Midlife Cyclist

Like many others, I struggled with the toll it took on my mental health, my fitness and my confidence. I told myself I’d bounce back, but then perimenopause entered the picture.

Along came the perimenopause. At first, I didn’t realise I was going through these hormonal changes. The fatigue, brain fog and mood swings. I blamed those on the stress of lockdowns, isolation and work.

Perimenopause hit me both physically and mentally. I felt like I was losing control of my body and mind. Social media didn’t help; it seemed every celebrity and fit 50 year old woman was thriving while I struggled to reclaim even a fraction of what I had lost.

I tried to push myself back into running, but the spark wasn’t there. I wasn’t the same person I had been before, and trying to force myself into my old routine only added to frustration.

So a double physical and mental blow.

Despite all the posts on social media around this time made by celebrities and super fit 50 year old women, I have never really got back what I gradually lost during the pandemic and because of the perimenopause.

While scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon posts about bikepacking and biketouring. Something about the idea of adventure on two wheels relit my fire for adventure. I’d always wanted to try long distance running/ hiking (fastpacking), but never got around to it.

I didn’t grow up with bikes. Sports were not followed or encouraged in our household. Maths, English, science, etc. were prioritised over sports, and I wasn't encouraged to participate in any athletic activities outside of the mandatory weekly PE class. No after school or weekend sports events, not even the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

As for biking, it was a no go. Most children grow up with bikes, but after my dad lost someone in a cycling accident during his childhood, I was never allowed to have one. Friends did teach and let me ride their bikes, but it wasn't the same, and as a result I never acquired the confidence on a bike that you do when young.

Back to the bikes.

My first was a low spec mountain bike by Liv (women specific). I wanted a small with 29" wheels. I was told by the salesman (a man) that I didn't need small and was sold a medium, with 27" wheels. Needless to say it wasn't right for me and I was never comfortable on it. Despite it being the wrong bike for me, I liked cycling much more than I expected.

I bought another bike, a low spec gravelbike, as this was now the in thing. It was the most beautiful bike ever and I loved it! I bought many accessories for it, cheerful bags, shiny new pedals and I used it for all my rides there on.

Cycling, however, turned out to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Despite completing two 50K runs, I found riding a bike more challenging. I was also nervous on the road, terrified of the traffic, and lacked the confidence most people build up as children. I battled sore muscles, uphill struggles, and the discomfort of sore “lady parts.”

But I kept going.

I’m not fearless, fast, or graceful on two wheels. But it has reignited my passion for adventure which I thought I’d lost. It reminds me that growth doesn’t come from sticking to what’s comfortable; it comes from pushing through.

I’ve since bought two more bikes (because the rule of N+1 is real), and I’m still learning with every ride. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up, pedaling forward, and finding joy.

Stories, extracts, notes, thoughts & musings as I embark as a midlife perimenopausal woman on mini, micro and (hopefully) multi day bikepacking adventures. A very beginner cyclist.