A Stevenage cyclist is taking on a 10-week – 4,020-mile – challenge to promote women’s cycling.
Bev Graham set off on Saturday from the town’s Fairlands Valley Park to begin her ride around the UK coastline, and the 55-year-old was excited to begin her epic journey.
“I’ve been thinking about doing this tour for two or three years now and I’m finally putting it into action,” she said
“I’m really excited about all the beautiful places I am going to see as I travel around the coast of Great Britain and I’m looking forward to meeting plenty of people as I go.”
Explaining more about her journey, Bev said: “I’m setting off from Stevenage in a clockwise direction.
“I’ve planned the route and I’ve plotted the stages trying to follow the coast line as closely as possible while avoiding busy roads, although this isn’t always possible as in some places such as the north of Scotland and Cornwall they are the only roads although they are pretty quiet.
“The total mileage as it stands is 4,020 and I plan to take 65 days to do this, with six rest days.”
Since 2014, Bev has been an ambassador for British Cycling’s Breeze innitiative – designed to get more women involved in cycling and close the traditional gender gap in participation.
Before setting off, she spoke of her excitement at being able to spread the word of Breeze and women’s cycling.
“Breeze has become a big part of my life,” she said.
“I hear so often how the programme has helped so many other women, so it will be great to spread the word about this wonderful initiative that really does change lives.”
British Cycling’s head of recreation, Jill Puttnam, was full of praise for the Stevenage native.
“Bev has spent years encouraging women to begin or resume cycling,” she said.
“Taking on such a huge challenge is another step in that.
“I’m sure that her fantastic determination and character will serve to inspire yet more women across Britain.”
Bev will also be supported by her husband Dennis, who will drive alongside her, and by fellow ambassadors who will cycle with her.
Her epic challenge is expected to finish on July 1.
To find out more about Breeze visit www.letsride.co.uk/breeze.
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