Where are the women in our sportives, the organisers of the Wooler Wheel ask. The last we heard, about half the population of this country were women, but that is not reflected in the general entries to sportives. 

What's stopping them getting on their bikes and giving it a go? We know there are cycling women out there because we've seen many of them in Northumberland enjoying rides along our country lanes with their families and in groups of friends.

Here in the tranquillity of our remote corner of rural North Northumberland, snuggling up to the border with Scotland, our Wooler Wheel sportives take place on quiet unclassified and B roads and we aim them to be all inclusive, and appealing to all.

In October 2013, the Wooler Wheel sportive consisted of rides over 50 and 100-kilometres. Half of the riders in the 50km were women. Almost the same number of women took part in the 100km, but because it had about three times as many entries, the percentage was lower at 16%.  It is interesting to note that the age distribution of the women in both distances was very similar - 65% of the women were aged between 40 and 60. 

After the event, those that took part commented on what they liked about it:

• The efficient organisation
• The friendliness and welcoming attitude of the marshals at registration and at the stations along the route
• The low levels of traffic
• The great atmosphere and camaraderie among the riders
• The lack of pressure to perform - if they wanted to go for it they could, or if they preferred, they could take it steadily and enjoy the variety of wonderful vistas around the routes. 
• The mechanical backup provided by Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative
• The broom wagon

But more than anything, they raved about the flapjacks at the feed stations, baked locally from locally grown and milled oats, and laced with heather honey produced - yes, you've guessed it - locally. 

We were happy with the gender balance on the 50km, but feel we have some way to go on the 100km, which may just be a matter of time.  

The hope is that women who have taken the brave step to do their first 50km, perhaps with a group of girl friends, or a family group, will do another next time around, and as their confidence and capabilities build up, eventually a proportion of them will diffuse across to the 100km or longer distances.

So whether you are female, male, young or a little older – why not take on the next Wooler challenge which is set for Saturday October 4, and includes both a 100km and 50km ride options.

For information and to enter, go to the Wooler Wheel website http://woolerwheel.com/. 

Or enter directly on the British Cycling website here. 

Our facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/thewoolerwheel