Meet Sue, British Cycling Ride Leader

Name: Sue Cartwright 

Rider leader since: 2018

Number of rides: 197

Location: Kingstanding area, Birmingham 

Sue became a Ride Leader back in 2018 after previously attending a Ride Active scheme at her local leisure centre in Kingstanding, Birmingham. 

As well as enjoying leading rides together with her sister, it's the overall social element that Sue appreciates most about being a Ride Leader. She used the pandemic to connect with her riders via Zoom calls as well as through the creation of a WhatsApp group, to organise socially distanced rides. “You meet so many people from different walks of life through cycling”, which is a part of the Ride Leader role that Sue loves. “The group is welcoming to newcomers and very sociable in culture, which will often lead to spending time together away from the bikes such as dinners and days out, as well as cycling excursions further afield in the UK.”

One of Sue’s participants, Lynne, regularly attends her rides and has started cycling through a Ride Active scheme and Learn To Ride. Whilst she lacked the confidence to begin with, thanks to Sue’s encouragement has now overcome her nervous wobbles and truly benefits from the joy of cycling. “Lynne like many people I’ve met since leading rides, has become one of my friends”.

When asked how she navigates challenges and maintains a positive environment during rides, Sue told us she believes “communication with your riders is key”, and that “checking in on people who might not have attended a ride in a while is also important”. Keen to create open dialogue during rides, Sue spends time getting to know those she is cycling with. “Water/rest breaks are essential too – also making sure the less experienced riders are positioned at the front so that they don’t feel like they’re holding others back.”

Sue also enjoys the variety that routes around the Kingstanding area offer in terms of scenery and difficulty. One of her favourite rides to lead goes from Kingstanding to Sutton Park - just under a 7-mile distance. "The route is beginner friendly due to being fairly short distance, however, there are a few hills that really make your legs feel like they’ve had a good workout”. Sue aims to create an environment whereby riders encourage each other, whether helping beginners get to grips with the route or cheering each other on up the hills. 

When asked about a standout memory since leading rides, Sue said “One of my favourite memories being a Ride Leader would have to be when I led a group to a Birmingham Let’s Ride event in 2019. All the roads were closed which ended in a traffic-free and spectacular ride for us… the buzz was electric!”

Sue’s favourite Kettle Chips flavour is Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar!