How one bike maintenance workshop sparked a life-changing journey...

by Elle Simms

Just over two years ago I organised my first Bird Outdoors social hike. And now I get to call Hannah, founder of Bird, my beautiful friend and we’re training to become Mountain Leaders together!

Being a Mountain Leader means we will be qualified to lead, teach and run a range of events that take people into the mountains. Our goal is a long one but we’re already loving it. After a lot work undertaking training, practicing our skills and logging days in the mountains, we will go for an assessment. But that’s for future Elle and Han to freak out about!

We’ve just completed the 6 days of training you do before you go and begin to log experience in the mountains pre assessment. We have come away feeling so excited! We learnt a lot, felt the fatigue of being in the mountains and learning at the same time, and realised how much we already know too. This has left us feeling validated in our work and also curious to do more and learn more, keeping the momentum of the training going.

Our instruction was incredible from MLs Lou and Geoff, and we felt safe and included in a learning space that has as many variables as the mountains. We were tested by the weather while supported to learn, take leadership and use experience as a source for our learning and development.

Back in 2022, I just signed up to a bike maintenance session, I never knew what it would mean to my future, my now. I’m part of a community of strong and inspiring women and non binary friends, I get to play outdoors even more than a kid does, and most importantly, I’m learning who I am because of it all. I’m stronger and fitter than ever before and this means I’m curious to push myself to travel further using my legs!

Join us at a Bird event, you never know where it might lead you… 💜

Thank you to Louise Tulley & Geoff Bennett from Freedom Outdoors. 

& Ali Jones for the photos - Ali J Photography.