Family life is about keeping all the wheels turning so everyone has time for the things they enjoy doing. Sounds simple, right? But as I prepare for what will hopefully be my 9th Paralympic Games in Paris in September, it does get a bit difficult juggling an intense training schedule with a very active family life. Here’s how I do it.
My favourite training ride, combined with my favourite destination for family fun is at Chatsworth House, near Bakewell. As I set off on my bike along this amazingly picturesque route through the Peak District, the rest of the family pile into our Škoda Enyaq which is always packed up with a picnic lunch, a change of clothes and plenty of toys for my children, Louisa and Charlie. When planning my favourite bike routes, I’m always thinking of quiet country lanes and how the routes suit my training goals for that particular day. Constantly challenging myself with different routes is an important part of my training, and the routes within the Peak District certainly help develop the physical stamina and mental resilience I need for race day.
The ride to Chatsworth usually takes me a couple of hours setting off from our home near Whaley Bridge. From there I make my way through the Peak District, firstly up past Windgather Rocks, a steep section of almost single-track road past the impressive rocks that give the climb its name. From the top at Pym’s Chair, I descend into the Goyt Valley and make my way up an incredible stretch of road alongside Errwood Reservoir.
The climb from the reservoir towards Derbyshire Bridge is a one-way stretch, taking you through some incredible landscapes. The final part of the ride is through Bakewell and once there I usually pick up a cycle trail before making the final descent into the incredible Chatsworth Estate. Whether you arrive on two wheels or four, the entrance road gently winds down towards Chatsworth House and wow, what a view!
Whenever I arrive at Chatsworth the first job is to find the family, change out of my training clothes and safely place the bike into the spacious boot of the Škoda Enyaq. Then I’m straight into family activities and fun.
Our Enyaq is always the base for the day, where snacks are kept in the cool box, neatly plugged into the charging point in the boot. We also have a roof rack for more bikes so on some trips we’ll take everyone’s bike and enjoy a family ride in the grounds.
The children always enjoy exploring the Chatsworth House grounds and the final stop is always the incredible playground, which is pretty good for those of us who are big kids too!
Home time can be tricky to negotiate as, like everyone, we always want our family days out to last longer. But I’m a big fan of locally sourced food, so the final stop for the day is usually at the Chatsworth Farm Shop to pick up supplies for dinner.
I’m often asked how I combine my training with a busy family life and, honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my Enyaq. It’s a really nice size to drive, quiet and comfortable, with all the features you would expect and a spacious boot for the large number of bags and bikes we always need with us.
But enough about me! I’d love to hear about how you plan your family adventures, or if there are any challenges you’re preparing for this summer. Let me know using #TheCyclingEdit
Thank you for reading and have a great summer.
As the UK’s most decorated Paralympian prepares for her 9th games in Paris, we caught up with Dame Sarah Storey in our latest issue of the DRIVEN newsletter: Cycling Edit. Oh, and if you haven’t already, sign up to our DRIVEN newsletter for more stories from a whole host of guest editors.