A BLACKWELL woman has gone from spokes to bespoke clothing by turning her passion for cycling into a new business.

Jenny Price has launched Riding With Mates, a company manufacturing post-ride comfy loungewear, with another cycling-mad friend Sarah Watmore, from Hallow near Worcester.

The pair first met virtually a couple of years ago, racing for an online women’s cycling team, but began to meet up for outdoor once they realised they lived very close to each other.

In 2019, they tackled a week-long trip through the Pyrenees together and then, last year, during lockdown, the duo became 'ladies who launch' by setting up their clothing firm.

“Setting up a business almost remotely has been interesting but fun,” said Jenny.

“When we were able to meet up outside, we’d ride independently to a café to discuss the next steps over every cyclist’s favourite; coffee and cake.

"We’d then go home to work on them and get back together over video calls to share our endeavours. It added extra challenges, so it’s incredibly exciting to have now launched.”

The clothing, available at www.ridingwithmates.com next month, is sourced for its eco and ethical qualities and will be printed to order with men’s and women’s t-shirts and unisex hoodies among the merchandise.

Both Sarah and Jenny have other businesses - Sarah runs Miss Milly, a jewellery and accessories brand, supplying retailers throughout the UK while Jenny is a training provider to the NHS but has become a serial entrepreneur over the past six months, launching Sporty Bakes, delicious natural food for athletes on the go, just before Christmas.

“Covid-19 has been terrible for much of the economy and many small businesses but it has also provided a bit of time and space for creative thinkers to come up with new ideas and offers,” said Sarah.

“The increase in appreciation of independent and local stores and suppliers is a huge positive to come out of this disaster and we’re hopeful that it will remain.”