WHO WE ARE
Connection is at the core of the Centuries ethos and is vitally important for positive mental and physical health, building social networks, and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. The trappings of modern life so often mean that protecting time for ourselves to connect in a social setting or escaping the isolation of working from home or finding the space outside of work and commitments takes a back seat, this has a huge detrimental impact on our health and wellbeing. Centuries is a cycling community for people to come together, be free from everything else and focus on making that time for ourselves to have fun, to connect and socialise and in so doing invest in our own health.
WHERE & WHY WE RIDE
We ride out from Worthing, Brighton and Horsham into both West, and East Sussex. Our rides are open to anyone who wants to join us and are a safe space to be your whole self, without fear of judgement.
Every ride starts with a coffee and a chance to meet each other and catch up on things before we roll out. We stop for a refreshment, and maybe a light bite en route, and then look to end the ride with some time for socialising, be that with a drink at a local pub or taproom, or a cuppa. There’s absolutely no pressure to do this, and if you want/need to get a wriggle on, then that’s cool.
For years I struggled, never knowing quite what the feelings I was experiencing were and where it all came from. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and soon afterwards started taking antidepressants; I didn’t know what to do or where to go.
Centuries started from that feeling, a sense that I can’t be the only one in this position and in believing that bringing people together was the answer. Initially an outlet for me to share, be open and honest about my experiences and connect with like-minded people an idea started to grow - if cycling can help me this much, and connecting with others is supportive, then surely there must be the middle part of this Venn diagram? Group rides!
The first collective ride rolled out of Brighton and in to the Sussex lanes in March 2022 and we’ve been riding every month ever since (weather and injury permitting!). The rides bring people together in an inclusive, fun and safe space where we can have a laugh, be silly, connect with ourselves and each other, share what we’re experiencing or just come along for the company and to know we ride free of judgement, and are all accepted for our true selves.
It’d be great to meet you and share a ride with you.
Jonnie