Learning to Ride: It’s Never Too Late, Just Ask Joan!
Since 2020, I’ve taught over 1,200 non-riders learn how to ride a bike – and over 300 of them were adults! Thanks to support from Cycling Scotland, many total beginner adults have been able to learn with us for free, and we've proudly been part of that programme since 2021.
Most people get the hang of it in just one 90-minute lesson! We provide the bikes, helmets, and we use a path that’s quiet, safe, and even has small inclines - perfect to learn on!
Our adult learners range from age 18 to 70+, though most are between 25–50. I get daily requests for children’s learn-to-ride sessions. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, I was teaching 8 kids' lessons a day, 6 days a week – back-to-back. Let’s just say, I was running a half-marathon every day running alongside little learners up and down the path. Fun, yes. Sustainable? Not so much!
As our cycle tours grew, I realised I needed to put my energy into running the tour business during the busy summer season. That’s when Carmen, one of our amazing guides and instructors, came onboard. After some shadowing and training, she now confidently teaches learners herself – which means we can help even more folks fall in love with cycling!
Then came Mike – passionate about teaching adults and full of calm encouragement. He’s taken over lots of adult beginner lessons I couldn’t fit in, and it’s a total game-changer.
As a former PE teacher, I’ve always loved helping people break down tricky skills and feel proud of their progress. Watching someone go from "I can't" to "Look at me go!" is honestly the best part of the job.
Now let me tell you about Joan – one of the most inspiring learners I’ve ever met.
A few weeks ago, she emailed me with this message:
"Am I mad to want to learn to ride a bike at 70, having never ridden one before?"
My answer? “Good on you, Joan, yes, let’s get you riding!”
We arranged a private lesson at Bridgend Farmhouse, and Chris – a keen and passionate instructor keen to teach adults was shadowing. As we walked the bike up the path, Joan quietly shared that she was recovering from cancer and might not have the energy to last the full session. We reassured her this session was all about her – no pressure and she can rest at any stage.
We explained how to sit on the bike like ‘Mary Poppins’ – upright, elegant, and in control. It clicked instantly. Joan started walking the bike with her feet, building confidence with every step. After just five minutes, I could see she had the determination and spark that would take her all the way.
At our “base,” we introduced the next progression. Each time we offered her a break, she’d wave it off – “Nope, I’m good, let’s keep going!” Love it.
By the hour mark, she was nearly riding solo. My hands were just gently tapping her sides as I ran beside her. Then suddenly – she realised she was riding all on her own. Her face LIT UP.
“Yes, Joan – YOU. ARE. RIDING!”
She kept going – smooth starts, calm stops, uphill, downhill – all with perfect posture and a huge smile. Chris and I ran up to her and you could’ve heard the whoops and cheers and high fives across Edinburgh!
Joan told us she was recently on a family holiday and saw people riding through forests, over roots and trails, and for the first time thought: “I want to do that.” Her whole family rides, but until now, she never felt the urge. At 70, she took the leap – and nailed it.
Joan is a hero. A brave, brilliant, inspiring woman who reminded me – and everyone watching – that it’s never too late to learn something new.
I hope this summer is packed with family rides, coffee stops, ice cream breaks, and magical moments for her. And knowing Joan, she won’t stop at a gentle pootle… she’s probably already planning her next forest adventure.
So, to anyone out there wondering if it’s too late – it’s not. Joan’s proof that the adventure is just beginning.