Dubai: It is quarter past five on a Monday evening and a group of women are in their element just chilling. But no, they’re not out shopping, at the movies or at a coffee shop.
On the contrary, they are gathered at the Nad Al Sheba Cycling Park, set to hit the tracks in all their pedalling finery. “It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day,” says Emma Woodcock, a 43-year-old Briton who has brought the women together.
Representing the UAE’s first women-only bicycle shop Liv located in the newly opened Boxpark, Woodcock is a brand ambassador with a difference. For one, she learnt cycling only at the age of 41, realising its benefits better late than never. So when Woodcock track-talks, her friends take her seriously.
“I don’t know why I didn’t cycle earlier. It is such a fun sport and so full of health benefits,” she says, noting that it has helped her shed 26kg so far.
Woodcock recalls how she and a few close buddies first began to cycle together. “I started with a Facebook page and a weekly ride with some friends two years ago. We called ourselves Velo Vixens – velo means bike in French. Today, we have grown into a group of over 320 women who come from different backgrounds and nationalities. Many of our members are beginners and have never been on a bicycle before. We have several professional riders too.”
Social ride
But away from Velo Vixens, who are a separate entity not associated or affiliated with any one bike shop, Woodcock is at the forefront of the Liv Cycling Community Rides.
“Liv organises community rides at Nad Al Sheba and Al Qudra cycling tracks through the week. The aim is to give women a chance to make time for themselves, have fun, reconnect with the self and with others. Cycling is also a great form of exercise,” explains Woodcock.
Liv’s pedalling calender begins with #LivToday, a 5.30pm Monday ride at Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park. According to Woodcock, “This ride is suitable for all abilities (except complete beginners) as we do loops of the 8km track, so you can do as many or as few as you feel like. It’s the perfect environment to get back on your bike if you haven’t ridden for a few years or you’re not sure of your fitness levels. It’s a very social ride and it doesn’t matter what kind of bike you have - a mountain bike, a road bike or a hybrid.”
Similarly, #LivForTuesdays is a 6.30am Tuesday ride on the same track, suitable for all levels and ideal for those who want a round of exercise before going to work.
There’s also the more advanced #LivHappy and #LivMighty. “These two groups depart from Zad’s Cafe & Foodstore at the end of Al Qudra for a 50km loop around the Dubai Cycle Course. The #LivHappy ride is for those able to spend two hours on their bikes at a steady pace. It’s a good environment to practise group riding skills. Riders should have completed a ride of at least 35km in the past, before taking this step. #LivMighty is for our more advanced riders that practise at riding safely in a bunch - they average around 30km/h. So it’s a great ride for those that want a strong workout.”
The women in the group just love the time out.
Emirati Masooma Ali, 35, says: “I started riding with the group in December. I have met a number of interesting people and I love the sense of freedom that cycling provides. It makes me feel confident, energetic and positive.” Ali, who works with a bank, goes riding on Mondays and Saturdays.
Another member Kripa Hadani, 37, who owns an adventure travel firm, says: “What I like about the community rides is that they have both a social and a health aspect. I like the fact that I am able to meet with friends and get some good exercise at the same time.”
