![]() I rode with a good friend of mine who lost his son to suicide last year, so it was an especially poignant ride, but we had a lovely day. Because of lockdown lots of my cycling events were cancelled, so I was able to take part. I took part in the first event but I’ve been busy with work each year since. “I’m so proud of how the event has done, but because I’m self-employed as a cyclist and video maker, my schedule is hectic. ![]() Juliet believes there’s a sense of belonging that can be found in the cycling community that can be really beneficial to our emotional health. But the event is about so much more than raising some cash, it’s also a great way for people to come together, make connections and talk openly. Over the eight years the event has been running it’s raised almost half a million pounds. Nelson’s Tour De Test Valley, otherwise known as Ride On Nelly, is a cycling event to raise awareness of mental wellbeing while raising money for CALM. Every year since, the cycling community has rallied together in Nelson’s memory. In 2012 Juliet lost her friend pro-snowboarder and keen cyclist, Nelson Pratt, after he took his own life. It’s a sociable sport and can make you feel very united.” It was really nice to feel a part of something and there was always somebody to go for a ride with. ![]() When I first moved to Devon I didn’t know anyone, so the first thing I did was join a local cycling club. “I’ve got friends all over the world that I’ve met through racing. As a CALM ambassador she wants to share the community spirit that she found through cycling: A lot of the things we enjoy like going to the pub, eating out, or going to the cinema were shut down during lockdown, so sport has become even more important in managing our mental health and bringing some pleasure into our days.”ĭespite her status in the cycling world, Juliet is modest, acutely aware of using her platform to empower people to get into cycling, no matter how much experience they have. Exercise was one of the few things that wasn’t taken away from us this year. Just being outdoors and getting moving gives you a real boost. “Let’s face it, 2020 has been really hard, but if I’m feeling a bit low, even if I’m not particularly motivated or energetic, going on a bike ride really helps lift my mood. So, before you let out a groan at the thought of donning your activewear this Winter, this inspiring lady is here with the pep talk we all need from time to time. Passionate about the positive effects of staying active, she wants to encourage the CALM community to keep moving for their minds. Even when reality as we knew it ground to a halt during lockdown, Juliet kept moving, instead using the time to explore what was on her Devon doorstep.įor Juliet, cycling is a form of self-care, a little slice of escapism when things get a bit much. When she’s not zooming down country lanes on her gravel bike, she’s bikepacking with her family, training for her next event, or head down in her next creative endeavour. ![]() Now, Juliet is taking up the mantle of CALM ambassador, so we gave her a call to chat about lockdown, the cycling community and what being an ambassador means to her. Juliet Elliott has many strings to her bow - named one of Bike Biz’s “Most Influential Women in Cycling”, she’s a strong advocate for women in sport, competing in road, track and mountain bike races, as well as running her own YouTube channel. ![]()
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