Women and Girls in Sport Week - Helga Flett - pedalling her way to success

Pedalling her way to success is Orkney’s Helga Flett, who has recently become a ‘Breeze Ride Leader’ and now arranges and leads free, inclusive bike rides for women of all abilities around the county. 

She has been gearing up to reach this point for some time, having bought her first bike through the Cycle to Work scheme around ten years ago and quickly fell in love with cycling. 

Soon after, Helga helped form the Orkney Cycling Club of which she is still very much a part. 

“I cycle a lot on my own, with friends and I think there’s nothing better for the body and mind, than getting out and about on the bike, especially if it’s a bonny summer day!” 

The Breeze initiative was started by British Cycling to encourage more women to cycle. 

Helga said: “Mervyn Walker who is the Orkney Cycling Club Chairperson this year heard about it at the Scottish Cycling Awards and asked if I would be interested in starting a Breeze group here in Orkney. After a bit of training, I was able to get started and the response has been great so far. 

“It’s been brilliant to see ladies who hadn’t been on a bike for years dusting off the wheels, people who normally cycle on their own having a yarn and a laugh and others become more confident with things like gears and climbing hills. 

“One man told us there was no need for anyone to have a bell, he could hear the happy voices as we approached! We’ve had rides in Firth, Kirkwall, Dounby and Tankerness and I’m planning to visit more places over the autumn and winter months. 

“Eventually the hope would be that we will have lots of women out, socialising and having fun on bikes all over Orkney on short, long, slower and faster rides. Something for everyone as long as you are 16 or over! There is no membership fee, the rides are all free and all abilities and any type of bike are welcome. If anyone is interested in joining a ride, please check out the Breeze Orkney Facebook page.” 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “It’s lovely to hear of the enjoyment that’s clearly being had by these ladies whilst out cycling, not only relishing the special views and fresh air we have here in Orkney, but also the chat and social element that comes hand in hand. My congratulations to Helga for shifting her cycling up a gear and leading on Breeze Orkney.”