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Cycling isn't all about the professional peleton, sometimes it's about simply riding a couple of miles to work or the shops every day or going just a way of getting out with your friends on a sunday morning.
Whilst on a recent trip to London, we managed to catch up with Brixton Cycle Club member; Chris Lucas, where we were able to discuss everything that gets his pedals turning...
BN:
Just as a starting point for our readers, can you briefly outline your background in the sport? As such, when did you get into the sport (Have you always been a keen cyclist or is it something you’ve taken up on a more recent time scale?), What type of riding do you do - road/MTB/CycloX and is it strictly socially or are you into racing? Who are you cycling heroes? What club do you ride for? etc.
CL:
It occurred to me when asked to give some background into my cycling that I have ridden a bike since I can remember. I still remember the excitement of my first BMX, trainer wheels and all. I think that excitement never dies when piecing together that dream build or picking a bike from a shop. I cut my teeth mountain biking in New Zealand as a teenager though it always took a backseat to surfing. My twenties was defined by rock climbing and skiing so I guess you could say I was late coming to road cycling. Maybe that reflects the more subtle nuisances (read masochistic tendencies) that road cycling has like the mental and physical fortitude required to undergo long and challenging rides, a more mature outlook suits maybe?
Commuting in London and friends were my gateways into the road cycling world. I guess I completed the synthesis to full blown roadie when joined Brixton Cycles Club at the start of the year and stopped wearing shorts and started wearing bibs. Although dabbling with the odd fun Cyclocross race I haven't dived into racing yet, maybe a goal for next year. Challenging rides remain a focus whether solo or in a group. A solo effort to Brighton and back last summer was a highlight and I just completed my first Etape Du Tour which was really tough but a highlight of the year so far. The Col Du Tourmalet followed by the infamous Huatacam were made infinitely harder by horrendous weather descending the Tourmalet. >>>