When I joined the Windmill Cycling Club almost a year ago I thought I was going to turn up on my bike, ride around for a while with a bunch of guys and then just go back home. I soon learnt it was more than that, so much more.

From the start I was made to feel very welcome by a very friendly bunch of people, and when I found it extremely hard going and thinking it was too much for me, everybody only had words of encouragement and I was never made to feel like I was holding them back. Slowly but surely, as the weeks and months went by, I was getting closer and closer to the front of the pack and the sense of achievement as I got fitter and caught up was immense, making the whole experience much more enjoyable.

This eventually gave me the confidence to go along to the Special Events organised by a team of very dedicated leaders. Recent trips to Exmoor, The Chilterns, and Swinley Forest have been demanding but great fun, and I look forward to many more in the future.

Along the way I've learnt a lot from the wealth of knowledge and experience that everyone is happy to share, from simple things to technical bike set up stuff, and it’s surprising how the smallest detail can make such a big difference to the overall riding experience.

Above all, I've made some good friends, enjoying a bit of banter and lots of laughter and I can honestly say I can't think of doing anything better on a Sunday morning than riding with the Windmillers… a club that is not a club.