Rediscovering the Joy of Riding: My First Ride Back

A Personal Journey Back to the Saddle

Hello, lovely riders! Barbara here, the designer behind Birds on Bikes. I have a confession to make—it's been a while since I last rode my bike. Despite my passion for creating cycling clothes for women, getting on the bike hasn't been my first love. My husband finds stress relief in cycling, but for me, it's often a source of stress. However, once I'm out there, I do enjoy it. Riding a bike was the reason I started this business, and I need to remind myself of that joy.

At the end of last year, I bought an e-bike, and honestly, if it weren't for that, I might not have gotten back on the saddle. Yesterday marked my first ride back in a long time, and it was splendid. We rode 37 km, heading into the city to check out the new ramps and overpasses at O'Keefe Street and Newstead Park. There's certainly a lot happening in the city right now, and it was exciting to see the changes.

Despite the wonderful day, my butt is definitely feeling the ride. Even with a good chamois, it takes time for the body to get used to being on the bike again. And to add a touch of humour to the day, I was quite mismatched in my cycling gear since all of it was at the shop.

This ride was a reminder of why I started Birds on Bikes. It's about creating comfortable, stylish cycling clothing for women like me—women who may not be avid cyclists but still want to enjoy the ride. It's about making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone, no matter their experience level.

The inspiration behind Birds on Bikes came from my own struggles with finding cycling clothes that fit well and looked good. As someone with curves, I found it challenging to find gear that was both functional and flattering. I realized there was a gap in the market for women who wanted to feel confident and comfortable while cycling. That's when I decided to create a brand that focuses on stylish, high-quality cycling apparel designed to fit and flatter all body types.

Our mission at Birds on Bikes is to empower women to embrace cycling, whether for fitness, health, or fun. We believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and enjoy the freedom that cycling brings. Through our clothing, we aim to make cycling a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for women of all shapes and sizes.

As we plan more rides and look forward to hitting the rail trails and camping out, I hope to share more of these personal stories with you. Birds on Bikes is not just a brand; it's a community of women supporting each other in our cycling journeys, whether we're seasoned riders or just getting back on the bike.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let's make the most of every ride, enjoy the freedom it brings, and look fabulous while doing it!

Happy riding, Barbara