Cycling with Sarah looks to the southeast

Royalwood

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This article was published 20/12/2023 (973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Cycling with Sarah, a group featured a few weeks ago in the Free Press Community Review East, is headed south. Southeast to be precise, with member Kelly Reilly set to take the lead of a new chapter in spring 2024.

Reilly brings seven years of experience with another Winnipeg women’s cycling group. A long-time resident of South St. Vital, she is excited to share the beauty of the area with other 55-plus women riders.

“I envision a route that starts at St. Vital Park, over to Awasisak Mēskanow (formerly Bishop Grandin Greenway), into Bridgewater Forest,” Reilly said. “And of course, by the Seine River. Mostly trails and pathways, minimal roadways.”

All women 55-and-over are welcome, no matter their ability or the type of bicycle they ride. A meet-and-greet will be held in March or April at Woodcock Cycle. The St. Vital business will also assist with promotion and development of suitable routes.

Rides will be weekday mornings, and will not exceed two hours, including breaks.

“Our focus is to be inclusive and supportive, with a strong mentorship aspect,” Reilly said. “It is not meant to be competitive. We will ride at a pace where you can hold a conversation because mental health and social well-being are just as important as physical health. Some routes will end at bakeries or coffee shops.”

While there will be no club fee, members must purchase insurance through the Manitoba Cycling Association. The group will offer a free, one-time trial ride at which guests can sign a waiver.

Rides will be structured with one or two leads, plus a “sweep” in the tail position to ensure the groups remain together. In case of flat tires, members will need to plan ahead to have someone pick them up.

“I think it’s so important for women in my age group to stay active and stay connected,” Reilly said. “It’s a time to focus on yourself. What you have to give and what you can learn from other women. If you’re retired or semi-retired, you can easily go from working to caring full-time for aging relatives and/or grandchildren.”

Reilly is hoping for six to 10 members to start.

“Our No. 1 goal is for women to get out together and have fun.” she said.

To register or learn more, email cyclingwithsarah@gmail.com with the subject line “South East Chapter,” or message @CyclingWithSarah on Instagram.