Anwen’s Journey: From Mossley CRT / Limitless to University Life on Two Wheels

When Anwen first came along to the Mossley CRT / Disability Hub with her brother, none of us could have imagined the journey she was about to start. Back then, cycling was simply something she joined in with, sometimes on her own bike, often on the back of the tandem with her dad when road noise and traffic felt overwhelming. But something clicked. Bit by bit, ride by ride, cycling became more than a pastime. It became her independence, her structure, her joy.

Finding Her Place on the Bike

As she grew in confidence, Anwen started spending more time on the road, balancing the sensory challenges with her love of movement and speed. They still ride tandem together regularly, it helps her manage traffic noise and the unpredictability of open roads but a couple of years ago she surprised everyone by deciding she wanted to tackle hills. Proper hills. And she got quite seriously into it.

But the real turning point came when she caught the velodrome bug.

The smooth track, the rhythm, the predictable environment, it all made sense to her. Unfortunately, those track sessions clashed with the Saturday Limitless sessions, but even that didn’t stop her. Anwen had discovered a space where she felt in control, focused and powerful. And she was hooked.

Pursuit: The Event That Feels Like Home

Her current favourite event? Pursuit. It suits her: structured, disciplined, with minimal sensory overload. The aero helmet certainly helps too, she likes to point out that it blocks out almost all outside noise, making it the perfect refuge for deep concentration.

This year, she took on the youth and junior National Track Championships, racing in the individual pursuit and absolutely loving every second of it. She thrives in team pursuit too, especially with teammates who understand how she works best. With the right group around her, she flourishes.

Cycling, Crafting and Confidence: The Duke of Edinburgh Journey

Cycling also became part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award adventure. Between long rides, creative crafts and helping on a farm, she pushed herself in ways we’re incredibly proud of.

One of the biggest milestones came when she volunteered as a tandem pilot at the velodrome, swapping positions, moving from the back of the bike to the front. For her, the hardest part wasn’t the pedalling, but the talking: communicating with the rider behind and having the confidence to lead. And she did it.

A New Chapter: Life in Nottingham

In September, Anwen started university at Nottingham, living away from home, studying, and still finding time to ride. For any young person this is huge. For Anwen, it’s monumental.

Her autism makes social situations incredibly challenging, full of hidden rules and sensory overloads that most people never notice. Yet she shows this quiet, unwavering determination: she knows things will be hard, and does them anyway. That resilience shapes everything she does.

The university’s disability support team has been fantastic, giving her the structure and understanding she needs to thrive academically and keep cycling. But still, we find ourselves saying it: we can’t quite believe she’s living independently at university.

Growth That Takes Time – and Courage

I often think back to those early Tameside days, where riding in a group was one of the biggest challenges she faced.” It took months of patient coaxing, encouragement and gentle nudges. Now, she still sometimes needs a bit of coaxing when something involves other people, but it no longer takes months. Her determination gets her through.

Anwen’s journey is far from over, but what a journey it’s been so far.
From tandem rides and sensory hurdles to national championships and university independence, she continues to prove that progress looks different for everyone, and that bravery isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s the quiet decision to keep going, even when it’s hard.