A WOMAN has put wheels in motion by creating a cycling group that helps improve both physical and mental health.
Katie Marlow, from Hoyland, had struggled with mental health issues for most of her adult life, but after stumbling on a mountain bike video online, she decided to get on the saddle and try it out.
After buying a bike, Katie, 24, completed sponsored rides, tried new trails, climbed hills, attempted tricks.
It also inspired her to set up a new group, MTB for Mental Health in her free time where she organises wellness rides aimed at people new to mountain biking, who want a relaxed ride in beautiful scenery and who want to experience the sport.
The rides are already attracting a group of eight cyclists who all go out every two weeks to enjoy the fresh air and excitement of the trails.
Katie, who works as a trainee legal cashier at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “I had struggled with my mental health for most of my adult life.
“Nothing in particular triggered my depression, it just crept into my life and didn’t announce itself until it was something I was no longer equipped to deal with. It had slowly, but surely, eaten away at my love for life, my passions and my self-respect.
“After finally seeking help from the NHS about two years ago, I began my recovery through cognitive behaviour therapy and my outlook on life began to change.
“Not long after I started therapy, I got a brilliant new job with opportunity and a nice office with my own desk something I had never had before.
“All through this recovery period I was looking for something that would help me rediscover a passion in my life and I happened to stumble on to a mountain biking video on Facebook and I asked my best friend if she fancied trying it too.
“Luckily she did and I haven’t looked back since.”
Katie has also launched a range of merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts and accessories and has been on trips to Wales and Leeds.
She explained that she felt mountain biking for her is a joy and something she had not felt for years and wants the group to inspire other people who may be in the same boat.
She said: “I think the depression had hoovered up my sense of fun along with other key parts of the person I used to be, and am slowly returning to.
“I found mountain biking and the feeling of joy came back to me in a sudden rush.
“I was hooked after one ride. My first adult ride was in one of the wettest settings you can imagine, puddles everywhere, rain coming down in sheets, getting stuck in boggy grass.
“I peddled my way through puddles the size of swimming pools and loved every minute of it.
“Whooping with joy as you hit a jump and the grin that you can barely hold back is such a good feeling, you can’t help but want to go back for more.
“This feeling is multiplied when you ride in a group. They encourage you to do things you may not attempt on your own and show you something you didn’t know before.
“When you all nail a feature, the feeling of joy and accomplishment you all feel together is something that can leave you smiling to yourself for days afterwards.”
For further details, email: mtbformentalhealth.co.uk
