A few months ago Cotic owner, head of University of Sheffield Cycling Club and all round nice person Emma Morris got in touch asking what I thought to the idea of creating a cycling event for local women and local cycling groups on International Women's Day. I loved the idea and we got the ball rolling straight away with how the event could come together in a limited amount of time. We decided on Norfolk Arms as the perfect location, it's on the edge of Sheffield/Peak District and has easy access to a network of different trails for the mountain bikers, and great scenic road rides for the roadies. A plan started to come together.

We hired a marquee at the pub (which serves good food and drink!), got local bike-wear brand Polaris involved, Vertabrate Publishing books came and brought a pile of books, from guide books to inspirational women's adventure books, Komoot did an exclusive maps offer and sent some goodies for everyone to enjoy. Cafe Adventure organised a brilliant charity raffle to raise money for RideForCharlie, the prize donations were so generous. We had a great event, we just needed the weather and the riders! We expected around 40 women, and hoped for more, but didn't know what to expect with it being the first event of its kind. Before we knew it we looked round and had nearly 80 eager women ready to ride!

The riders were split into groups, MTB long ride, MTB short ride, Gravel ride, Road ride. Some riders took out a Cotic demo bike, it was a great opportunity to try something new! The atmosphere was buzzing, everyone came back smiling and chatting. The raffle raised an impressive £176.05! What an amazing turn out and event, same again next year, Emma!?