Two years ago I had a tumour removed from my brain. The operation went well, but it affected the right-hand side of my body. For a while, I was unable to move that side of my body without difficulty. The GP had referred me to a Physiotherapist, and they helped me with exercises to regain some of my movement. It’s been going really well, but I felt there was something missing. I didn’t feel good in myself and needed something to help me with my mental wellbeing too.
I got referred through social prescribing to join the Men’s Cycling Group at East End Park and have been really enjoying my time on the bike. When I started I was still dealing with a constant pain in my shoulder and down my right arm, so I wasn’t sure if I could move my body well enough to cycle to begin with.
“I used to cycle a lot more back in the day, and I was feeling a little apprehensive as to how I was going to deal with it now, but it all came back to me.“
The Instructor from Cycle North, John, turns up each week to try out some cycling skills with us and go for a bit of a bike ride around the local area. The bikes and helmets are already there, provided by Leeds City Council, so you don’t need anything to join the group. We always do a few safety checks and then off we go around the park!
I just enjoy riding with the group and the instructor, exploring areas outdoors a bit more. It keeps my mind clear. It’s made a huge difference to my mental wellbeing. I always feel more positive after being on a bike ride and I’m amazed that I still have the energy to get on with the rest of my day – I’d recommend it to anyone.
I’m also looking forward to what Spring and Summer has to offer on the bike. It will be nice to see the seasons change. If you have the right clothing on you can cycle in most weather conditions. And I now have my very own bike which is so exciting!
I think people might presume you have to have your own bike and safety equipment, or that you have to be at a certain skill level to join a group like this. So they might shy away from it, but you really don’t need to. It lightens your head with the mental load, you meet new people, gain some cycling skills and confidence and you get that physical exercise too. What’s not to enjoy?
