TAKING up cycling in lockdown to scratch her adventure itch has led to having two children's books published for Louise Diffey.

Louise goes out rain or shine on her beloved bike Bobby, always accompanied by two cuddly toys.

The adventures of badger William and bear Bobtor are the subject of both tales.

Louise, from Eastleigh, was given the Pendleton Somerby for her birthday in 2019 but had only ridden it once before lockdown.

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She told the Daily Echo: "Before Covid, my job used to have me travelling the country staying in hotels five nights a week. I've always had a sense of adventure and am not very good at staying still so I felt trapped in lockdown.

"Working from home and not having my adventure itch scratched by my work, I signed up to cycle Lands End to John O’Groats virtually with my badger William and bear Bobtor for the amusement of my friends and collegues who were enjoying my adventures.

"From here I was hooked, cycling was my release and I was able to help others and make them smile on my silly adventures. I ended up writing two children's books that are published and available on Amazon all about William and Bobtor's cycling adventures on Bobby bike as well as documenting the effects of Covid and helping children understand.

"I love making people smile even just in passing as they notice a badger bouncing around in the basket and sharing the fun in the books has meant so much. I wrote them originally for my nan who was sad and lonely because of lockdown but have managed to bring joy to so many more.

"I've also lost nearly two stone and have found a massive improvement in my insomnia.

Louise, who loves to ride around the Isle of Wight, Lyndhurst, Lockerley, Hamble-le-rice, Alderbury, Stockbridge, Itchen Abbas and the South Downs, feels her cycling lifts the spirits of her and others.

She added: "My family are so proud. They cant believe that I go for 40 mile rides, rain or shine. The first time my best friend saw me go up a steep hill, the look on his face was priceless. They are blown away by how happy it makes me and love that I've found something that i really enjoy."

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