Inspirational Big County women celebrated for their love of cycling

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Two Perth and Kinross women have been named by Cycling UK in its 2023 list of the 100 most inspirational women in cycling.The charity has been celebrating women who inspire others to cycle and to discover the wellbeing benefits of two - or three wheels - as well as the simple joy of heading out.Among this year’s winners are Kinross-shire Trishaws founder Kirsteen Ross and bikepacking guide and Perth-based Bikeability trainer, Rosie Baxendine.They’ve been recognised for their work encouraging other women to get on their bikes.Kirsteen (54), from Milnathort, founded the Kinross chapter of Cycling Without Age Scotland, providing free rides for elderly and disabled people to improve wellbeing by combatting loneliness and isolation.She raised £25,000 to buy three trishaws in 2018.The following year Kirsteen bought a road bike, joined Kinross Cycling Club and trained as a Breeze ride leader.Kirsteen said: “Over the past year, I have led over 50 women-only rides, created a pathway to club cycling, increased confidence, esteem, fitness and cycling skills for my riders.“My cycling gives me so much happiness by simply bringing joy and success for others.”Rosie (42) is a bikepacking guide based in Perth.

She runs a series of relaxed, multi-day gravel rides that are an ideal introduction to bikepacking.She hosts women-only trips as well as mixed events.

You can also talk to her about a bespoke adventure. A qualified ride leader and Bikeability trainer, she is a ride leader and trainer for community bike shop The Bike Station.Rosie said: “Cycling, for me, is all about movement and peace of mind - being outside, immersed in nature and travelling quietly through the landscape.