The HSBC UK Breeze programme has been running in Wales for two and a half years, and thanks to two very enthusiastic Breeze Champions Sara Novo and Hilary May, was introduced into the Vale of Glamorgan last year.

Sara, originally from Spain, now runs rides in and around Barry and Penarth. She is extremely passionate about cycling and was keen to support others to take up the activity.

“I was new to Wales and I wanted to work as a volunteer. I found out about the HSBC UK Breeze project through the Wales Volunteering website, and thought it would be a great way to meet new people, and improve my English!”.

The HSBC UK Breeze rides are run by passionate, enthusiastic female Champions, who deliver fun, free, local rides for women on a weekly basis. Rides go at the speed of the slowest rider, and our friendly Champs will make sure nobody is left behind. If you are nervous about cycling on the road then don’t worry, as many of our rides are run on off-road trails and traffic free parks.

Sara describes Breeze rides as friendly, organized and varied.

“Breeze rides encourage women to be involved in an outdoor sport in a non-competitive way”.

Sara and Hilary, have also recently trained to be cycling coaches, and will be looking to set up regular coaching sessions for women in the Vale.

Thanks to volunteers such as Sara and Hilary and the support received by their Local Authority and the HSBC UK Breeze Programme, every day we are making progress in increasing the number of female riders in Wales.

For more information on cycling activities in the Vale of Glamorgan please contact Rachel Shepherd at rlshepherd@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or to find a HSBC UK Breeze ride in your local region, please visit www.letsride.co.uk/breeze