ONE of my all-time favourite quotes comes from Susan B. Anthony, a 19th century American social reformer and feminist who played a central role in the women's suffrage movement.
She said: "Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel, the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
In Scotland, free and untrammeled womanhood is being embraced in growing numbers. Two years ago, British Cycling set a target of getting one million women on their bikes by 2020. Scottish Cycling has reported a 35 per cent increase in the number of women participating in cycling events throughout Scotland between 2013 and 2014.
There are some great events going on across the country including the 2015 Scottish Women's Road Race Series, supported by Dales Cycles, which still has rounds in Banchory and Aviemore to come on August 29 and September 13 respectively. For more information, visit scottishcycling.org.uk.
Belles on Bikes - a cycling group for women offering bike rides, cake and chat - continue to grow in strength and numbers with 12 groups across Scotland: Moray, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Falkirk, Cumbernauld, Borders, Fife, Tayside, Aberdeenshire, Moffat and Inverclyde. For details, visit ctc.org.uk/project/belles-on-bikes.
For those who want to try their hand - or rather legs - at an organised event be sure to check out the women-only Macmillan Cycletta Scotland which takes place at Scone Palace, Perth, on July 19.
Entries are open right up until the day itself with four distances to choose from: 20km, 50km, 100km and 150km (or in old money: 12 miles, 31 miles, 62 miles and 93 miles).
There is plenty of breathtaking scenery along the way, taking in towns and villages including Balbeggie, Eassie, Kettins and Burrleton.
Macmillan Cycletta Scotland - organised by Human Race - is aimed at women of all ages and abilities. A Scootathlon, which is a mini triathlon for children aged four to eight where they scoot, bike and run, takes place the same day making it ideal for a family outing.
The event is now in its third year in Scotland and the newly introduced 150km course comes on the back of public demand for a longer distance.
The first person to sign up for the 150km route was Edinburgh-based Heather McCormack, a keen runner who fancied a fresh challenge to mark turning 60 this year.
"Over the years I've done running and half marathons. I even completed the London Marathon in 2012, which was a lifelong ambition of mine," she says. "I was the tortoise rather than the hare, but loved every minute of it."
McCormack had her passion for cycling reignited after she began commuting by bike to her job at a lab and research facility in the capital.
"I've cycled all my life, but stopped when I had my family," she says. "I started again more recently when my work moved further away. It ended up being my incentive to get back in the saddle. My partner and I went to Yorkshire to see the Tour De France last year too which was really inspiring.
"There was such a fantastic atmosphere and it was really sociable, so it got me thinking about finding a cycling event that suited me.
"I considered cycling groups locally but they seemed a bit more family-orientated which didn't suit me since my son is all grown-up. I felt I needed something to build my confidence."
When an email from Macmillan Cycletta organisers Human Race dropped into her inbox last December, McCormack swiftly signed up for the Perthshire event next weekend.
"I know it seems like a huge distance to cycle, but people often underestimate themselves," she says. "Believe me, I've thought I was going to be at the very back whenever I've taken part in events, but I've never been last yet.
"Also, you always get just as much of a cheer if you're at the tail end as you would if you were at the front. I'm hoping that Cycletta will be the same and not have that competitive edge - winning isn't the be all and end all."
Macmillan Cycletta Scotland takes place at Scone Palace, Perth, on July 19. For more information, visit humanrace.co.uk/events/cycletta
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