Meet the instructor – Sharron Broad

How old were you when you started cycling?

Not sure, infant school age. I suspect we were early riders in our family, as my parents always had a bike kicking around. As an engineer, my dad was very hands-on with bikes, (building) go-karts and cars, so I definitely gained a practical outlook on cycling. In the 70’s stabilisers were a popular way to start but balance bikes have transformed early learning and highly recommend these as a new cyclist.

What motivated you to become an instructor?

I was looking to go back to paid work after volunteering with the National Trust for many years. I was diverted from going back into marketing as I wanted a job outdoors. Nature and the outdoors had been part of my life as a Learning Volunteer for a Nature Reserve. I wanted to continue to inspire people to learn new skills, make a difference to their lives and help them grow in confidence with a joy of cycling. I still love cycling for relaxation, fitness and for freedom of the outdoors. It’s a great job.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Making a connection in such a short time is necessary to make a difference to a rider’s cycling skills. There is a huge sense of achievement from assessing what help the rider needs to nurturing this during the training week. Nervous one-handers become upright smilers and timid road users, cuddling the curb at the sound of a vehicle, grow into observant, road-aware junction users. It’s great being part of their journey.

Do you have any favourite cycling memories or experiences?

I fell off my Annabella yellow bike and got a hideous thigh graze when I was 7 or 8 but we’ll gloss over that! Getting the speed wobbles on an S-bend on my first racer…move on. It’s the journeys when I / we are just exploring…bike rides on camping trips with my sons, birthday rides around the woods, hills, castles and vineyards cycling with my dad in France or just riding the Fens, passing fields, familiar villages and ending up at a cake shop. All cycling is good.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have a busy family life and still volunteer with the National Trust when I can; helping with pond dipping; creating artwork for holiday trails, welcoming visitors and sharing stories of Wicken Fen. The Trust have a great ethos of protecting, preserving and sharing nature and history forever. If we all take responsibility for each other and places now it will create a better future, plus I like getting mucky outdoors! I cycle when I can. I need to jump on a train to somewhere new and explore on two wheels really. I haven’t toured with overnight stays so that’s on my to-do list. I am inspired by people stories in history and nature so cultural visits, beautiful gardens, architecture and a-scone-a-week sounds ideal.

Where’s your favourite place in the world?

I have travelled the UK for work and pleasure, and it still continues to fill me with joy. I love Cambridge and Cambridgeshire because of its familiarity but exploring home can still bring its surprises.  I recommend finding cycleways along the Cam and link rides with exploring historic properties and nature. Every visit to Scotland has been fantastic, Loch Lomond and the Cairngorms. North Norfolk always has a place in my heart (not as flat as you think), the Cotswolds, Lake District and North Wales are all stunning.

Do you have any top tips for people who maybe want to start cycling or cycle more if they haven’t done it for a while?

If you haven’t cycled for a while don’t be surprised that it’s quite a physical thing to do. To explain….to get onto a bike (especially with a high crossbar) you will need upper body strength and core muscles. Then it’s the legs turn. So tips are make sure the bike is suited to you – more upright if starting out (makes it much easier on the body and for signalling), ensure you can reach the brakes (and use them both) and learn how to use your gears. Cycling is such a wonderful way to travel that everyone should experience it, with a little help from us.

Do you have a cycling hero?

My dad and my brother. My dad is always an inspiration. He loves cycling and uses it to train for his ice-skating competitions internationally. My brother works so hard at his sport – competitive road cycling with a dash of cyclocross – he his lean, fit and fast but above all (my dad and brother) they try hard. That’s all you can ask of anybody.

If you weren’t a cycle instructor, what would your dream job be?

An event planner. Always love to organise, love planning and have helped at a lot of events and the odd wedding. You have to think of everything, from a vase to hold a bouquet to checking there’s enough gifts for Santa to give to the children to doormats and dustbins! Great skills for life and parenting.

Are there any projects or anything else you’re doing that you’d like to tell us about?

More Bikeability in schools. 1-2-1 training for learn to ride or to grow road confidence. Finding the perfect electric bike for my husband to inspire him to co-ride with me. And perhaps produce some Cambridgeshire walking or cycling tours sharing a bit of history, conservation and foodie favourites.