Resistance & Rebellion on Two Wheels
For me, biking has always been about resistance and rebellion. Resistance against the everyday ‘noise’ as I grind uphill. Rebellion against what’s expected of me — doing more than I thought possible, and more than others believed I could.
Cycling has long been part of my recovery journey. It’s where my head finally quietens (eventually!), and I find myself fully in the moment. Sometimes that means pushing through laboured breaths on a steep, sketchy trail. Other times it’s flying downhill, yelling to my mates, “look, no brakes!”
From Cloth Badges to Jordanian Dessert
The idea for the R&R Ride grew out of a mix of local inspiration and one big leap of faith.
Locally, my friends and I had started riding in the Yorkshire Divide Mills n Moors series— expertly curated by founder Adrian Wright. These day rides celebrate the best of the Calder Valley: starting from local bike shops, exploring hidden trails, offering distances for all levels, and always ending with cake, tea, and that all-important cloth badge. Never underestimate the confidence a cloth badge can give you!
Then came Jordan. On impulse (and a little bit of rebellion), I booked a solo-but-group trip with Sisters in the Wild— my first ever cycling holiday. It was everything out of my comfort zone: distances, wild camping, total strangers, and… Jordan!
But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Racing camels across the desert, I kept thinking, Wow. Who’d have thought a girl from Dudley would be doing THIS? That trip, and the inspirational women I met there, planted the seed for creating something of my own.
Recovery has taught me this simple truth: you can’t keep what you don’t give away.
Planting the Seed
After Jordan, I spoke to my brilliant coach (Veloqi Cycle Coaching ) who’d supported me to prepare for Jordan and reached out to Adrian with a proposal: what if we created a Mills n Moors women’s ride — borrowing his winning formula, but putting women’s stories and experiences at the centre? And what if we raised funds for a local hospice along the way?
Adrian said yes.
Then I went to my friend Anna at our local bike shop, Blazing Saddles, to ask if she’d host the start and finish. Another yes. And with that, the R&R Ride was born.
Here’s Anna’s take:
“I’ve been part of the Mills n Moors rides since Adrian first started the rides, and it’s inspired riders from all over the country in all weathers. When Jill came to me with the idea of a women’s ride, I was totally up for it. Her passion and drive are infectious! Funnily enough, it even inspired me to get back on my own bike after falling out of love with it. I signed up for a March Mills n Moors ride, had an amazing day, met some wonderful women, and remembered why I love riding my bike. If even a few more women feel that too, that would be pretty cool.”
Since then, the support has snowballed. Adrian’s generosity, Anna’s industry know-how, encouragement from Hope Women and Liv Cycling, and over a 100 sign-ups !
For me, it’s been the best adventure: learning new skills, meeting incredible women in the valley, and taking an idea and spinning it into reality (and yes, into cloth badges too).
R&R: The Event
The R&R Ride celebrates stories of everyday — and extraordinary — resistance and rebellion of women and girls across the mills and moors of Calderdale.
With three routes designed to welcome newcomers as well as challenge seasoned riders, every path showcases the grit of the North and the women who shaped its landscape and history.
October 5th 2025.
Rebel Girls – 24km / 490m
Wainstalls Waifs – 52km / 920m
Gentleman Jack – 91km / 1840m
The event is open to women and non-binary riders. Because inclusion itself is an act of resistance and rebellion
Entries have reopened to allow more to take part: SiEntries - Women's Mills n Moors
Words by: Jill Greenfield
