Welcome to TPR Community Spotlight — a weekly series celebrating the riders who make our events what they are. Every week we’ll be sharing the stories, journeys and motivations of people from our community, showing that cycling is for everyone.
At TPR Events, the riders are what make the events special. Every rider plaqued zip tied to a bike represents a story — and this week’s Community Spotlight is Penny Pullinger.
Penny hadn’t really ridden a bike since childhood.
That changed in April 2020.
During lockdown, she bought a bike to help deliver prescriptions in her local community, choosing two wheels instead of the car. At the time, it was simply a practical way to help others.
She had no idea it would completely change her life.
Penny had already taken up running at 58. Then, at 62, she got back on a bike and never looked back. Before long, cycling became more than just a way to get around. It became a passion.
And once the bug hit, it really took hold.
Since then, Penny has taken on some incredible challenges. She has cycled across Morocco, Romania, Albania and Spain. She has ridden 980 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 9 days. She has crossed France from Caen to Nice and completed the full length of Portugal on the N2.
She describes herself as “more endurance than speed”, but as long as she makes the cut-off, she is happy. That mindset says everything about how she approaches cycling and life.
For Penny, cycling is about freedom, friendship, and always having something to aim for.
She puts it simply. It is not all about pushing yourself to the limit. Sometimes a gentle ride to a coffee stop with friends is exactly what you need to lift your spirits.
Looking ahead, she also takes comfort in knowing that cycling does not have to stop as the years go on. With the option of an e-bike, she can continue riding and staying connected with the people she has met along the way.
Closer to home, one of her favourite events is the Holkham weekend at the Pedal Norfolk Festival, a place that brings together everything she enjoys about cycling.
Penny’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to start something new.
Starting in your 60s. Riding across countries. Covering nearly 1,000 miles in just over a week.
You are never too late to begin.
Have you got a cycling story to share?
We love hearing from the riders who make up the TPR community. If cycling has helped you overcome a challenge, achieve a goal, or simply brought more joy to your life, we’d love to feature you in a future TPR Community Spotlight.
