👋 Hey followers! In this video, we are featuring the cycling exploits of Isabel Woods, described by ‘Cycling Ireland’ as “the most prolific record breaker in the history of road records in Ireland.” This nicely sets the context of an Antrim woman who at 93 still holds seven of the eight records she set in the 1950s.
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⬇️ Have you ever seen Isabel Woods race? Comment below ⬇️
“No exploration of female cycling in Northern Ireland would be complete without a look at Isabel Woods (née Clements)”. This was from a report by the BBC no less on 28 April 2019.
PROLIFIC RECORD HOLDER
In the ‘50s Ireland only a small minority of households had a car, while over one third had access to a bicycle. And, in those days, bicycles were the normal method of transport to work for a large section of the population. She bought her first bike aged 18 from a shop on Belfast’s York Street.
CYCLING HOLIDAYS
At that time cycling was also the only means for many people to travel and holiday. Isabel and her sister joined the Youth Hostel Association cycling from one hostel to another back then. They even would cycle as far away as Dublin on weekend trips. It was while on a return trip from France that friends persuaded her to take part in Place to Place cycling records. It wasn’t long before she had broken a cycling record – Enniskillen to Belfast covering 138 km (86 miles) in four hours two minutes.
ROAD RACING
For all of Isabel’s record attempts official timekeepers and observers would follow to ensure that rules were adhered to. She also had a support team with her including a driver and somebody available to provide drinks, food and change of clothing as required. Isabel trained under the eye of Peter Woods, her finance who would work with her on her mileage and meals charts for the journeys. Isabel aimed at 300 cycling miles a week during training.
MERCIAN BICYCLES
Isabel’s main record breaking bike was a well known English cycling brand and racing bike maker Mercian. It was a popular choice of competitive, club and other serious long distance cyclists of the time. Mercian had to create a smaller customised frame for the diminutive Isabel standing 1.6 metres (5ft 3inches).
SETTING RECORDS
Isabel’s most remarkable cycling record was nonstop to Fair Head in Co Antrim a 619 k (385 mile) journey from Mizen Head, Co. Cork in June 27, 1955. Accompanying her were two vans carrying equipment as well as officials and timekeepers. The ‘News Letter’ newspaper at the time stated that her epic cycle was completed “In the remarkable time of 23 hours 2 minutes and ten seconds – and had the distinction of being the first woman to complete the distance on a bicycle”. This was the only record she set that was broken 52 years later by Zimbabwean-born Rose Leith who set a new record in 2007.
In those simpler times without hi-tec gear or sustenance what did Isabel wear and eat. Well shorts and jerseys were made of wool. There was not a crash helmet in sight she didn’t even wear cotton cap which many cyclists wore. The biggest challenge was during rain when wet jersey and shorts could weigh up to an extra two kilos. The main thing Isabel ate while cycling was brown bread sandwiches with raisins and honey as a filling. Her main drink was diluted honey and some times the dilute fruit drink Ribena.
COMPETITIVE CYCLING
Isabel did take part in some competitive cycling most famously Dun Laoghaire Cycling Week in the 1950s. Combined with her record breaking prowess she caught the attention of Ribena Cycling which sponsored cyclists at the time. They asked her to cycle professionally but she refused as she loved taking part with friends. In this context Isabel said “We had great club runs every Sunday. Lit a fire and drummed up, as we called it. Boiled our cans over the fire. That was the heart of cycling for me, the companionship.”
To recognise her cycling feats the Ulster Transport Museum has set up an exhibition showing off Isabel’s custom made Mercian bike. The exhibit also shows a list of her records.
Do you have a story you would like us to feature? Email info@irelandmade.ie
Sources of information
1. Bbc.com
2. Classiclightweights.co.uk
3. Lisburn.com
4. Merciancycles.co.uk
5. Thetimes.co.uk
6. Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra Facebook
7. Vccnisection.blogspot.com
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3 Comments
Isabel Woods, described by 'Cycling Ireland' as "the most prolific record breaker in the history of road records in Ireland."
Amazing. Still holding most of them many years later!
Isabel is a GREAT role model not only women but for anybody looking to set and achieve goals.
People like Isabel make the world a better place for us all……