Marathon success for Thurrock cyclist

More than 300 people took part in the Thurrock Cycle Marathon on 3 June – including Nikki Martin, who only learned to ride a bicycle four weeks prior to the event.

In April, Nikki, who is new to the area, expressed an interest in taking part in a community ride, which Thurrock Council was promoting at a local Weight Watchers group. However, she did not own a bike or know whether she could ride one.

As a result, Thurrock Council met with Nikki on 9 May and lent her a bike.

After spending a bit of time in a car park showing Nikki how to ride around corners, she came out onto the road and undertook her level two training course.

Following this success, Nikki purchased a bike of her own and participated in the community ride with fellow Weight Watchers members.

With a new-found sense of confidence, Nikki decided to sign up for the Cycle Marathon – organised by the Rotary Club of Mardyke Valley. On 3 June, she successfully completed the event.

Nikki’s story one in a long line of success, including that of Josie Reeves, who can now enjoy cycling with her daughter following a successful lesson from one of Thurrock Council’s cycling instructors.

In April, Josie Reeves attended the South Essex Active Travel (SEAT) Thurrock Roadshow, and explained that she couldn’t ride a bike – but wanted to learn in order to ride with her daughter.

Kaye Borley-Potterton, one of Thurrock Council’s cycle instructors, arranged for a lesson to be held in Grays Park on 21 April – and after just one hour Josie was riding a bike unaided.

21 June 2018