Women go cycling for fun, health Posted On: Monday, Oct. 5 2009 05:30 AM By Rebecca Hertz
Killeen Daily Herald

Women on Wheels of Central Texas was organized in August by retired chiropractor and experienced competitive athlete Colleen Isdale.

Starting with a few cyclists as a healthy, fun activity and a way for women to socialize, the group has grown quickly and now has about 22 potential riders on the mailing list.

"Now that I am not racing anymore, it is time to give back," Isdale said. "Cycling is something a lot of people can do. It is more enjoyable and more social because you can actually talk easier on a bike than running."

Riders are attracted by word-of-mouth, fliers around town and the group's e-mail newsletter with information about upcoming rides.

The strongest advertisement for the group is Isdale. The 58-year-old woman with glowing skin and sparkling blue eyes emits a contagious energy with her bright smile and confident demeanor.

"The rides are for everyone, novice to expert — anyone will fit in," Isdale said. "We leave nobody behind. I don't ever want anyone to feel intimidated like, 'Oh, I'm all alone.'"

The diverse group of cyclists includes women from all cultures and backgrounds. They range in age from 24 to 58.

"It's really a healthy group, very knowledgeable as far as nutrition goes and exercise," Isdale said. "They do good things for their bodies."

Rides are on Sunday mornings. The group is starting a Tuesday evening ride. With the time change, the Sunday morning ride might change to early afternoon to accommodate church schedules.

The group rides 27 miles, but if that is more than a member wants to do, the rider can turn around at five or 10 miles and someone from the group will stay with the rider. It is not a difficult course; it's just rolling hills and there is little traffic on Sunday, Isdale said.

"I ride beside the newcomers to help them learn how to use the gears on their bike," she said. "They get on-the-ride training."

The group plans to ride in the afternoons through the winter when it is warmer and there is more light.

"But really in Texas, you can ride all year long if you have the right gear, tights and gloves," Isdale said. "We ride for fun, and it's not fun to ride in the pouring rain. If there is a little drizzle, yes."

Leanne Chappell has been with the group since the first ride. She suffered a knee injury in January and had surgery last March and is working to get back to her previous level of activity.

"It (the injury) totally threw my life into a tailspin," Chappell said. "The bike club has helped me recover from the injury."

She said participating with the group has raised her confidence level and she is amazed at her accomplishments.

Women on Wheels of Central Texas doesn't conduct meetings, but as the group grows, members hope to incorporate a ride and cookout every couple of months.

Felecia Gentry, also an original member of the group, has been riding for more than 15 years. She said cycling is a non-impact sport that reduces anxiety and stress and has allowed her to control her attention deficit disorder without medication.

"This is a group of women who would not normally have come together," Gentry said. "It is a wonderful experience. We learn new riding techniques, and we never leave a rider behind."

Cycling is a good way to work out and stay in shape. Other benefits include stress reduction and weight control. Regular physical activity helps to increase energy levels and to keep minds sharp.

"What you don't use, you lose," Isdale said. "People think at a certain age, 'I can't do this.' But I am blowing that theory out of the water."