Campaign friend Ann White had a great experience recently reviving old cycling skills and memories. Ann writes:

Recently I signed up for the Age and Opportunity, Fingal initiative, Sofa to Saddle.

I live in Leixlip, Co. Kildare and I am 66 years young. I have always had a ’ romantic’ notion when it comes to cycling but unfortunately my first time ever on a bike was at the ripe age of 16. My dreams of sitting on the handle bars of Paul Newmans bike in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid never materialised ! I have had very little experience cycling and my main claim to fame was when I cycled the Ring of Kerry in 1978, not today or yesterday. Last year I decided to buy myself a bike and I am embarrassed to say that I used it only three times in my local park, St. Catherines.

Lo and behold, I bravely partook in the above initiative that commenced on September 10th for 6 weeks and although quite nervous and apprehensive I found it fantastic. It was very well organised and we were guided by an experienced leader along with some Fingal cycling enthusiasts. I now feel more comfortable on my bike, familiarising myself with gears etc. On one of our sessions we met in Maynooth train station and cycled along the canal greenway to Kilcock. It was amazing. I have met lovely people and we intend to keep up the contact and the park cycles.

I would recommend to anyone over 55 years to give it a go. We won’t be partaking in the ‘Tour de France’ but our knees will thank us.