about group riding but Wheel Easy turned that around. Should have done it earlier.

The club and its members provided me with a lifeline when I was staring into the abyss.

Wheel Easy has brought me friendship, fun and fitness and has had a huge impact on my life.

I joined WE in August 2011 after retiring and having not cycled since my student days. The aim was to get fit and meet new people. At least one of those has been achieved! I love going riding with like-minded people and sharing banter both on the road and in the cafes.

So it came to pass that I rode up to Hornbeam slightly apprehensive and duly joined the Poddlers ride. Eighteen months later I ride most Sundays and Wednesdays and just love it. The people, the banter, the laughs, the coffee stops and the support is fabulous.

Wheel Easy for me – leisure, no competition, no lycra and lots of excellent company. Wednesdays and Sundays became very special including one memorable moment when, for some reason, I was interviewed for local radio – I interpreted my presence as a representative of any overweight, not so young ladies seeking fun and a little fitness. Twelve years on, the message would be similar thanks to incredible encouragement, friendships and a bit of perseverance. 40 miles with hilly bits , once a derisible notion, are quite possible. Coffee and scones stops , Safari Suppers and Christmas lunches might not be the key to becoming Slimmer of the Year – companionship is the real key!

Wheel Easy for me has meant great company, lots of coffee stops and super Yorkshire scenery!

I joined WE in May 2016 on the recommendation of a former colleague. In the 4 years since I have completed 169 WE rides, the longest being to Bridlington last year. I cycle for fitness, but most of all fun which WE members supply in abundance!

We came across the WE web site, and thought that it this sounded like the club for us. When we came along to our first ride we were made very welcome. I sometimes struggle when riding, but everyone is very supportive and encouraging. I have recently brought a new bike, which has made a big difference. It is worth the trip across from Baildon to ride with this great club.

We moved to Harrogate 3 years ago and had never been in a cycling club before. Joining Wheel Easy has been a great experience. It has given us new friends, an appreciation of the beautiful countryside around Harrogate, and an easy way of learning lots of cycling routes.

In recent years Wheel Easy has become a huge part of my life and here’s to the next 14 years!

The WE story is more than a good bike ride. It’s about companionship and friendship and it has touched so many people, as the members’ stories on this page demonstrate.

Like many others, I joined Wheel Easy after retiring, keen to enjoy fresh air and exercise. I was an inexperienced cyclist but thanks to lots of encouragement, soon got hooked. I’ve gained so much friendship, fun and happy memories of rides in Yorkshire and further afield.