Nia Richards has been pushing her boundaries as a Breeze Champion, and is now taking over Llanerchaeron National Trust property.

Since training as a Breeze Champion in March, Nia has led 37 rides in and around Ciliau Aeron with over 90 women taking part. She began taking the cycling mum’s of West Wales Cycle Racing Team out on their bikes each week whilst their children took part in the Go Ride sessions.

“This is my third year of cycling since I hung up my wheels as a teenager. My two girls joined West Wales Cycle Racing Team and started racing. As we had to travel so far for races across Wales, my husband and I decided we would get on our bikes and start competing as well; I got third in my first cyclo-cross event in 2013 as a novice woman!

Since then I have started to challenge myself with sportives, raising over £4000 for charities. This year I have been raising money for Breast Cancer Care, completing the Daisy Chain Sportive and the Tour of Pembrokeshire so far!”

Working with the National Trust

During the summer, Nia invited women and children on her weekly rides from Llanerchaeron National Trust property in the wooded Aeron valley. A three mile route that is primarily flat and traffic-free, it is a fun, safe environment for local women and children to enjoy cycling.

Paul Boland, National Trust General Manager for Mid and South East Wales has had a great time working with Nia to get more women cycling: “It’s great to build the confidence of beginner cyclists. We developed the cycle path along the Aeron valley from Llanerchaeron to Aberaeron on the route of the old railway specifically because it was so picturesque and safe. Nia’s depth of knowledge, the beauty of the location and the cycle hire and café facilities make an ideal partnership. We hope this will go from strength to strength as we plan to increase the off road cycling in partnership with the local community of Ciliau Aeron.” 

As the rides have grown in popularity, Nia and the National Trust have planned regular rides from Llanerchaeron into 2016 and looked at developing the cycling facilities at the property. By providing bike hire, local women who don’t own a bike or visitors to the area can also take part in Nia’s Breeze rides. The planned extension of the cycle and walking paths will also link Llanerchaeron to Ciliau Aberaeron.

“By offering Breeze I feel I am getting more women involved in cycling, and can offer a family environment for getting fitter and socialising. I like to offer variety, a mixture of flat long rides, hilly challenges and sometimes on the road.

Seeing the countryside, forgetting about your worries and experiencing the freedom of life on two wheels is what my Breeze rides are all about. Working with the National Trust in Llanerchaeron provides beautiful views of the valley for my bike rides and I’m looking forward to getting more women cycling in the area.”

Join in a Breeze Ride

Join Nia on a ride at Llanerchaeron National Trust property.

For more information on becoming a Breeze Champion or to find a ride near you visit www.breezebikerides.com