A night to remember at Sheffield GP. 

All images by Thom Barnett. 

A view of Otley GP with Dave Coulson and the Cycling Sheffield team. 

All images by Thom Barnett. 

Connor Swift is a professional cyclist who currently rides for British team Madison Genesis. He recently won the British National Road Race Champion in Stanfordham, Northumberland after a gutsy solo attack with 12km to go, which has put him in the classic blue, white and red of the national jersey for the next twelve months. 

We are very proud to have Connor on the Journal and we would like to congratulate him on such an amazing achievement, in what looks set to be a very bright career. 

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

I think having recently won the National Road Race Championships that has to be my proudest and best result to date! Being a national champion I will wear the white, red and blue stripes for a whole year and then carry the British bands on my arm for the rest of my career, that’s pretty special! Everytime I put my jersey on I can think back to the day and remember everything about it.

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

I do love lots of little lanes that a good friend Tom Stewart has shown me in the Peak. That lad knows every little treasure there is to be had on the roads out there! I think the reason why I like the little lanes and The Strines etc is because they are smooth, quiet and very picturesque. You can just enjoy riding the bike.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world? 

I haven’t yet ridden my bike abroad much, however out of the places I have been so far I reckon some of the climbs in Gran Canaria are pretty special. Again the roads are quiet and the scenery is mega. 

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

There is so many but one that does stand out is going on the Sunday gang which has the likes of John Tanner and Wayne Randle and it’s been going for years. Them guys just ride as hard as they can for as long as they can. The first time I went on this ride it was through and off all the way out to a cafe. Everyone had beans on toast or a full English breakfast. We set off from the cafe and it was like a bloody race! It was crosswinds home and if you wasn’t strong enough to keep up going through and off you were left to fend for yourself. I can remember sprinting after a few that had got a head start leaving the cafe. Thankfully I hung in there until I was near home otherwise I would have been left in no-mans-land.

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

I think it has made me love riding my bike even more. I am in a very lucky situation to be able to ride my bike full time and not have the stress of a normal job. Being able to go out and ride my bike and race around is something I don’t just take for granted.

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs'?

I don’t think so! Maybe some women might with some men but my girlfriend Sian Randall definitely without a doubt strengthens mine. She has supported me from day one she has been with me and I think this question has made me realise I maybe haven’t let her know how much I do appreciate her asking me how my races have been, telling me to train in the gym, riding her bike with me, watching me for hours on end at races and much much more!

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom, has it affected you? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

I think it’s great how many people are now supporting cycling and it probably has affected me in a good way by local people in the village getting behind me and supporting me for what I do. I think the negatives that do come from this are the media and then people that have little knowledge of cycling history etc jumping on the negative band wagon from certain media releases.

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is?

Picking up a light bike is instant motivation! However that’s only if it’s your own.

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

Yeah for sure. Now I train for a fair bit longer and I am a lot more focused on the bike and enjoy my efforts. In the past I used to train but I just don’t think I trained properly haha.

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

It’s got to be Wiggins. Everything he did in his last years of his career were phenomenal and he caused a huge boom for cycling in the UK.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

I wasn’t around and have only seen clips of the older era’s or cycling on YouTube. I think back in the day them guys were sooo cool. However I think currently racing is so exciting.

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

Used to be no mudguards however times have changed and I think everyone is pretty fed up of being covered in crap. So mudguards are now essential. Show respect for others!

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

I love a cafe stop for sure!

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Rapha

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

I reckon a gilet that I currently own. This isn’t for the sponsors or anything. But Madison clothing created a gilet and I don’t leave for any ride without it. Best bit of kit ever. Does the job - Keeps the wind chill off, perfect fit with pockets, is mega breathable and is pretty water resistant. Can you ask for anymore?

Do you prefer to get your head down on main roads, keep a good tempo going on the ‘B’ roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

I do love the B-roads for efforts etc and general training however when just cruising along, the back-wacks are spot on. The rough stuff is always fun to ride on and to mix things up too! Not gonna say no to a bit of Paris roubaix action! 

What do you think about Strava?

Love it! Every ride uploaded and I do scroll through it from time to time.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I think they are great for the guys that don’t want to race and just enjoy setting themselves a challenge for a certain distance over different types of terrain.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

I really don’t like people offering a hand sling (to me) in a race for some reason haha. I know they are being nice and wanting to help if they drop the wheel but I feel like I can’t accept them for some bizarre reason.

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

Nothing that really springs to mind here. A massive tradition for me is a chaingang with a solid bit of through and off action to the end. As long as these stay and no one goes soft then I’m happy.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

Around 90rpm is a solid cadence to look at.

White, black or coloured socks?

White socks all day long

Frame pump or mini pump?

Mini pump. Frame ones are cool but don’t want to scratch the bike.

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Depends on my mood and other people’s mood. It’s always good to have banter and it’s always fun on a long training ride with someone to get your teeth stuck into the depths of space and what we are all doing on this planet or how to spend your millions.

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker?

I would say my girlfriend but she might not contribute to the pedalling as much as I would like haha. I reckon I would maybe choose my coach Kev Dawson. We would go bloody fast that’s for sure and I would like to go captain.

A ride to Lincoln to watch the Grand Prix. 

All images by Thom Barnett. 

Alex Howes is an American pro-cyclist who is currently riding for UCI world-tour team Cannonade-Drapac. Born in Denver, Colorado Alex turned full-time professional in 2012 and has completed all three major Grand-Tours; the Vuelta (2013, 2015) Le Tour (2014, 2016) and the Giro d'Italia. (2017) 

Many thanks to Alex for talking the time to complete the Mamnick 'quiz'. 

