A 78-YEAR-OLD Glusburn woman has been named amongst the UK's most exceptional women in cycling.

Kath Lyons, who this year cycled from John o' Groats to Land's End, before following it up by cycling from Yorkshire to London, has made it onto Cycling UK's annual 100 Women in Cycling list.

Kath, who bought her first bike only ten years ago, and never learned to cycle as a child, joins other inspirational women – such as Aileen McGlynn, paralympic tandem champion cyclist, and Emily Williams, Scotland's first bicycle mayor – on the list.

Kath, an avid skier, wanted to stay fit throughout the year, so bought her first bike for £25 aged 66, having never had a bicycle before in her life.

From learning how to ride to becoming a dedicated member of two cycling clubs and in May cycling from John o' Groats to Land's End solo and unsupported, Kath has wasted no time getting stuck in.

A month after completing the 1,100 miles from John o' Groats to Land's End, she joined – for the second year running – the Jo Cox Way cycle ride, a 300-mile memorial ride from Yorkshire to London in memory of the Yorkshire MP who was murdered in 2016.

Kath said: "Never having had a bike as a child this was a completely new experience and one that was to change my life. Sounds dramatic, but it's true."

Each year, the UK's cycling charity recognises women from all corners of the cycle world who have had a positive impact by inspiring others to get on their bikes and thus helping make cycling a more inclusive space.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK's chief executive, said: "Cycling is a fantastic way to get around sustainably, keep fit and have fun outdoors. We want everyone to benefit from the joy of cycling. But in the UK, substantially fewer women than men ride. It's our mission to reverse that and see equal levels of cycling across all genders.

"A great way to encourage more women to cycle is to share the stories of these amazing women – whether they're chronicling their adventures on social media, advocating better infrastructure in their neighbourhoods, inspiring their communities to join them for a ride or winning medals around the world.

"Choosing the top 100 winners involves some really tough choices. There are so many brilliant women out there who we'd want to celebrate."