Cycling clubs, a daily cycle commute, five bikes including a self-built road bike called ‘Bridget’. Meet Bristol born and raised, Hannah Ricketts – who started cycling aged 20

Have you always been a cyclist?

Absolutely not. I had a bike when I was really young, which I remember falling off. After that I didn’t ride a bike again until I was 20 years-old. Neither of my parents were into sports and in fact, my mum never learnt to ride a bike herself when she was a child, so I was really proud when she decided to learn this year at the age of 46.

How is cycling a part of your daily life in Bristol?

I commute to and from work every day on my bike. I work in the centre of the city, so it’s much much quicker to cycle – it takes me about 10 minutes to ride in and lock up, but has taken me nearly 40 minutes to drive in and find somewhere to park. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than cycling through the traffic, especially on a sunny day!

Where’s your favourite place to go for a ride? 

One of my favourite rides is out to Chew Valley Lake, along the cycle route, doing a lap around the lake and then stopping at the Chew Valley Lake café for some tea and scones. 

Do you like to ride alone, or as a group?

I prefer riding with others, it keeps you motivated and it’s a great way to explore new places. However that wasn’t always the case, I used to avoid riding with others because I was worried I wouldn’t keep up. Then a couple of summers ago, my friend invited me on a Breeze ride (rides for women) which really built my confidence. Now I’m part of a Bristol South Cycling Club and love riding with all the members on the Sunday club runs.

How many bikes do you have and which one is your favourite?

I’ve got five bikes; a road bike, two fixies, a mountain bike and a cruiser BMX.  I love each and every one of them for different reasons, but my favourite has to be Bridget, my road bike – because I built her myself!

How would you describe cycling in Bristol?

There is a huge cycling scene in Bristol, which is awesome, especially as it’s not particularly flat. It’s really positive and exciting, there’s always something going on and everyone is always so enthusiastic and supportive. I think we’re really lucky to have such a great cycling network across the city, which is only going to improve thanks to Sustrans, Sky Rides, Breeze, Lifecycle and many others. There’s still a lot of work to be done before we can truly be the cycling city we claim to be, but we’ve definitely made a good start.

If you could cycle anywhere else in the world where would it be?

I’d love to cycle to Europe, maybe to visit my friend in Bordeaux. I’d also love to ride in Italy! 

Hannah’s tips

Something for new riders, old riders and the odd hipster:

*  Go Sky Rides 

Free rides in and around Bristol, led by Ride Leaders. Whether you are looking for traffic free two mile ride or a challenging 30 miler, there is a Sky Ride for you!

www.goskyride.co.uk

* Breeze riders, for specifically for women

If you feel you’re a confident cyclist and would like to ride more, meet other cyclists and perhaps race or time trial, then I’d always recommend joining a cycling club. It might seem daunting at first, but there’s no pressure, just encouragement and support from a fantastic bunch of like-minded cyclists!

www.bristolsouthcyclingclub.co.uk or any club

•*    If you just want to ride your bike, do some skitdz, meet some rad people and eat burgers and the like, then look out for Das Rad Klubs social rides. For example, the Full Moon ride once a month, or a film night.

www.dasradklub.co.uk

•*    If you want to buy a bike, fix your bike, or just talk bike, then head to Bristol Dropouts www.bristoldropouts.co.uk

*     For clothing, check out Fierlan (women’s cycling apparel based in Bristol), Ragpicker, Donkey Label etc.)

See more of Thom’s cycling photography project at bristolbycyclist.co.uk

Photography by Thom Heald