When did you first get into cycling?
I first got into cycling back in 2000, when I planned a charity ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Since then cycling has become a big part of my life. I cycle with my partner and with friends and for training rides as well.
How often do you cycle now?
Most days! I cycle on most of my shifts to and from work, and also as a hobby to keep fit – at least once a week for fun.
Can you tell us about your charity rides?
Sure, I do lots of charity rides with work – I’ve done London Luton Airport to Paris, to Brussels and Amsterdam. I’ve also done London to Cambridge lots of times. And of course the London to Brighton bike ride for the BHF – which I’ve been doing for over 15 years. I do the London Brighton ride with my colleagues; we’re called ‘Team Wings & Wheels’. It’s great when people join us for the first time and to see their sense of achievement at the end. Even for those of us who have been doing it for the past 15 years, the buzz is still there.
When did you first venture out on a bike in London – and what was it like?
Around 9 years ago, we cycled to Clapham Common before taking part in the London Brighton bike ride. It was fun but we were not aware of the cycling routes so it was a little less relaxing at the time.
Where do you like to cycle in London now?
We cycle into the city and out to the ExCeL for events. We stay in a nearby hotel who are brilliant at storing our bikes. If we don’t have loads of times we get a train part of the way and cycle down by Paddington Basin and Little Venice.
We enjoy sightseeing by bike. It’s amazing the places we find and there is a good amount of information out there about places to visit. We’ve used the Cycle Superhighways lots – they’re brilliant.
What would your advice be to someone looking to explore the city by bike?
I would recommend it as the cycle paths and marked routes are really improving and there’s so much to see and explore.
What would you say to someone thinking of doing the London to Brighton bike ride?
It is an iconic ride, suitable for all abilities – it is a great introduction to cycling and really good fun.
Feeling inspired? You can sign up for the London to Brighton Bike Ride and get £5 off the registration fee with the code TFL5.