More than just a bike ride

Corey came to every session. He was always excited and couldn’t wait to get on the bikes and go round the track.

Some days it was hard to get him off!

He just loved it.

Corey likes having a routine, so trying new things in places he doesn’t know can be hard. But he really liked cycling and felt part of the group and enjoyed being with everyone.

He started working on his leadership skills by putting equipment away and helping others get on their bikes. It helped him feel more confident and like a leader. Cycling became something he looked forward to every week, and he can’t wait for the sessions to return.  

Chloe was initially reluctant to join the inclusive cycling sessions; she indicated this by repeating ‘No’. 

She wasn’t sure if she would enjoy it, but once she arrived at the venue and saw her friends giving it a go, she felt at ease straight away. 

With her confidence growing, full of excitement, Chloe not only began to take part, but she also began racing others around the track!

Laughing and pushing each other to achieve more each week. She can’t wait to do it again and asks every week about when she can next go cycling.  

Jenny is relatively new to the Sense services. She is very sociable and likes being around people. 

A big thing for Jenny is that she often doesn’t believe she can do something, but given the right environment, she will try anything!

Jenny was really excited to go cycling. She hadn’t been on a bike since she was a child and couldn’t wait to try it again. After the first session, she said, “It was the best thing I’ve ever done”, and wanted to come back every time.

She came to every session, and by the end, she was doing things on her own, such as getting the bike ready and riding without help. She never thought she’d be able to do that, but she did.

Carl finds it hard to find something that works for him. He likes quiet places and doing things at his own pace. The day centre can be too busy sometimes, so being outside in a big open space was perfect. 

Carl came to most of the sessions. At first, he was unsure, but he liked being out in the fresh air and couldn’t stop smiling. Each week, he did a bit more – he got better at coming to the venue, communicating with external staff, something he doesn’t often do, and even got on the bikes towards the end of the session!