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

I’m a museum-based research scientist, and I specialise in working with DNA from historical, ancient and extinct mammals, including humans. I analyse DNA to discover more about the past and how populations reacted to events such as environmental and human mediated change.

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How did you get into cycling?

I’m a newbie to cycling, having only learnt how to ride a bike in 2024. Why, because I heard about the London Classics – a (large and very shiny) medal that you receive if you run the London Marathon, swim the 2mile Serpentine event and cycle RideLondon 100. The first two I’d done, but the latter required me to learn how to ride a bike! After some wobbly lessons and several months of practising on my own, I decided I needed to join a club to improve my cycling skills and to enable me to achieve my goal. Hampton Wick Cycling Club were exactly what I needed, and in 2025 I cycled the Etape Loch Ness ride (in lieu of Ride London, the 2025 event having been cancelled) and received my bling medal reward! But what started as a goal to complete the event has led to a genuine enjoyment of cycling, particularly group cycling and the camaraderie that can bring.

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What drives you to get on your bike?

To maintain cycling fitness, but also to improve my cycling. I still have a lot to learn and practise re techniques and cycling form. No one gets better sitting at home, you’ve got to get out there and ride!

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Do you have any cycling targets?

If it returns in 2026 (fingers crossed) I’d love to complete Ride London 100. It would be great to enter some more events with the cycling club too. Though my main goals at the moment are to be a better cyclist in terms of both form and stamina.

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

The pretzel in Richmond Park is always fun. Though I really enjoy the longer rides out into the countryside, seeing new places and who wouldn’t want to take a stop at the Cinnamon Café at Windsor.

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What would you say to someone thinking of joining Hampton Wick Cycling Club?Come meet us! It is a fantastic group of people. They are supportive, welcoming, fun and really enjoy cycling. There’s a range of experience, from novices like me, to some incredibly experienced, strong cyclists. To those new to cycling fear not though, you won’t feel left behind or that you’re slowing the group. They’re encouraging and knowledgeable and genuinely want you to enjoy the ride, be a better cyclist and achieve your goals.

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Do you have any other hobbies apart from cycling?

Running, I still really enjoy this, but now I try to balance my running with cycling. Maybe a triathlon’s next. Non-sporty activities are seeing friends, seeing cultural stuff (theatre/art/dance) and having a good nose around charity/junk shops – love to recycle things.