On 8th March, the CTC Women’s Group celebrated International Women’s Day with a ride dedicated to Coventry’s local cycling legend, Eileen Sheridan, while supporting the Coventry Haven charity.
The day started at the Coventry Transport Museum. It was a grey, uninspiring morning for a ride, but seeing Eileen’s bicycle – the one with only five gears she used to break the LEJOG and 1,000-mile records – changed everything. Our group of nine felt truly inspired to ride in the tyre tracks of a legend.
The day started at the Coventry Transport Museum. It was a grey, uninspiring morning for a ride, but seeing Eileen’s bicycle – the one with only five gears she used to break the LEJOG and 1,000-mile records – changed everything. Our group of nine felt truly inspired to ride in the tyre tracks of a legend.
A Bit of History
While we rode, we reflected on how much Eileen achieved. Even though she was proving what women were capable of in the 1950s, women cyclists weren’t actually allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1984! It shows just how far ahead of her time she was, and why it is so important for us to celebrate her spirit on International Women’s Day.
While we rode, we reflected on how much Eileen achieved. Even though she was proving what women were capable of in the 1950s, women cyclists weren’t actually allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1984! It shows just how far ahead of her time she was, and why it is so important for us to celebrate her spirit on International Women’s Day.
The Ride
Proudly wearing our purple IWD ribbons, we headed to the Butts Arena first to see the Blue Plaque and hear Helen’s talk on Eileen’s Coventry years. After a 12-mile push, at the top of a hill past Offchurch, Carla’s delicious homemade biscuits were a very welcome treat! Carla also shared the history of the Lias Line as a former railway.
We enjoyed riding along the Lias Line towards Eileen’s silhouette statue where Bríd gave a wonderful presentation on her career, with riders joining in to read out facts. The headwind on the next stretch was tough, but knowing the Harvester pub in Long Itchington was ahead gave our legs extra strength. There, we were happy to meet Vicky, Pip, and Jill, who joined us for lunch. The atmosphere at the pub was wonderful – full of excitement, friendly chatting, and plenty of laughter. With the tailwind behind us, the return to Coventry felt like we were riding downhill all the way!
Proudly wearing our purple IWD ribbons, we headed to the Butts Arena first to see the Blue Plaque and hear Helen’s talk on Eileen’s Coventry years. After a 12-mile push, at the top of a hill past Offchurch, Carla’s delicious homemade biscuits were a very welcome treat! Carla also shared the history of the Lias Line as a former railway.
We enjoyed riding along the Lias Line towards Eileen’s silhouette statue where Bríd gave a wonderful presentation on her career, with riders joining in to read out facts. The headwind on the next stretch was tough, but knowing the Harvester pub in Long Itchington was ahead gave our legs extra strength. There, we were happy to meet Vicky, Pip, and Jill, who joined us for lunch. The atmosphere at the pub was wonderful – full of excitement, friendly chatting, and plenty of laughter. With the tailwind behind us, the return to Coventry felt like we were riding downhill all the way!
Behind the Scenes
Organising this event was a real journey of discovery for Bríd, Carla, Terry and Marina. It wasn’t always easy! There was a lot involved in the preparation, from Bríd sourcing materials from the Eileen Sheridan Archive and Eileen’s daughter, now documented on our Archive Page: https://coventryctc.org.uk/eileen-sheridan-history to the route planning, timing, and hunting for those purple ribbons (thanks, Terry!).
Organising this event was a real journey of discovery for Bríd, Carla, Terry and Marina. It wasn’t always easy! There was a lot involved in the preparation, from Bríd sourcing materials from the Eileen Sheridan Archive and Eileen’s daughter, now documented on our Archive Page: https://coventryctc.org.uk/eileen-sheridan-history to the route planning, timing, and hunting for those purple ribbons (thanks, Terry!).
A Meaningful Cause
A huge thank you to Vicky for connecting us with Coventry Haven Women’s Aid. This charity does vital work, providing safe housing and support for women and children escaping domestic abuse. We are so happy to announce that we raised £260 for them!
We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed.
A huge thank you to Vicky for connecting us with Coventry Haven Women’s Aid. This charity does vital work, providing safe housing and support for women and children escaping domestic abuse. We are so happy to announce that we raised £260 for them!
We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed.
Looking Ahead
We’ve already started thinking about the theme for next year’s IWD celebration. Do you have any ideas? Would you like to be in the organising team? “Many hands ( and brains) make light work” If you’d like to help, let us know via: women@coventryctc.org.uk
We’ve already started thinking about the theme for next year’s IWD celebration. Do you have any ideas? Would you like to be in the organising team? “Many hands ( and brains) make light work” If you’d like to help, let us know via: women@coventryctc.org.uk