What do you do (when you're not on a bike)?

I am a qualified accountant and have worked in the Clinical Research industry for almost 30 years. I work for a global Life Sciences company, currently in the transformation space improving systems and processes.

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How did you get into cycling?

One of my earliest childhood memories was the excitement of getting my stabilisers removed from my first bike - it was blue! I cycled to school and when I first moved to Uni in London I cycled daily too. Then life took over and I didn’t cycle for many years.

 I got a new job in London in 2013 and rather than play sardines on the tube I decided to be brave and start commuting by bike to work. I bought a hybrid bike, tried the route on a Sunday when there was less traffic and then that was it - the start of 6 years of commuting rain or shine to work. After 2 years I upgraded to my first road bike to make commuting easier and that was it I was hooked again!

In 2020 lockdown happened and I realised that I could get further in the hour allowed outside on a bike than walking - so gradually I began exploring new places by bike. I started cycling longer distances and in August 2020 I decided to try the Prudential Ride London virtual 46 mile ride. Once the madness of lockdown subsided the only way forward was to sign up for another event - the Ride London 100. I was one of the last people to finish but I completed my first 100 mile ride post lockdown and have since ridden it 2 further times.

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What drives you to get on your bike?

Lots of reasons! The total freedom and the mental health boost it gives you. It’s such a de-stresser at the end of a tough day and you never feel bad getting off your bike. I also think it’s a great feeling of freedom cycling down a country lane with no traffic.  Plus it’s great to meet other like minded cyclists!

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Do you have any cycling targets?

Absolutely! To be a stronger and better cyclist and to love climbing hills - am slowly getting there! To climb Ditchling Beacon without stopping. To finish my first gravel ride. To continue cycling through the winter.  And tons of events are still on the bucket list! I would love to get to a point where I can encourage more people out on their bikes. If I can do it - anyone can!

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What’s your favourite ride/destination with Hampton Wick Cycling Club?

That’s such a tough question - I would probably have to choose Box Hill or Chobham as my favourite rides but it’s hard to beat the Cinnamon Cafe in Windsor for coffee and cake! Discovering new cafe’s all the time is a great part of going out on your bike.

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What would you say to someone thinking of joining Hampton Wick Cycling Club?

Do come out and try out one of the introduction rides and see if it’s for you. Being a slow cyclist I had tried out other clubs and ended up in tears as they were just too fast for me.  But this club is so supportive and I would never have achieved my cycling goals this year without the huge patience and support of all the other cyclists in the club - they are just an awesome bunch! So whatever concerns or fears you have about joining a cycling club - put them aside and give us a go!

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Do you have any other hobbies apart from cycling?

Photography and travel. I love travelling to new countries and learning about new cultures and if I can combine my hobbies by cycling and taking photos all the better! I have been lucky enough to cycle the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam and the Rajasthan countryside in India but have many more countries on the bucket list.