Meet Liz
One of the reasons we created the Pedal Suffolk Faces series was to shine a light on the people behind the entries.
Because every rider who joins us at Pedal Suffolk Festival arrives with their own story.
Some are chasing a personal best. Some are riding with friends. Some are ticking off a bucket list challenge. And some are riding for something much bigger than themselves.
This is Liz’s story.
This June, Liz will be taking on her first ever 100-mile ride at Pedal Suffolk Festival alongside her son Matthew whilst raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
As she approaches her 70th birthday, she wanted to mark the occasion by taking on a challenge that would not only push her personally but also give something back to a charity that has played an important role in her family’s life.
“When I was 60 I took on the challenge of cycling the London to Brighton event with my son Matthew in aid of MIND. When I was nearing my 70th birthday I wanted to mark it with another challenge. I was keen to give something back to a wonderful charity that not only supported me during my cancer journey but also family and friends that were a big inspiration to me.”
Macmillan’s support is something that has touched Liz’s family on more than one occasion.
Her mum was supported by a Macmillan Cancer Specialist Nurse during the latter months of her life, and in 2018 Liz herself received radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
“My Mum and I were supported by a Macmillan Cancer Specialist Nurse in the latter months of her illness. When I received radiotherapy in 2018 for breast cancer I too was helped by Macmillan staff who were part of the radiotherapy team at Ipswich Hospital.”
Stories like Liz’s are exactly why Pedal Suffolk Festival exists.
Every year we welcome riders from all backgrounds and abilities. Some are experienced cyclists, while others are taking on distances they never thought possible.
What unites them is the willingness to challenge themselves and become part of something bigger.
For Liz, cycling has become a much bigger part of life in recent years.
“My son Matthew is an enthusiastic cyclist and has always encouraged me to cycle. On retirement I took the opportunity to do more cycling as an alternative to driving, including for the environmental benefits.”
The road to a 100-mile sportive has not happened overnight. Liz has spent months preparing for the challenge, gradually building confidence, fitness and distance.
“I’ve been preparing for the ride since early March. I hadn’t been cycling regularly for a long time so the early rides on my hybrid were tough. Once I transferred to the road bike in April it became easier. I currently aim to do three rides a week and increase the length of the longer ride at weekends. The furthest I’ve done so far is 63 miles but I am aiming to do 80 before the big ride.”
One of the most inspiring parts of Liz’s story is that she is proof that you do not need to be a lifelong cyclist to take on a big challenge. Like many riders who join us at Pedal Suffolk Festival, she simply set herself a goal and began working towards it one ride at a time. Whether it is your first 12 miles, your first 25-mile sportive, your first 50 miles or your first century ride, every rider on the start line is on their own journey.
When asked what advice she would give to somebody considering taking on a new challenge later in life, her answer was simple.
“You are only a number. If you are fortunate to enjoy good health then taking up a new challenge, whatever it may be, is beneficial to your mental and physical health. So go for it.”
As event day approaches, Liz is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere that makes cycling events so special.
“The buzz of being involved in a big cycling event. Also looking forward to hearing some stories from the other riders.”
In many ways, that perfectly sums up what Pedal Suffolk Faces is all about.
Cycling events are not just about distances and finish times. They are about people, personal journeys and shared experiences.
This June, Liz and Matthew will add their own chapter to the Pedal Suffolk story, and everyone at TPR Events will be cheering them on.
Please help Liz reach her fundraising goals and support Macmillan Cancer research. See below to donate.