Getting Back on the Saddle

Postgraduate student, Polly, moved to Manchester to study Occupational Psychology after graduating from the University of Bristol. Having not touched a bicycle for over a decade, she now shares how she got back on the saddle.

I was a late bloomer in terms of my love of cycling, it's embarrassing to admit that I only had my stabilisers removed at the age of 9! And while my friends were whizzing round on flashy bikes, I was a wobbling mess! My main sporting interests were swimming and running, and over the years I competed in many aquathlons (combined swimming and running races) but even then I was always too scared to attempt a triathlon due to my lack of confidence in cycling. It sounds silly to say but, in some ways, I was scared of cycling due to the fact that you must let yourself be at one with the bike and to an extent, let the bike carry you!

I was forced to confront my fears when I began my third year of university in Bristol. I knew that if I got a bicycle, I could get out of bed 10 minutes later for lectures! The thought of an extra lie-in prompted me to scour the internet for my new best friend – my bicycle. I had no idea what kind of bicycle I was looking for, and was taken back by the sheer variety of types and styles. I had a tight budget, but finally found a ladies city bike across town in almost perfect condition for £80. As I held the handlebars of my new investment whilst riding home, I felt a new sense of freedom. I could finally travel where I liked, explore the many cycle routes of the city and even attempt the famous cycle route from Bristol to Bath.

Since buying my bicycle, I’m pleased to say that I have become a true cycling convert. I saw more of the city of Bristol than I ever would have done on foot, and the fitness benefits are of course a plus. All my previous fears of cycling have truly been quashed; I think the turning moment probably came whilst on holiday, when riding through the crazy, daunting confusion that was Beijing city centre in China at rush hour! I may have been close to having a heart attack but it was also one of the most exhilarating moments of my life! Now that I’ve moved to Manchester, it's been exciting to discover a completely new city by bike!

Polly is pictured here at the entrance of the Fallowfield Loop (Just off Sherwood Street, Fallowfield - 2 minutes from Sainsbury's!). For those of you haven't heard of this hidden gem, it's a continuous off-road track surrounded by lots of lush greenery. Perfect for long walks, runs and of course - cycling! An escape from the urban life as well as acting as a shortcut to Chorlton and St. Werburgh's Road Metro Station.



Interested in getting involved with Manchester Student Cycle Chic, then drop us a message on the Get On Your Bike Facebook Page!

Safe cycling!

K.E.G. x

Finally! Manchester Student Cycle Chic...

Welcome to Manchester STUDENT Cycle Chic!

Inspired by the original Copenhagen Cycle Chic, it was finally time that Manchester had its own Cycle Chic blog for students. Cycle Chic is, at its heart, a street style blog where the accessory is the bicycle. Manchester is brimming with stylish students across its four great universities - we just want to capture the everyday looks and thoughts of students cycling into university.

We're looking for students interested in keeping this blog afloat - anyone with an interest in photography and/or blogging - get in touch! As our streets are not yet crowded with cycling commuters, it's not that easy to come by some great shots - so we're always on the lookout for 'models'. But if you know someone that you think should be featured, drop us a message.

For now, take a look at some of last years pictures (and we apologise for the triple-filtered Instagrams...)



This was taken from the 2014 Space for Cycling campaign -MCR.






A shower cap inspired bike seat cover from Holland.



Bicycle basket full of fruit and vegetables from the fruit n' veg stall in Owens Park square (every Wednesdays from 12pm onwards). This cost just under a tenner!

Tip: Don't leave it til 3pm if ya want to buy cheap avocados!



Picture from last year's Bike Fest. This year it will be on the 11th February'15 in the SU forum - come get your well earned free breakfast! Free security tagging and discounted D-locks will also be on offer - see full events here. There's also going to be a bike sale - so encourage your friends to take a look!






























Colourful wheels from the Platt Field Bike Hub (you guessed it, in Platt Field's Park) -Keep updated about their opening times here.



Thanks for looking - and we hope to keep posting every week! Again, we hope you can support us by getting involved. Keep updated by liking our Get On Your Bike Facebook Page.

Safe Cycling!

K.E.G.
xxx