Why? It’s a powerful question that often leads to some of the most insightful stories that have shaped our human history and it’s the question we asked local riders here in South Wales. Since autumn last year we’ve been meeting bikers on the trails and pump tracks and asking them the simple question of why. This first series of Rise With Us seeks to unpack why rising to ride brings joy to people’s lives; it’s a personal yet inspiring decision to simply put foot to pedal and get outside. So, join us for a whistle stop tour of some inspiring stories of risers from across the South Wales corridor.
Cathryn Williams
Cath is based in Neath and rides an Envi Liv. She is an incredible athlete with an inspiring story behind her motivation for rising to ride. Cath has had her bike since 2020 and is very attached to it…
“I’ve loved it and can’t part with it, it’s been a few years now and been a lovely relationship.
I started riding in 2018 having not ridden from being a child. We used to mountain bike when I was little but now I just do road training for triathlons and this year I completed Iron Man Wales.
It all started when I entered a charity bike ride from North Wales to South Wales; straight in at the deep end on a hand-me-down bike. I just loved it from that moment on! That’s when I got my Liv and started actually training.
“Cycling makes me feel a whole new appreciation for my body. How it can move and conquer and sort of challenge that’s in front of it. This year I did Iron Man Wales, it was an amazing experience. I can honestly say I loved every second and would definitely recommend it to anyone!
I definitely feel that appreciation for my body more now and I think a lot about my Father and how much he would have loved to have been able to cycle. He passed away from motor neuron disease. So when I’m doing these big challenges it reminds me of how glad I am to get the chance to do this and when it gets tough that definitely carries me through.
So this does mean a lot to me. I do enjoy the climbs even though I might moan the whole way then at the top, I’ll be really glad once I’ve done it. It’s just releasing that you can do these things and your body is just amazing!”
“Cycling makes me feel accomplished and happy; it’s almost like a form of mindfulness really. I find it really peaceful when you’re cycling up the mountains. Cars can interfere with that but for me you just can’t beat taking on an incline with all the scenery and views, it just makes me feel amazing! I literally feel on top of the world sometimes!
So my plans for next year are all going to be focused on the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France which I qualified in Iron Wales for. I’m really excited to get over there, it’s going to be quite a technical and hilly course.
My mum is actually going to be representing Great Britain this year on the same day, in France too, but a different venue as she’s qualified for the European Sprint Triathlon Championships
We’ll be training together which is so nice and we definitely push each other on! We’ve got our own pain cave at home – there are some choice words spoken there! But it’s so much fun to do this together! It’s going to be an exciting year for both of us!”
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