“My rebirth in cycling started around 10 years ago. I had an old mountain bike in the shed, which never got used. I finally started riding to work, and set myself a reward of a new bike, if I kept it up.
I met my target and got a newer MTB. The following year my wife got a road bike to get fit. I got to borrow a road bike from a friend, and was introduced to speed on a bike!!
It was a revelation, and I got a Cyclocross bike on the cycle to Work Scheme. I got the CX as I commute on the Leeds/Liverpool towpath a lot, and needed a bike which could handle mixed terrain.
After picking up the mileage, my wife and I joined RVCRC (around 6 years ago now), mainly for the social side, and to get out on longer rides, which I wasn’t sure I could do. This was another revelation. I met a great bunch of people, and graduated from the C rides to the B rides.
My mileage picked up and I undertook my first 100mile ride, with the club.
Over the last 6 years I have also taken up Cyclocross racing, and am a member of the Northwest Cyclocross Association.
I also ride a lot of the newer SportCross type events (now often called Gravel events). These are a cross between MTB and road Sportives. They are half on road and half off, and suit me down to the ground.
After 6 years with the club, I have been racing for 6 seasons, done quite a few 100mile rides, lost 3 stone in weight, been cycle touring and a number of other activities.
I strongly believe in the club, and joined the committee this year to try and make it better for all of us.”
