Sunday Girls turn on the turbo

19 June, 2015

Trustees Jane Wilson and Martin Dougan at the turbo launch

A grant from City Health Care Partnership Foundation has helped the Sunday Girls Road Club, Hull’s women-only cycling club, to buy training ‘turbos’ to help with fitness, technique and inclusion.

CHCP Foundation gives out small grants to local voluntary and community groups who are working to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the areas where its parent company, City Health Care Partnership CIC, provides services. The Sunday Girls received £1,000 to buy eight turbo machines, to which bikes are attached for indoor training. Club chair Claire Champlin explains why this is important: “In bad weather it’s really helpful for us to be able to train and keep our fitness levels up, but the turbos are useful for much more than that.

“We are very keen to encourage more women to take up road cycling but some feel a bit daunted by the riding position or the gears or just feel that they aren’t ready to ride on the road. The turbos will mean that ladies can practice on a road bike, get used to the gears and bring their fitness up to a level they’re happy with before venturing outside.

“We are also hoping that if women aren’t happy about cycling for cultural reasons or don’t want to wear Lycra in public, they can still enjoy the benefits of riding a bike without worrying about who’s watching.”

The new turbos were launched on 11 June and Foundation trustees Jane Wilson and Martin Dougan went along to see how the charity’s money had been spent. “It’s great to be able to see first-hand what benefits the grants we give out are having,” said Martin. “This is an excellent example of how grassroots clubs are not only helping local people to get fitter and healthier but also providing valuable social opportunities. We are delighted to be able to support the Sunday Girls and look forward to watching the club continue to grow and develop.”