Spectators should keep an eye out for members of Bermuda’s Missfits who will be competing this weekend.

The Missfits are the Island’s one and only women only cycling group. They take pride in being an encouraging, non-judgemental and inspiring group.

They were formed in 2011 by a few friends who wanted to cycle together.

Early members of the club where Leslie Jane Smith, Caroline Conway, Deanna Didyk, and Jen Wilson, Nancy Swart, and Sarah Haycock.

The group quickly grew and organised its own triathlon camp.

It was Sarah Farrar Rubry who came up with the group’s name, which stands for magnificent, inspirational, sexy, sassy, fearless, incorrigible and tremendous spells. Around the same time the Missfits designed their own team jerseys.

“The main focus of the group was to cycle more, improve, learn how to pack right, and do all of this in a nonthreatening environment,” said Sharon Hammond.

“We all occasionally get experienced riders to come and give us some tips on bike handling, hill climbing, pack riding, etc”

There are now upwards of 60 women in the group and they have two training nights each week.

“Within the large group we have naturally created smaller training groups, and I think all of us have embarked on challenges and achieve results we would never have done on our own,” said Hammond.

“A significant number of us have gone on to compete in half and full Ironman triathlons, and have represented Bermuda in the ITU World Championships.

“However, we really do still consider ourselves as very amateur and hardly compete in the cycle races.

“At the core of it all we are a group of girls who like to swim, cycle and run, keep fit and embark on challenges with our friends. We have formed great friendships through this group and always welcome new people to join as we are a truly multilevel group.”

Among the Missfits taking part in events this weekend will be taken part in events this weekend are Frances Betts, Dawn Johnson and Janet Wheelan in the Bermuda Triangle Half Challenge, while Didyk, Hammond, Mairi Redmond, and Sharon Craig are competing in the half-marathon and Wilson will be in the 10K.