INTRODUCING NEW RIDE LEADER CE CE
This is Ce Ce, she her.
Ce Ce led a NFORC Off Road club ride back in 2022. We were confident we had created a space where people who might be nervous to show up at a normal group ride, felt comfortable showing up to ours.
We’d been loud about not needing special clothes, about our party pace where we stop for snacks and to look at the view, how the chat was about how you feel riding a bike and less about what make the bike is.
On Ce Ce’s ride, we learned all the things we could be doing more. Jay, has taken in the region of 4000 photos of our rides. Whilst the group was stopped at a gate, Ce Ce led a round of applause for the man who up until this point, had received only a cursory “Thanks babe” from me. Jay glowed.
Everyone got a round of applause for ‘making it this far’, we were 2 miles in.
On Ce Ce’s ride, miles weren’t important, smiles were. Ce Ce checked in with the woman joining us for the first time since she’d been hit by a car, the thermos which was orange (Ce Ce’s favourite colour) was celebrated and we all shared cake in the car park.
It was a NFORC ride but on steroids. We learnt a lesson in leadership that day and we’re very grateful for it.
I’m excited to say that in December 2023, Ce Ce accepted my invitation to be a ride leader. You can get to know Ce Ce a little by reading the following but the best way is to join us on a ride.
Over to you Ce Ce.
Ce Ce introducing herself on her first NFORC ride.
“I first rode with the NFORC about a year ago and there were lots of people that I hadn’t met before. I felt nervous and excited. The weather was cold and I was wrapped up, that didn’t put me off. We began riding and the nervousness left me and changed to joy. By the end of the ride I felt excited to know when I could ride with them again.”
What do you like about being a ride leader?
I like seeing people enjoying riding their bike.
What’s your favourite snack?
My favourite snack is a lemon blueberry bar because it is so tasty and I just love it!
Where’s your favourite place to ride?
I have lots of places that I like to ride, but one of my favourite places to ride is in the New
Forest. I love meeting new people and catching up with friends. It’s just amazing!
Ce Ce next to Nic at our 3rd birthday ride, October 2023.
How does riding your bike make you feel?
Riding my bike makes me feel happy and joyful. I feel nervous when I meet new people, but
when I am riding meeting new people is easier.
Tell us about your bike
I ride a pull along for longer rides but I am trying an ice trike Adventure recumbent trike with
enviolo automatic gears and pedal assist. It is amazing and my dream is to get one and ride
independently on most rides.
This is a a gorgeous film, shot by Monet Adam’s telling the story of when 3 women, including Ce Ce cycled the Rebellion Way with 2 little ones in tow.
The film won the Judges Special Mention in the BMC Women In Adventure Film Competition 2023.
What does the best group ride look like to you?
The best group ride would have lots of familiar friends, along with new people. I would make
sure new people were happy and felt welcomed to the group.
If your bike was an album / song, what would it be.
How did you hear about The New Forest Off Road Club?
Through my Mum.
What was your first ride like?
I first rode with the FORC about a year ago and there were lots of people that I hadn’t met
before. I felt nervous and excited. The weather was cold and I was wrapped up, that didn’t
put me off. We began riding and the nervousness left me and changed to joy. By the end of
the ride I felt excited to know when I could ride with them again.
Ce Ce with Alice and Martine at the end of a Professional Amateur Story Time where she told the story of the time she rode the Rebellion Way.
What would you say to someone who has never joined a ride before but might want to?
Come along! You will be welcomed and made to feel comfortable.
What can people expect from your rides?
Lots of chat and laughter! Everyone will support each other and there will be cake!
What does the NFORC mean to you?
The NFORC is important to me because of all the friends I have made along the way.
Here’s Ce Ce with her Mum Vicky, and her Grandma and Grandad 💚
