What kind of rider are you?
I am mainly a social rider. I really enjoy being outdoors, taking in the view wherever I’m riding. I love heading out to different places whether that’s from Kingston or much further afield and appreciating the change of scenery. I definitely don’t just have my head down staring at the wheel ahead.
How often do you ride?
I ride every day on my commute, which is a few miles to work and back. Other than that, I train with Forge on Thursday evenings and then join the Forge social ride on Sundays.
Why do you ride?
I ride for fun and to spend time with people I’d never normally encounter in the rest of my life. In the club, people come from an amazing range of professions and backgrounds. On the other side of things, riding is a great way to stay fit whilst keeping me motivated and interested. It feels so much easier to ride regularly and to push myself to improve when it’s as part of a group.
Do you have any cycling targets this year?
I am really looking forward to joining several of the club trips that are planned for this year. I’m heading to Belgium for the Gent–Wevelgem sportive in March. Then travelling to Girona in May for a Forge trip. During the summer I’ll join some of the club’s day trips such as the annual tour of the Isle of Wight. I have a ‘riding bucket list’ of destinations that I’m enjoying ticking off. The bond you build with other riders when you head away is just fantastic and whatever your riding ability, there really is a place for everyone.
When you’re not cycling, what do you get up to?
I try to keep my fitness up with some running and when I’m back in Ireland, I enjoy sea swimming. My job is quite creative but desk-based so I try to get outside as often as I can when I’m not at work.
