Joseph
How I got into cycling
The majority of my late 20's - early 30's were spent as a runner - regularly competing in long-distance races. Whilst I loved the hobby, it started to not love me too much, and in recent years I've had several bone stress response injuries on hips & tibia. Whilst out with one such injury in 2022, I found I could get my exercise hit from gym spin classes and that's started my love of cycling. I started with a gravel bike as I thought it would be a good commuter and have enough to be used on long road cycles - after about 30 mins with WCC it was pretty clear I'd need to get myself a road bike to get the most from our Time Trial series and regular Sunday club rides. As the years have progressed cycling has slowly replaced running as my main sport and I've really started to love everything about it.
Why I love Cycling
For me the three main things are:- The people I've met I've met at Westerley - all such good people who have been so supportive whilst I've been learning the ropes - still a lot more to go.- Being outside - I love getting out early on a Sunday morning for the club ride / adventure around the home counties. Such beautiful scenery and always lots of laugh.- Fitness without injury - I consider myself very fortunate that I can train regularly and to date (other than a few falls) not have any injuries that keep me off the bike.
My favourite Westerley Club Ride
I enjoy all the club rides we do as a group. Its quickly become a highlight of my week being part of the purple peloton zipping through the Chilterns, Surrey or further afield. My favourite regular ride is the trip north to Aldbury in Hertfordshire - its a good distance taking in some beautiful countryside and challenging climbs. The coffee stop at the Church Farm cafe also does excellent tea & cake. On our bigger rides that happen a few times a year - it was a great experience to cycle the Isle of Wight last year. London - Brighton - London with fish & chips lunch on the beach is a very close second.
What am I looking forward to in 2026 & beyond
2025 was my first taste of the top time trial series we run as a club at Hillingdon. These are top events and I love going for personal bests each fortnight. Last year I got to 26.03 and setting myself a target of sub 25.30 for 2026 🤞🏻. I've also never been on an abroad cycling trip (Dragon Ride in Wales aside) - in April 2026 I am taking a trip to Denmark with my sister to take on the Dirty Jutland Gravel sportive which promises to be a great experience. Frustratingly timings have never work for me to go on a Westerley away day but they look a lot of fun so can't wait to get out for a trip soon.