Kell, Bell, and Bikes

International Women’s Day, I’ve never wanted to celebrate it more than today. I’ve not paid much attention to what being a women means to me, until a male dominated sport became my hobby. However, in this male dominated sport, I’ve never met so many powerful and god damn cool women. I was invited to join the Women of Steel Media call today, on the eve of the third annual Outdoor City Weekender. It was pretty awesome being stood linked arm to arm with so many inspiring, like minded and friendly women.

The Women of Steel Media Call-

‘Inspiring strength and determination – female athletes of The Outdoor City gather by Sheffield’s iconic Women of Steel sculpture to pay homage to the city’s original strong women on International Women’s Day’.

Cool right?

We were then invited for breakfast at the Mayor’s Parlour, We met Anne Murphy, Lord Mayor of Sheffield and talked about International Women’s Day and what it means to us.

“The Women of Steel statue honours all those wonderful women who worked in the steel works and factories in and around Sheffield throughout the two World Wars. These women stepped into the breach to keep things going at a time when it was more important than ever. Today, we are celebrating another group of incredible of women who are making waves in their respective disciplines. We hope all of those taking part in The Outdoor City Weekender feel proud to be competing in a city with such a proud history of strong women.” Cllr Anne Murphy, Lord Mayor of Sheffield.Hanna Jonsson and I then took Tina and Raffa Bek out on a ride to Lady Cannings. It was snowing, it was cold (and muddy), but it was real good fun!

The fun doesn’t stop there! Tomorrow is the beginning of Sheffield’s Outdoor Weekender. There’s loads going on, and certainly something for everyone.

Full itinerary here.

The headline events will be Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF), The Climbing Works International Festival(CWIF), Howard Street Dual and The Magnificent Seven Hill Climb Challenge.

Hope to see you there.