INSPIRATION
We first got to know Helen through her adventurous approach to cycling, her passion for endurance riding, and her commitment to encouraging more women into the sport through coaching, guiding, and community-led riding. Whether she’s exploring remote gravel trails, leading women-only cycling escapes, or taking on multi-day adventures, Helen brings warmth, curiosity, and a huge sense of fun to every ride.
Here’s a closer look at Helen in her own words.
How did cycling first come into your life?
Back in 2012, some work colleagues persuaded me to enter the London Revolution, a 180-mile sportive over two days around the capital. The only problem was I didn’t own a bike and had just six weeks to prepare.
We were all complete beginners, and with my now-husband acting as guide and support, we somehow made it to the finish line, exhausted, amazed, and completely bitten by the cycling bug.
What drew you towards road, gravel, and endurance riding?
I started out riding on the road and cycling gradually changed my life. Along the way, I’ve tried just about everything—track, mountain biking, you name it.
Then in 2020, I bought my first gravel bike and never looked back. Gravel has taken me on incredible adventures all over the world and into wild, remote places. There’s still so much left for me to explore.
What do you love most about being on the bike?
The freedom, the friendships, and the sense of adventure.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting into cycling?
First, just go for it. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Filter out the noise. Cycling can come with lots of “rules,” but most of them really don’t matter. Focus on what feels good for you.
Second, say yes to opportunities, even the scary ones. Enter the sportive, book the trip, sign up for the race. Worry about the how later, -the journey is part of the fun!
And third, invest in a really good pair of bib shorts… and don’t wear pants with them. Your bum will thank you forever.
Are there any comfort or setup essentials you swear by now?
I never used to use chamois cream, but once I started riding multi-day gravel adventures, it became essential.
I’d also absolutely recommend getting a bike fit. I’ve had one for both my road and gravel bikes, and even the smallest adjustments can make a huge difference to comfort, especially if you spend long hours riding.
Women’s cycling communities seem to be a huge part of your world. What do they mean to you?
I love women-only rides and events. When I first started cycling, I was often the only woman, or one of very few, on rides and at events, so it’s amazing to see how much that’s changing now.
I’m part of Bella Velo, a women-only cycling club in London, and most of my riding these days is with women. In 2022, I also took part in the Komoot Women’s Rally on the Montañas Vacías route in Spain, which was one of the best rides I’ve ever done. It was challenging, supportive, and full of seriously badass women.
If you could relive one cycling experience, what would it be?
Riding the Tour de France route with InternationElles in 2019, without hesitation. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how we managed to complete the whole thing, but it was magical.
For more than three weeks we lived and breathed cycling, completely wrapped up in this incredible bubble. It was one of the toughest but most meaningful experiences of my life.
Tell us about one of your favourite days on the bike.
So many to choose from, but one standout moment was bikepacking the Veneto Trail last summer with my friend Helen. The gravel in the Dolomites was tough but breathtakingly beautiful.
On day three, we climbed to the off-road summit of Valparola and were rewarded with 360-degree views of mountains, valleys, and blue skies. It felt like we were on top of the world with nobody else around. It was incredibly special and humbling to be there, and the descent afterwards was hella fun!
And what about your toughest moment on the bike?
Breaking my collarbone during a local crit race in 2018. I crashed at high speed and ended up needing surgery and a plate fitted to hold everything together.
The silver lining was having three weeks off work in July during the Tour de France. It was the first time I’d watched every minute of every stage.
What’s next for you?
This year I’m organising a women-only gravel escape in Girona, where I’ll be coaching gravel skills on some amazing trails. I honestly can’t wait.
I’m also heading to Montenegro to recce a gravel route for a future trip later this year. And my biggest challenge of the year will be Gravel Burn in South Africa, which I’m riding with a few friends. It looks intense, incredible, and very much like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why do you choose to wear IRIS? Do you have a favourite kit combination?
IRIS kit is genuinely beautiful. I love the bold designs and the stunning colours, but also how comfortable and practical everything is, especially the bib shorts.
In winter, I practically live in the Thea Jersey with the moss green bib tights. They’re soft, warm, stylish, and work perfectly together. In summer, it has to be the Alana Jersey with the bilberry bib shorts. I get compliments every single time I wear them, even from non-cyclists.
What do you love most about IRIS cycling apparel?
The balance between style, comfort, and practicality. The kit performs brilliantly on long rides, feels amazing to wear, and still looks beautiful ride after ride. For me, that combination is hard to beat.
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