I often wonder what impact a bike has on a person's life - as many of you would atest to, in a physical sence it has great rewards but also in the social, intellectual and community sence too.

The changes that bikes have brought to my life over the past few weeks, and indeed months, have been great and I'd like to share some with you:

Business - Today the website for my business became live - god bless techies who can design great sites

Racing - last week I entered my first Crit, at Whitmore square, and i can say Yep i'd do that again (E grade of course!) I didnt think going round and round a circuit would be awesome. ..... hang on i love track!!

Health - over the recent months I've increased actually started and maintained training, as well as a few diet changes (and natropathic remedies) Having been set the goal around 10yrs ago, yesterday (even after a pretty slack week on the eating/sleep scale) I discovered that I have reached my healthy weight and smack bang in the middle of ideal bmi too! (those who'v seen me can see I'm beaming!)

....and then I was told about the changes that riding a bike has had on some of my clients:

20yo Ron who has an intellectual disability, knew how to ride a bike but wasnt too bothered with it, but since doing the Ride-a-Bike Right training course he now has the skills and confidence to ride to work. He told me yesterday that his mum use to drive him to and from Phoenix in Salisbury (4days a week), but now he can ride using local streets and footpaths where it gets busy.I got this message in an email from the group coordinator:

As he will never be able to drive this is a great skill for him to have and really increases his independence and reduces costs of public transport.

I had been told that another member of the group Ann (50yo) 'didnt know how to pedal and couldnt ride the trike at home' The changes she has shown in her pedalling, turning and involvment in the activity has been remarable - her coordinator wrote to me:

in the 11yrs I have worked with her I havent' ever seen Ann so animated while engaging a physical activity - now she can ride her bike a home

Then today I got an email from the Mum of a client I worked with late 2011

Happy to report that S and I have successfully, albeit slowly, ridden to school twice.  Each Tuesday from now on is cycle day.  Upwards and onwards!

hows that for change in the community through bikes!!!!

I hope you are able to see the changes that two (or 3) wheels have brought to your life of late. I might buy my bikes some chocolates or something to say thanks and that I love them!!!