International Women's Day 2021 - Inspirational women: Judith
I have been offering ‘confidence rides’ for ‘A wee pedal’ clients since the first lockdown in March 2020 and get so much fulfilment out of this. Spending time with clients, guiding them through Edinburgh and showing them how to link up the numerous cycle paths around the city is something that I loved. Many of my clients were competent cyclists but lacked the confidence to ride on roads or know-how on how to get from A to B using cycle paths or quiet back streets. I really believe in boosting people’s confidence, especially when they doubt themselves. One of my good friends says you can find the ‘gift’ in any challenge by turning it round and finding a way to overcome it. Cycling in this city is no different. Edinburgh is a capital city with traffic congestion and areas of high deprivation behind the affluence. However, the ‘gift’ is everywhere if you look. Edinburgh has more green space than any other European city and I never tire of it’s natural beauty, historic landmarks its European atmosphere. From canals, 15th century castles, extinct volcanos, Victorian railway tunnels, beaches, rivers to numerous golf courses, all within a 3 - 4 hour leisurely ride. Perhaps most impressive for me, returning to this city after 25 years, are the Pentland Hills. For a capital city with nearby wild country, it rivals anywhere in the world for mountain biking, walking, fishing, golfing, horse riding, and of course, this winter, skiing and snowboarding. I discover something new every-time I am out on a ride with clients and I get to see this wonderful city through a new set of eyes each time.
In addition to ‘A wee pedal’, I act as a ‘Bike Buddy’ with ‘Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council’. My role involves guiding clients on safe commutes to their work etc and building up confidence riding on roads. This is how I first met Judith. I was to take her from her flat to her place of work. I recced a route that was safe on a combination of paths, segregated cycle lanes and quiet residential streets. I was expecting a routine cycle along the ride to her work. But it wasn’t! At every landmark Judith beamed from ear to ear and enthused about the beautiful architecture, about how she never knew this route existed, all the while marvelling at the views. I learned that she had not been riding long and was not very confident. However she was loving what she was doing so the technical skills of cycling and her lack of confidence were no barriers. She was cycling and loving it!
We have met twice more and we have gone over 20 miles to various locations - showing her historic sites and happily telling her Edinburgh’s history which she just devours. Judith sees the joy in everything and has that ‘can do’ attitude.
I asked Judith a few questions:
Tell me a bit about yourself:
My name is Judith. I'm originally from Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa.
I’ve lived in the UK, mostly Scotland for 20 years. I'm a social worker, working with the elderly in the community. I lived in the Netherlands for three years prior coming to the UK. I'm an aspiring writer, short stories mainly. I like the outdoors, the rainier the better. Walking or running in the rain elevates me spiritually. I like to socialise by meeting people for a chat either on zoom or before lockdown, out in a pub or restaurant.
When did you first ride a bike?
I started riding a bike with Score Scotland last year, August 2020. I was a total beginner. The first day of our lessons was a total disaster. Falling on the pavements, into hedges, pile ups etc. Nearly all of us in my group could pedal the first day, but not me. This demoralised me. I felt stupid. At the end of day one, I promised myself I would be pedalling next time I saw the group. I went and hired the heavy Just Eat bikes. Taught myself as my mind was dictating to me. I was doing it in a calm environment, at my own pace. The path behind Holyrood Palace is where I taught myself. I didn't care that folk were watching. I was surprised how supportive folk were all the same -encouraging me here and there. These two ladies passed me and said just keep looking ahead, you'll get it soon! When they came back from their walk, they were so impressed, that I learnt to do it that same day. I was able to video myself and send it to our whatsapp group. No one could believe that I was able to pedal on my own. I went and bought a second hand bike which I had to pick up from Westerhailes. I had to cycle back to Edinburgh via union canal. I started to cycle the wrong way! When I got to Ratho, I met two ladies by the boats and was boasting to them how I've managed to cycle that far all by myself. They asked me where I was going. I said Edinburgh. They said "You are going the wrong way!” Cycle back to Westerhailes and start from there in the opposite direction!
I hopped back on my wee bike, and disappeared into the sunset.
What an adventure! The quiet, but narrow paths. Falling on the pavements having whacked my face on the hedges or just lost concentration and cycled into a tree.. brilliant! I love it - all of it!
How does cycling make you feel?
I feel free. I can go to places the bus can't take me. The old railway lines buzzing with history. Cycling enhances my concentration. As you cycle, you must look out for pedestrians. So you are constantly looking around you. Cycling increases my mental strength. Going uphill requires not only physical strength but also mental strength, alongside self discipline. I feel refreshed when cycling, the adrenaline rush is remarkable.
Cycling is a good way to keep fit. It is an all rounder. I also fill empowered.
It’s also good for the environment as we are cutting our carbon footprint. When most people cycle, roads will be less congested and environmental pollution will be reduced.
Looking back before I could ride, I would look at cyclists in the street and would wonder how on earth they could balance those bikes. I never ever thought I could do that. In future I'd like to own a racing bike with drop handle bars, (sexy bikes), be comfortable on roads and go for long bike ride tours.
