Claire: Volunteer Cycling Buddy to Rhianne

Knowing that I am a keen cyclist, I was kindly asked if I could help Rhianne to improve her cycling. Rhianne is a very competent rider, having recently completed a Bikeability course, as well as having ridden regularly with PEDALL, (a New Forest based charity which promotes all-inclusive cycling), but she really wanted some support and company to encourage and enable her to ride independently.

Our first ride was a short one, from where she lives in Totton to Hanger Farm café – as no cycle ride is really complete without a cafe stop! The following week we ventured a little further into Totton and soon after that, Rhianne successfully cycled there by herself.  Since then, she has not only ridden solo the 3 miles to Copythorne Community café, but our joint rides have become more challenging too. We have ridden to Ashurst, Lyndhurst and even Minstead Lodge and Rhianne now has no problems with these 14-mile return trips. She has even bought some stylish and comfortable cycle clothing!

I have hugely enjoyed our rides together, and it has given me great pleasure seeing Rhianne gain in confidence. I’m really proud of her, navigating her own way to places and no longer stopping on the uphill sections! It’s wonderful that she can now travel independently to many local places and not have to rely on buses or taxis.  Ideally, she would love to be able to cycle to her job at Paulton’s park, but sadly – and frustratingly – there doesn’t appear to be a safe route to get there yet without using the very busy A36. Most importantly however, she is hugely enjoying the cycling and embracing the independent freedom it brings.

Rhianne says, ‘I have fun cycling with Claire. When we cycle together, we talk on the bike and she helps me to keep safe on the road all the time. She also helps me look behind for cars and traffic as well. I have fun with Claire.’

To find out more about how you could become a volunteer Buddy to someone we support, get in touch! Volunteers@MinsteadTrust.org.uk