Breaking the Cycle

Kate Auld's Cycling Awakening

In the picturesque spa town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, a significant sporting event sparked a transformative passion for Kate Auld.?It was?the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ?that?whizzed through her town, igniting her interest in cycling.?Auld describes the event as a party in her backyard, where the?energy of the crowd?and the thrill of the race pulled her into the world of cycling—a world she hadn't ventured into despite working for the London 2012 Olympics. This moment of community and celebration marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life,?one?centred?around the joy and freedom of cycling.

In this episode on the Ride To Success podcast, Pedro Couto Lopes explores how Kate Auld fell in love with the bike and founded the Personal Cyclist to help and inspire people to feel confident on two wheels.

As an adult, Auld faced the same challenges and fears many?face?when taking up cycling later in life. The risks seemed?greater, the stakes higher. She recounts the daunting task of reacquainting herself with a bike as a physical and psychological challenge. For those hesitant to start, Auld advises starting small and focusing on the enjoyment rather than the mechanics of cycling. She stresses the importance of personalising the experience, ensuring it's a joy rather than a chore.

"If you'd asked me 15 years ago if there was this thing you could do that gave you freedom and joy, it helped the planet, saved your bank balance, and made you feel and look great.?

And by the way, it's cycling. I wouldn't have believed you! "

This philosophy underpins her initiative, The Personal Cyclist, a coaching service?aimed at building?confidence, comfort, and community among cyclists. The venture began after Auld, inspired by her?own?journey and the barriers she overcame, sought to create a supportive environment for both novice and returning cyclists. The core mission of The Personal Cyclist is to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

Auld's approach differentiates from traditional cycling clubs by emphasising non-competitive, supportive, and personalised cycling experiences. Her programs are tailored to individual needs, focusing on building confidence through mastery of basic skills before advancing to more challenging aspects of cycling. This method ensures that each participant moves at their own pace,?which is?crucial for building long-term confidence and enthusiasm for the sport.

"I say to other?women

there's?always a reason?why?there isn't time, and there isn't?a budget, but there are ways to access it.?

For me, the bike is a facilitator for doing lots and lots of different things.?And?I do feel like?it can be for everyone.?And there is a way to enter the world of cycling at every point."

Community is integral to the ethos of The Personal Cyclist. Auld fosters a sense of belonging and connection among her clients by organising group rides and events in collaboration with local cafes, shops, and hotels. This community aspect not only supports local businesses but?also?strengthens the bonds among participants, enhancing their overall cycling experience.

Auld shares numerous stories of personal growth resulting from her programs.?One particularly poignant story is of a woman who, starting?from zero cycling experience, progressed?to completing a 40-mile?sportive?within months.?This journey was?not just about physical fitness but also about?building self-confidence and independence, demonstrating the transformative power of cycling.

For those contemplating starting their cycling journey or deepening their connection with the cycling community, Auld's message is?one of encouragement and empowerment.?She believes that cycling should be a source of joy and freedom and encourages everyone to take that first step, assuring them that the journey will be as rewarding as the destination.

"I always say, do what you want?to do, not what you feel you need to do.?

I hear?a lot of?people say, Oh, but I need to be riding at X speed, or I need to be this size before I can wear this kit.?And I?just?think life's too short.?

So, I?would?encourage everybody to?really?think.?Imagine themselves in a situation with the wind through?their?hair on a beautiful sunny day. Where would they like to be?"

Kate Auld's enterprise, The Personal Cyclist, is more than just a cycling coaching program—it's a movement towards a more inclusive, supportive, and joyful cycling culture, one ride at a time.?Her story and work inspire many to?not only take up cycling but to?embrace it as a path to personal freedom and community connection.

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Discover how Kate Auld’s story and work inspire many to?take up cycling and?embrace it as a path to personal freedom and community connection on the Ride To Success podcast with Pedro Couto Lopes.

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Chapters:

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~ Discovering Cycling at the Tour de France

~ Overcoming Adult Cycling Fears

~ The Birth of The Personal Cyclist

~ Personalized Approach to Riding

~ Building a Cycling Community

~ Success Stories from The Personal Cyclist

~ Overcoming fears

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Kate Auld

https://www.thepersonalcyclist.com/

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Kate’s Instagram:

- @ thepersonalcyclist

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Links to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening