Join me at Cycletta, then down the pub!

The 38.8m Cycletta route starts and ends at Whipsnade Zoo, passing through Dagnall, Ivinghoe, Cheddington, Mentmore and Slapton. Organisers promise breathtaking views, although personally I imagine I’ll be too busy huffing and puffing to appreciate them all.

One cyclist who will be joining me and hundreds of other women on Sunday, September 11 is Kim Martin, a 26-year-old mum of two young children, Emily, three, and Samuel, 10 months.

Kim, pictured, said: “I am fairly new to road cycling but Cycletta is the perfect first step in entering cycling events. It’s an achievable challenge and suitable for all abilities.

“It’s nice to know that I won’t have to worry about traffic and it’s enough of a challenge that I can be proud of the achievement without a daunting amount of training to do.”

Kim, who grew up in Henlow and now lives in Hampshire, will be raising money for Keech Hospice Care in Luton, a cause close to her heart as a friend’s daughter who has cerebal palsy gets a lot of support and enjoyment from the hospice.

Entrants can raise money for a charity of their choice, for official Cycletta charity Macmillan Cancer Support, or simply pay the entry fee.

We are giving away ten free places in the event to readers, so if you’d like the chance to win one email [email protected] with no more than 50 words describing why you want to enter, and if you’re entering with friends you could even win places for your whole team.

Kim said: “I have been in contact with other ladies taking part. The comradeship is very good and a few of us hope to meet at the finish line. We’re all different in our cycling ability but it really doesn’t matter. It’s about us girls cycling together.

“I think women-only cycling events are absolutely a good idea. Part of what has put me off entering other events is the amount of testosterone in the air!

“It’s intimidating to make that first step on the fitness ladder, especially after having children, and I like the idea that I don’t feel I have to compete against anyone but myself.”

Like Cycletta ambassador and Olympic badminton player Gail Emms, who takes her son Harry out on the back of her bike, Kim has been towing her children around in a trailer when she goes on bike rides, something both women encourage other mums to try if they want to fit more training in.

Families will be welcome on the day as spectators will receive a discounted entry into the zoo.

To enter, go to www.cycletta.com.