An “all session” Zoom chat on Monday brought together a varied bunch of people, from furloughed cycling instructors and support workers, to participants and support workers who have had to change their way of working. We also had special guests: Aurelie and Marco, who are travelling from Helsinki to Singapore by bicycle and raising money for Wheels for Wellbeing and 88 Bikes along the way (although they are currently stuck in Thailand due to Coronavirus…). Check out their adventures here: https://421adventure.wordpress.com (they are also on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram!).

Cycling is at the heart of what we do, and today’s little gathering of people really emphasised that whatever our circumstances may be, cycling really can be enjoyed by everyone. One support worker told us that cycling was a really important part of his client’s life and that they were really missing it whilst Wheels for Wellbeing is unable to run the sessions. Our cycling instructor Mel and volunteer Ellen told us that they usually commute by bike or go out cycling with friends, and so are finding it really difficult to motivate themselves to just go out cycling solo, within Government guidelines, for the sake of exercise. One of our participants Grant – if you’ve been to our sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome recently you may have seen him on his race handcycle – told us about the support Wheels for Wellbeing had given him in his funding application to British Royal Legion for the handcycle, which then enabled him to take part in the Warrior Games and training camps for the Invictus Games.

We at Wheels can’t wait to get everyone cycling again…and preferably together!

If you haven’t previously received an email and would like to join next Monday’s social chat, please contact our host, Emma (Herne Hill Session Manager): emma@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk