

Elle’s journey to professional fitness instructor, blogger, and inspiring role model for women across the globe began on three wheels, not two. As a youngster, growing up in Barbados, Elle started riding on a tricycle, and at the age of 12, after her family moved to the UK, got her first two-wheeled bike. As a teenager, she found freedom on the bike, a way to get from place to place, socialize with her friends and to explore. As an adult, Elle didn’t realize bikes offered much beyond commuting until a friend introduced her to track cycling. This was the gateway for Elle to explore all cycling had to offer her and all she could bring to the sport.
Elle’s entire career has been centered around inspiring and supporting others through movement, and seeking and sharing knowledge. Once she began to explore her rediscovered passion for cycling, she eagerly dove in to learn as much as she could about the sport and share this with others.
She began to chronicle her adventures on social media and trained to become a women's ride leader with British Cycling; which provided the opportunity for group rides, skills lessons and a safe, inclusive space for her to develop as a cyclist.
The deeper Elle dove into cycling, the lack of representation of women and women of color became increasingly apparent. She realized for many in the cycling community, representation and diversity within the sport wasn’t an issue, because they couldn’t see it. It was at this point that she made the deliberate decision to be a visible role model, to use her platform to be a needed ally for those less visible and encourage other women and girls to ride bikes.
Elle fully immersed herself in the cycling community and began identifying the barriers preventing more women from entering the sport. She created online resources for women to ask questions and connect with others, became a Liv Ambassador, and began to lead women’s group rides at her local bike shop, Giant Loughton. Not only did this community engagement motivate and welcome others, but it also helped Elle with accountability and getting out the door.
Elle’s biggest challenge has always been getting from “wanting” to move and the feelings of accomplishment and endorphins that follow to actually moving. It is the part in the middle that is tough: the putting on her kit, pulling on her shoes, and getting out the door. Once she is out there, it’s easy. External accountability, being part of a team, having training partners, and setting goal events, has helped Elle to keep consistency in her training, stay motivated and bring others along on her journey.
Instagram: instagram.com/ellelinton
Facebook: facebook.com/simpelle
Website: www.keepitsimpelle.com