BY day Samantha Hackett helps the wheels to run smoothly at the BMW offices in Swindon but in her spare time it’s strictly a two-wheel affair, as she indulges her passion for cycling.

The Stratton mum-of-three first returned to the saddle since childhood a few years ago and has wasted no time in clocking up lost miles.

Besides regularly covering around 80 miles on rides each week, she has also stepped up a gear, completing gruelling 100 mile and 100km sportives on her road bike.

Determined to help other women get back on their bikes, Sam, 46, is now one of many Breeze Champions who guides other fledgling and keen cyclists on regular rides which take in the local rolling countryside spanning a range of distances from five to 35 miles.

“It all started six years ago, when I was very unfit and bought a bike on the Cycle To Work scheme to try and change that," she said.

" I really took to it and went on to buy a road bike, which was brilliant – I loved the speed. I’m now totally hooked and have started taking part in distance events, as well as leading rides in Swindon to help other women get into it.”

“As well as the amazing feeling of accomplishment when completing a ride, it’s a great way to lose weight and keep fit. Cake stops are guilt free because of the calories burnt so it’s a win, win all round.”

One of her many recruits was mum-of-two Alison Samways, a former colleague who got back in touch in the hope that some of Sam’s cycling skills and confidence would rub off.

Sam said: “Like me, she hadn’t been on a bike since school days and wasn’t sure where to start. It’s great being able to help people overcome that hurdle and watch her fly. Alison is now a highly proficient cyclist and we’ve become great friends.”

Having cut her cycling teeth last summer with the Breeze Rat Trap Roadies – a monthly 30-mile route through the villages around Swindon – Alison took part in her first 100k sportive last month and is looking forward to the Ride London100 in August.

Alison, a service consultant at Nationwide building society, 42, from Nythe, said: “As long as you have the will, it’s actually quite easy to progress and build the distance – the miles really do fly by. I’m so grateful to Sam for coaching and spurring me on. Cycling is great fun and such a brilliant way to get fit again.”

The Rat Trap Roadies meet at 9am on the first Saturday of each month and women of all ages and abilities are welcome. Each ride includes a stop for refreshments. Part of the Sky Ride Local initiative, it’s just one of a host of free events, organised by Swindon Borough Council, in partnership with British Cycling and Sky, which aim to get more people cycling.

Cycling is a good form of cardiovascular exercise and counts towards the recommended two and a half hours of weekly physical activity recommended for adults.

Cllr Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Health and Social Care, said: “Sam and Alison are a tremendous inspiration to other budding cyclists in the borough. Swindon is a great place to go cycling because we have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep, so I encourage people to dust off their bikes this summer and book on one of these fantastic free Breeze rides. The Sky Rides, on Sundays, are open to everyone and make a perfect family outing as well as a fun way to get exercise out in the fresh air. Spaces are limited so remember to book on as soon as you can.”

To register for a free guided bike ride go online at www.goskyride.com/swindon