Laura pedals to a place amongUK’s top 100 cycling women

Cycling UK has published the list as it promotes what remains of this month’s Women’s Festival of Cycling, which includes a host of virtual events until July 31.

Laura was named among a host of ‘community champions’ on Cycling UK’s roll of honour, after being nominated by several peers.

A lifelong cyclist, she trained as a ride leader and, through organising bike maintenance and cycle confidence sessions, she has inspired other women to get pedalling.

“Cycling has always been a part of my life but, in the last few years, it has become a bigger part of my life, mainly from the Breeze programme,” she told the website.

“I heard about the idea of women’s cycling groups being delivered under the British Cycling Breeze and thought this might work. In the past, we’d tried to set up a cycling group within our main club, the Kelso Wheelers, for the lesser speed and distance riders, but it didn’t attract as many as I’d hoped.

“So, I did my training and, in March 2018, delivered my first breeze ride. From then, it has grown.

“After a couple more rides and regular ladies coming, we became known as the Kelso Breezers – ladies starting out just managing five miles to currently the 50-ish miles.

“We meet every Sunday, weather permitting, in the summer months evening rides. Of course, all rides generally include a coffee stop. ‘It’s all about the coffee stops’ has become my motto!”

Laura added: “I’ve organised bike maintenance sessions, cycle confidence coaching sessions, fun rides; we even have our own kit.

“We now have two more ride leaders so we can deliver more organised lead rides – my friends Tracey Humphreys and Sarah Dickson.

“I’ve always said it doesn’t matter what age, what bike, or your ability – cycling is for all. I love helping them find their smile and enjoying being out on their bikes.

“Even if the weather is bad and we can’t get out for a cycle, coffee can always be had, with plenty of planning for more cycling adventures.

“We don’t just have rides for the ladies – we also included the men folk and children. Our festive fun pedal is a favourite.

“Thanks to our amazing group, I have had some amazing recognition.

“I was awarded Chain Reaction Community Champion 2018. I’ve made the shortlist twice for Scottish Cycling Awards, for Volunteer of the year 2018 and for Breeze Champion of the Year 2019. A Highly Commended Cycling Champion of the Year 2019, Scottish Cycling, Cycling UK, Sustrans and Cycling Scotland.

“It was a massive honour in 2019 to lead the ride through at the start of Stage 2 Tour of Britain in Kelso, having the Kelso Wheelers Juniors, the Kelso Breezers and Wheelers, plus another couple of groups follow me. It was a great atmosphere.”

Several people nominated Laura for the 100 Women in Cycling, including her mother, Maureen Hogg.

Another friend said: “Laura lives to promote cycling – she encourages, motivates, builds confidence, coaches.

“She is an absolutely awesome individual.”

Until the end of this month, the Women’s Festival of Cycling features yoga and exercise sessions designed for cycling, sessions with advice on cycling and women’;s health, how to fit cycling into your family life, positive perceptions to increase women’s cycling, and more.

There is further information at www.cyclinguk.org/womensfestival/virtual-events.

More on Laura’s accomplishments can be found at www.cyclinguk.org/biography/laura-nisbet