Hi JayJay - well done on the 12 miles! I am 42 and have taken up cycling due to my post-baby overweight body and bad bad health. I used to smoke, never exercised, suffered post partum thyroid dysfunction, hypertension and depression.

The pounds are coming off slowly, but the biggest effect of cycling so far is the effect on my mood. With every ride I feel lighter in spirit and more in control of my life. I am feeling calmer and more confident every day. Now I strap on my bike shoes, cram into my bike shorts and whip on my glasses and I am started to look as mean as all the others.