Josephine Gyasi feels "invincible" on her Specialized e-bike

How long has it been since you've ridden a bike? For many, cycling is something we were obsessed with as kids, but as we get older it seems months stretch between each ride until you can’t remember the last time you were on the saddle.

However, this Bristol-based DJ and all-round creative is encouraging people to get back out on the cycle paths, try out e-bikes, and enjoy Bristol at a gentler speed.

Josephine Gyasi, the co-founder of event and record label Club Djembe, is a self-proclaimed 'creative busy bee'. She said: "I work as a producer at Knowle West Media Centre, and tutor Product Design students at UWE. My passions and inability to sit still mean that I also do a lot of side hustles which include; workshop facilitation, dancing, modelling, DJing and my absolute favourite which is making homemade shea body souffle (ABENA) with natural ingredients from Ghana."

When she's not spinning the decks, Josephine spends her time cycling. She told Bristol Live how she became interested in the sport and how it's never too late to try: "I learned to cycle young, but I never really cycled much as a child as I moved around a lot and it wasn’t accessible to me.

"So my journey really started as an adult, it was when I moved to Bristol around eight years ago - I had just touched down in a beautiful new city and wanted to explore, but didn’t have a driving license, or money, and love physical activity so it was a no-brainer."

In recent years, cycling has become ever popular, in both a participatory and spectator sense. With this has come a wealth of different products, from frames to clothing and from e-bikes to accessories. For newbies, it can be hard to know where to start, but Josephine recommends starting with bike-brand Specialized.

"I have the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 in chrome! She’s such a beauty. SL stands for 'super light' and it’s amazing how I can carry it up the stairs.

"The bike is so beautiful and I think the thing I love the most is that it doesn’t even look like an e-bike, it’s super stylish and sleek. There are three modes, and each is customisable through the app, so I am still working on which is best for me. She is just a joy to ride, it’s always fun. Going up hills on ‘turbo’ literally makes me feel like I'm driving a car. Invincible."

She went on to give helpful tips to those who haven't cycled for years: "Don’t be doubtful or scared," she said. "A very cliché thing to say, but it’s always starting something that's the hardest part - once you get back on the bike, it will be one ride and you probably won’t look back. If still in doubt, literally write down all the pros and cons."

Anyone who's looking to break into the world of e-bikes might want to take Josephine's advice: "Go for some test rides and try them out first to make sure you find the right one for you. Mine is super light and perfect for my lifestyle, but some may prefer a heavier, more powerful one. Make sure it’s stored safely and get it insured!"

She went on to explain how cycling has had such a positive impact on her life.

"Cycling has always been a therapy for me, it’s escapism. It’s liberating. It’s freedom. Cycling to explore means you tap into your curiosity and cycling to commute is great physical exercise. You are always winning! You are so aware of your surroundings and senses, you can fully experience the natural environment around you, as opposed to driving around in a car, sitting in a tin can with fumes in your face."

If Josephine's words have persuaded you to try it out, you might be wondering where's best to ride and she told Bristol Live that her favourite place to ride is "Bristol and Bath (towards Bath) railway path in spring, the route takes you through what feels like an endless scene of beautiful nature, there are milestones that always bring back memories and lush places to pitstop.

"It’s always so nice to see so many faces on a hot day. Also - along the River Avon, down by Crews Hole/Conham River Park is another great route, being beside the river is calming and a bit less hectic than some main cycle routes."

She finished off by saying: "I am bold, daring and feel so liberated when cycling. I hope to inspire others like me to take up this activity, take up this space and enjoy this highly beneficial activity!"

After speaking with Josephine and hearing her utter enthusiasm, I knew I needed to try out an e-bike for myself, despite never doing so before. I had the opportunity to ride Specialized’s Turbo Vado 4.0 with a step-through crossbar, which is a great feature for those with mobility issues as it makes it easier to mount.

After charging the bike and fitting my helmet, I took Josphine’s advice and headed to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

At first, I was a little nervous about getting back in the saddle. However, within a few minutes of riding, I felt confident and relaxed and found myself switching easily between gears and the three modes.

One feature I was really taken by was the built-in battery-powered lights, which are vital for road cycling, and were a great companion for the many unlit and disused tunnels on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

As I rode along the path with a little help from the battery, I thought about how I could see myself using this as a mode of transport in my day-to-day life. Before, the thought of turning up to the office muddy and sweaty had rather put me off a cycled commute, but the ease of use, along with the environmental and economic benefits have definitely swayed me.

I am a complete convert and just wish I could hold onto this bike a little longer!

To find out more about e-bikes, head to the Specialized website, here.