HIGH above the city of Bradford in a village notorious for its hills but equally affording breathtaking views of the landscape beyond a band of women are putting real pedal power to the test.

Getting on their bikes is something many of them haven’t done since they were a child. A lack of confidence; a fear of riding on the roads and wondering whether they could still cycle are just some of the reasons why women often steer away from cycling.

However, the arrival of the Tour de Yorkshire and other prestigious events which have helped put the county on the cycling map, has sparked a resurgence in the sport and also among those who are keen to pursue it as a pleasurable pastime.

And what better way to look after your health than exercising in the fresh air and with breathtaking scenery to boot?

Commuting from her former home in Leeds to work in Bradford prompted Vicky Mathwin to get back on her bike six years ago.

“Before I started riding six years ago I hadn’t ridden since I was a kid. I remember getting on a mountain bike and I could hardly stay upright but I was spending so much time in traffic.”

Investing in a bike not only reduced Vicky’s daily commute, it also increased her fitness without her having to go to a gym.

She recalls practicing on a Sunday morning when the roads were quiet and soon bit the bug. As well as using her bike to commute to work, Vicky also rode out with a group in Ilkley.

Moving to Queensbury meant it wasn’t as easy for Vicky to ride out with the group - so she decided to form her own. The impetus for setting up ‘Queensbury Queens of the Mountain CC’ came after she met a few other like-mended women cyclists at a family fun cycling event in her home village in May last year.

Soon after Vicky decided to see if there were any ladies who were interested in a weekly Sunday social ride out, and set up a Facebook page which attracted plenty of attention.

“More than 60 people joined the Facebook page; people who wanted to get on their bike and hadn’t been on one for 20 years,” says Vicky.

A week later the ladies got together. “Twenty seven women turned up that night to ‘see if anyone’s interested in riding a bike,’” she recalls.

From that initial meeting the cycling club - believed to be the highest cycling club in the country - was set up.

“We think we are the highest cycling club in the country - we couldn’t find any others based in high areas. We know Foxhill School is the highest primary school in the country so we think we must be the highest cycling club in the country,” explains Vicky.

Queensbury is one of the highest parishes in England. Standing 1,100 feet above sea level, it also gets the brunt of the severe weather systems.

Undeterred by the harsher winter climate and hilly location, up to 30 women straddle their cycles twice weekly and literally head for the hills.

According to Vicky the women share many similarities; strength; passion and enthusiasm. “But the one thing that every single one of the 70 club members holds is their love for riding their bike,” says Vicky.

Rides and routes cater for all levels and abilities from women who just want a social cycle to those who are keen to step up a level.

Vicky explains how four of the women, Jennifer Battersby, Kate Lightstead, Sarah Gardiner and Catherine Sweeney, participated in the Tour of Flanders ‘We Ride Flanders’ sportive on April 2.

The Queens have also participated in charity cycling events supporting charities raising funds for Women V Cancer and their awards evening was in aid of the children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters.

The club is affiliated with British Cycling, with members ranging in ages from 18 to 69, and it seems the women have also come to the attention of Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire who was instrumental in the Grand Depart Tour de France coming to the county - he apparently gave a shout out to them at a TDY Roadshow.

With the cycling buzz embracing the district during the weekend's Tour de Yorkshire, the women are now hoping to inspire others to get on their bikes and join them.

Vicky explains the monthly Breeze rides, a British Cycling initiative, which she has led on the Spen Valley Greenway are perfect for women who want to increase their confidence to ride out on the roads.

The club offers a supportive atmosphere to members who come from all over including Brighouse, Halifax, Saltaire and Shipley.

While the hilly location may deter some, quite often those who think they cannot conquer the gradients do and it spurs them on to reach another level of riding.

As well as the social aspect, cycling is the perfect way to keep fit; stay active and it can help with weight loss.

Says Vicky: “Queensbury Queens are determined to get more women out on their bikes. Whether it be with their ‘Steadies Group,’ who like to chat while they pootle, but often encourage each other to take on a hill here and there and collapse in giggles at the top of it.”

Elise Fitzgerald, QQoM member, says: “We’re never afraid or embarrassed to be the one who has to get off and push the bike that ride. We’ve all been there at some point! But the point is we DO get to the top! And we’re all there to say well done!”

The ‘Speedsters Group’ are a group of strong, determined women who like to take on longer rides, more hills and with some speed behind them.

According to Vicky they have a range of experience to help each other too; fell runners, novice riders, regular commuters to those with velodrome experience, racers and cyclocross.

The ‘Chasers group’ comprises riders who have progressed with stamina and strength from the Steady Group or ladies wanting to challenge themselves in a certain area, or are keen to go a littler further and faster.

“This women’s cycling club seems to have something for everyone. It’s about women coming together to do what women do best....being there for each other and enjoying the journey as they go.”

For more information email chair.queensofthemountain@gmail.com