York Bike Belles

Gill was keen to join the Nature Rides, but she had not been on her bike for some time. She wasn’t sure if she would still have the confidence or ability. We arranged for her to meet up with one of our Ride Leaders for a one-to-one Buddy Ride. “My Bike Buddy, Sarah, encouraged me along with a steady stream of chat, advice, and support. From my first tentative wobbles on two wheels to the regular rides… it’s been a transformative journey!”

Following the Buddy session, Gill felt able to join one of our Nature Rides. The Nature Rides are weekly, small group, guided rides that last about an hour.  They are perfect for people who want to become more confident in cycling, whilst exploring their local area and connecting with nature.  Gill started coming to the rides in June 2025 and has been on as many as she can ever since.

“What a pleasure – and a revelation – these rides have been.  Gaining confidence and joining the weekly rides in our beautiful local open spaces has introduced me to like-minded people. It has opened my eyes to the rich nature all around us, and what I can personally do to contribute and take care of it.  The team’s enthusiasm is contagious, encouraging us to see the world with fresh eyes.”

Every Nature Ride includes time for a ‘nature pause’.  This is when people are encouraged to take a moment to just be, and open up all of their senses to the natural world around them.  “The quiet, mindful breaks give us space to really tune into our senses and connect — not just with nature, but with ourselves. Something we often forget to do in our everyday demanding lives!“

Having gained confidence on the rides, Gill came along to some of the other Take the Green Route activities.  These have ranged from weekly Nature Walks to longer weekend Walks and Socials.  One of Gill’s highlights was the ‘My Nature Journal’ workshop, where a group explored beautiful York Cemetery and captured their findings and feelings in words or pictures.

Reflecting on what she has gained from the activities, Gill says, “It’s been invaluable in so many ways. I feel healthier, both physically and mentally. Following several quite serious health challenges, I’d somehow lost myself. I’ve made friends, learned new skills, proved you’re never too old, started using the car less, and begun to really enjoy and value my time.  In a world of ever-increasing complexity, it’s a joy to reconnect with the simple things we so often overlook.”