A new magazine launched here in the UK last year, aimed specifically at women cyclists.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first heard about it. I had been reading the likes of Cycling Plus, Cycling Active and Cycling Weekly for years. None of these well-established titles expressly say they write for men, but it's pretty obvious that they do! Each occasionally has an article or two per issue dealing with issues specific to women, but these generally are along the lines of "5 Winter Jackets for Women" (when the corresponding article for men is "20 Winter Jackets for Men"). One of these magazines (I've forgotten which) tried including a separate supplement for women with one issue. It was about 16 pages long. All the articles had a whiff of condescension. You know the test for how to give advice or write a how-to article? Swap out all the pronouns and ask yourself, would I say this to a man?
The mainstream articles were spectacularly failing to address women as equals, but frankly I wasn't too confident that a womens-specific magazine would be the answer. Would everything sound as if it was pitched to beginning cyclists? Or, at the other end, assume all women are interesting in how the pro cyclists are doing -- albeit the female ones, not necessarily Mark Cavendish et al.
Well, I am pleased to say that Womens Cycling has got it just about right. After reading two issues (and finding it just a bit of a bother to find them each time a new one came out, as not many shops were stocking this title yet), I took out a subscription.
Here's a little peak into the latest issue, which landed on my doormat a week ago.
 |
| Inspiring interview with local Bedfordshire heroine Ottilie Quinn! |
 |
| Go, Otts! (Follow her on Twitter - she's just amazing.) |
 |
| Like a bit of off-roading? Lots here for you. |
 |
| Including heads-up on new clothing and kit for both you and your MTB. |
 |
| Typical sampling of kit for roadies - wide variety featured in every issue. |
 |
| For the commuter and transport cyclist, a selection of items that are generally a bit more stylish than anything you'll find in your local Evans store -- and details of where to find them. |
 |
| I have personally benefited from the workout/fitness section in every issue. Remember that adductor pull I suffered in January? he very next issue of Womens Cyclist featured exercises and stretches specifically for that - perfect timing! |
 |
| A couple of road bike reviews in this issue -- of two bikes at the opposite ends of the price spectrum. It's amazing how much more choice there is now for bicycles that really suit womens' wants and needs. |
 |
| A helpful run-down on bike fit by Anna Hughes, who has logged some seriously long miles on her bicycle. |
 |
| Write ups on cycle holidays that will make you drool! |
 |
| Each issue usually has a nice interview with a woman who is truly at the top of her game. This issue, we have Rochelle Gilmour (as well as Ottilie). |
 |
| Feature and interview with a woman many of us can relate to. |
 |
| Tips and advice to set you up for success on your next big cycling challenge. |
 |
| Detailed, easy to follow Tech Tips - this time on setting up suspension |
The topics are varied, including technical articles that are sufficiently detailed and actually practical. The target audience is women at all levels interested in a variety of riding styles. There are sections for commuters, road cyclists, cycle tourists, MTBers, families with children. There are sample routes and ride reports and an events calendar at the back for anyone interested in organised group rides like sportives and the bigger charity rides. At the very back, is a Little Black Book list of retailers, so you know where to go to get that cunningly reflective patterned shirt that doesn't look at all like "cycling kit"!
The publishers also run a Womens Cycling website, which is itself an online magazine with lots of additional articles and features. You can sign up for a free newsletter, if you're not ready to subscribe to the print magazine.
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST-EVER VELOVOICE GIVEAWAY
To enter, please leave a comment below answering two questions:
1. How long have you been cycling?
and
2. What is your next big goal? This can be anything, from working your way up to cycle commuting to work 3 days a week, to completing your first century ride, to doing your first sportive, to joining your local bike polo team, to trying out a lap on the velodrome... you tell us!
Men are more than welcome to enter the draw, as Womens Cycling would make a great gift! Just answer the two questions as the best you can about your intended recipient, be she a colleague who's just started cycling to work or your wife who doesn't know you're building up a vintage mixte for her next birthday (!!)
If you've posting your comment anonymously (i.e. not via an Internet profile I can click through to contact you privately), then please also e-mail me directly on rebecca19804@gmail.com to help me identify your comment so I can contact you if you've won.
Entries must be posted in the comments section below
by 8am London time, Monday, 18th August 2014.
by 8am London time, Monday, 18th August 2014.
(That should give everyone, in every time zone, all of this week and next weekend, time to enter.)
A winner will be chosen at random and an attempt made to contact him/her before midnight London time on the 18th.
(a) the magazine may take a lot longer to be delivered from the UK to some countries (remote Pacific isles?) than to others; and
(b) some countries may not permit printed material from 'Western countries' to enter, or they may levy additional charges i.e. tax at the border.
In other words, I can't be held responsible for when the magazine reaches you or indeed, if it does. If your local authority insists on payment of an import charge or similar, it will be up to you to decide whether or not to pay it in order to take delivery of the item.
I look forward to reading all your entries - good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment