Where did the name Extreme Single parent come from?
Extreme single parent is a term that I started using
not long after I became a single mother.
Being positive and fun about the situation helped me to add a light
hearted edge to the challenges (of which there have been many) and take pride
in my solo parenting efforts and who I had become. I first used it when I was snowboarding at Glencoe Mountain;
my daughter was with me, riding the T-bar. Some guys in the lift line made a few comments and I shouted
back at them “I’m an extreme single
parent – Life doesn’t get any better than this!”
What is an Extreme
Single Parent?
You don’t have to be a single parent to be an extreme
parent, I know its challenging for everyone, and we all have many different
barriers to overcome there are no two families the same. I suppose baring this in mind and
mixing it up with some extreme sports with your children involved, fits the
profile.
How did you become
one?
When I became a mother I was determined to ensure that
I continued this lifestyle, so Ski Pea came off road riding with me on the
bike, until she could ride her self, and she started skiing at the age of
2.
I suppose I enjoy pushing myself to the limits, I get
a real buzz from the tunnel vision and exhilaration of going really fast,
whether it be on a bike or board.
What do you find
challenging about being a competitive mountain biker, snowboarder and single
mother?
Time, time, time and time! Money, money money and
money.
Probably the same for everyone else, although I have
managed lots of ways to find time to train, its still a massive challenge as I
have very limited spare time. I
ride when I can! For as long as I can and the turbo trainer gets used if I
can’t. Ski pea loves the turbo
trainer too.
Its also great to get support from Dare2b as this
helps me to keep myself kitted out with decent gear.
I also get lots of help maintaining my bikes from my Local bike shops, Alpine Bikes, Nevis Cycles, Crank it up Gear and whilst in Edinburgh, Eastside Bikes who have been very supportive. I have some good friends who are really keen to help with maintenance and childcare too.
I also get lots of help maintaining my bikes from my Local bike shops, Alpine Bikes, Nevis Cycles, Crank it up Gear and whilst in Edinburgh, Eastside Bikes who have been very supportive. I have some good friends who are really keen to help with maintenance and childcare too.
What do you enjoy
about it?
Keeping myself focused on positive things, like training and having that aspiration to include ‘me time’ in my life where I can get out and adventure, find new places and discover the outdoors. That’s precious to a single mum especially in the North West of Scotland.
"I love racing because there is a great community to the scene and I meet so many wonderful people. Its great fun!"
"I suppose it’s also important to me that I set this
example to my daughter and hopefully she follows an active lifestyle too."
Why did you start cycling?
I suppose it was always bound to happen I come from a
family of cyclists my Dad raced elite when I was younger and a lot of my early memories
are cheering after him and my brother whilst they raced for the club that my Dad founded, Bonnyrigg cycling club. My Dad was known as fast Freddy and today we
train together, even at the age of 73 he is still fast. Eleven years ago my brother was killed
in a hit and run whilst he cycled home from work and since then I’ve been
determined to keep on pedalling on his behalf.
I started to race competitively in 2012 and I race in a few disciplines, I think different types of biking compliment and develop you as a rider.
I started to race competitively in 2012 and I race in a few disciplines, I think different types of biking compliment and develop you as a rider.
Describe your bikes?
A semi light weight road bike, a Specialized Dolce, - I love
her! She’s called Danny
My favourite is my hard tail a 2009 Specialized Myka,
this bike floats over anything, It’s so neat and smooth. I love it!
And the
old fat beast, ‘The Patriot’ from 2004, also known as Tracey, but coming in at
40lbs she isn’t really designed for Enduro, but she’s a blast on the downs!
What would be your
ideal bike?
Something that is ergonomically designed for tiny
people! I’m 5 foot 1” and everything feels too big for me! I’m quite into
big wheels such as some 650B’s. I
also fancy trying out 11 speed chain rings, but I’m pretty set on 140mm travel,
wide bars, and some sparkly components.
I love the look of the Propain and I really like the design spec thats gone
into the Pivot, which is an ergonomic wonder piece for midgets.
