My name is Usha Sood and I am 58 years old. I’m in good health and work as a nurse part time. My family is now all grown up and moved out so I’m having some “me” time. I like the outdoors and gardening, reading and doing puzzles and my new found hobby of cycling!

I wanted to get healthier and so when I saw a leaflet in the library about the over 50’s cycling group, I knew that would get me outdoors and it would be a challenge to learn to ride a bike (as I have never ridden a bike before)!

In the beginning it was hard going (even a bit scary!) but I started on a 3 wheeler to gain my balance and get a feel for it. After doing that for one week I tried a normal bike. I practised outside with Lewis (Community Sports Coach) and fell down and lost my balance lots of times, but I always got back up and straight back onto the bike. I also found the gears a bit tricky.

My life has changed as I am very proud that I learnt something new and keep telling my family and friends about my achievement.. I am now more confident with my cycling, have improved my balance and can feel it benefiting my health.

My advice to others is to get out there and try it. There are lots of different groups to suit everyone and you can make new friends and get healthier. The instructors are great and volunteer cycle leaders are also really friendly people. I now look forward to my Friday morning bike ride – no matter what the weather!