In 2009 there were no British Cycling Breeze or Sky rides and Red Kite Cycles, owned by Mike Adams, had just moved to new and bigger premises in Shirley, Solihull. They wanted to create an event for National Bike Week and women were identified as the group who could most benefit from the experience and support that the shop could offer. So a women's ride was created and continued every Tuesday night until the clocks changed.
The rides started again in the following March, but such was the demand that monthly Saturday rides started in the autumn and these soon became weekly. Occasional Tuesday night social/information evenings were also held over the winter.
By the end of 2010, some were looking for a big challenge, so the annual Belles 100mile ride was started in October.
Meanwhile, some of us qualified among the first British Cycling Breeze Champions and Skye Ride Leaders and in 2014 two teams of Belles successfully completed the Ride London 100 mile sportive.
In 2011 Mike sold Red Kite Cycles to Adrian Passmore who continues to actively support the Belles. The group is coordinated by Sarah Adams who is secretary of the Red Kite Cycles British Cycling registered club, of which the Belles is a sub section. There is an informal committee of ride leaders.
The rides started again in the following March, but such was the demand that monthly Saturday rides started in the autumn and these soon became weekly. Occasional Tuesday night social/information evenings were also held over the winter.
By the end of 2010, some were looking for a big challenge, so the annual Belles 100mile ride was started in October.
Meanwhile, some of us qualified among the first British Cycling Breeze Champions and Skye Ride Leaders and in 2014 two teams of Belles successfully completed the Ride London 100 mile sportive.
In 2011 Mike sold Red Kite Cycles to Adrian Passmore who continues to actively support the Belles. The group is coordinated by Sarah Adams who is secretary of the Red Kite Cycles British Cycling registered club, of which the Belles is a sub section. There is an informal committee of ride leaders.