I've fallen in love with riding all over again'

Pammy Hutton on being fit to ride and the future of the sport

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ANOTHER year older… and another clever clog asking me why I still ride and compete. Whatever happened to doing it for fun?

I hate being old. I hate people asking how old I am. I hate not being the old me. Harder still is overcoming the comparisons and criticism.

Pushing aside the excuses and pain from arthritis, I’ve decided to ignore the naysayers and set about trying to live well and live longer. Illness means my family is relying on me at the moment, so I must keep going. And that means riding – and being fit to ride.

I’ve dieted as I was too fat to sit well. I can use that word about myself as I won’t be taking it up with my lawyer.

My new watch monitors my exercise levels and recently advised that I call the emergency services when my pulse rate soared during a lesson. I put that down to excitement.

I’ve fallen in love with riding all over again. Not quite that first heady rush of 50 years ago, but as I’ve become fitter, I’ve enjoyed it more and surprised myself.