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

My two stage wins in Colorado (2014 & 2017) are probably my two favorite results. The feeling of winning at home is just amazing and both had absolutely wild crowds.

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

There’s a stretch of dirt road from the town of Gold Hill, CO up to Peak to Peak Highway. The road is usually nice and smooth, the views are top and the cars are rare.  

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Death Vally has some of the wildest stretches of road on this planet. A man could die out there and he’d never know it. 

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

Hitting Libby Hill for the final time during the World Championships in Richmond, VA was perhaps the coolest moment of my life. That memory ain’t going anywhere. 

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how?

When I was younger, my race bike was one of my best friends. I knew every inch, polished and re polished every piece, light lubed every bering for nearly every race. Now I beat the living shit out of my bikes and see them more as tools. But, I still ride just for fun sometimes, I still see it as a source of adventure and I still love the look of a clean chain and fresh bar tape. 

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs’?

Only the ones that want your money. 

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom, has it affected you? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

I don’t think that well publicized boom is quite as big over here in the states as it is in the UK. I’ll never forget the crowds we had at the start of the  UK start of the 2014 Tour de France. Absolutely incredible. 2-3 people deep for over a hundred miles. Hillsides with thousands of people. Cameras & smartphones popping out of the crowd every few meters and smacking us in the face & shoulders… Just madness. Aside from phones in the face has this boom affected me? Sure, I suppose. Mostly it is positive. People recognize me on the street from time to time. I don’t have to explain to my girlfriend's parents what I do because they have already seen it on tv. People don’t throw cups of mustard at me anymore while I train. But, it can be hard being a pro in a world where every guy and his dog has a flash kit and bespoke artisanal bike and is more pro than the pros. 

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is?

Math. 

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling?

I start each ride much slower than when I first started. Easy out, quick back. 

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why?

I have always been a big Andy Hampsten fan. The guy just oozes class on the bike. The legend of Fausto Coppi gets my wheels turning as well. The guy wrote the cycling style constitution. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The Lance era was my favorite cycling era. Then I changed my mind. 

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

If it’s winter, do what you must. Fenders beat flogging yourself on the stair climber at the gym. 

Photo credit to Walker Savidge. 

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

If I am doing a proper training ride there is no way I can door to door without at least a H2O fill up. And if I’m already stopped to get water… Let’s get a coffee. 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

You can’t buy style. 

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

With a thick wool undershirt, a man can turn winter into summer. In fact, I have one that I put on last January and roses started budding in my garden that was buried with a meter of snow. 

What do you think about Strava?

It’s a nice tool and can be fun sometimes but I don’t want to hear about it at the coffee shop. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

If it is not a closed road, stop at the fucking stop signs. 

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

When a group ride regroups and half the people are standing in the middle of the road. A road is a designated avenue for travel, not a place where you stand with your bike perpendicular to traffic while you brag about how dialed your LinkedIn profile is. 

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

Fucking power meters are killing my sport. I love science but if you’re on a club ride just fucking ride man. Enjoy the breeze without the numbers. 

Cotton cap or helmet?

Self preservation is not really a factor in most people’s style but it is in mine. Helmet. 

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right?

I think 85 is probably the best for preserving your reproductive anatomy with out being so low as to be detrimental to the ol' tendons. Not only is it good for the lower half, it’s also good on the eyes. 

White, black or coloured socks?

Whatever man. As long as it’s not neon argyle. 

Frame pump or mini pump?

I used to be a frame pump guy but recently mini pump technology has really taken off. That little screw on hose is a real game changer. 

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

Life is too short for small talk. 

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker?

Not Nathan Haas.

Which three words best describe you?

Grit, that’s it. 

Photo credit to Jared Gruber. 

All photo provided by Alex Howes, with permission. 

Forty-three nineteen. Krabbé’s twenty was clean as a whistle.

Tim Krabbé – The Rider

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

One day in March 2005, I was out training with a group of Spanish pros near Madrid. It was a fairly decent group; there was David Plaza, from my team, Pablo Llastras from the team I always think of as Banesto even though it hasn’t been Banesto since 2003, and the great Pavel Tonkov.

It’s always cool to be riding with senior professionals when you are a young pro. But while most guys are just pros – no different to yourself, there are others who you really want to make a good impression in front of.

So when Tonkov first rolled up next to me on one of the longer climbs of the day, I was keen to impress. Here’s the thing about Tonkov though; he isn’t much of a talker, and when he does talk he’s not the easiest person to understand.

Tonkov is Russian and when I met him he’d been living in Spain for a number of years, having spent his racing career riding for Italian teams. As such he didn’t speak either Spanish or Italian but a sort of mixture of the two, which he delivered in a thick Russian accent.

My attempts at small talk therefor soon faded to silence, and I was left to concentrate on cycling. It was then that I noticed that riding next to Pavel Tonkov is a sort of optical illusion.

Judging by my own effort on the climbs, I felt like we were riding pretty fast: my legs were spinning around, and my lungs feeling like they were getting less and less oxygen in them each time I took a breath.

Yet, when I looked across at Tonkov I was shocked to see that he seemed to be barely pedaling. Instead of speeding up a climb he looked more like he was languidly cruising at 12km/h along a flat road. I double checked: my heart rate was climbing, my legs spinning round and my head dipping as my shoulders tensed as if expecting an explosion – all the signs that I was going fast. But then I looked back to Tonkov: his legs slowly turning over, face calm, body settled.

Eventually he must have noticed my befuddlement, as he leant over to me and spoke,

‘Trenta-nove?’ I clearly understood the Italian for the number thirty-nine.

‘Si,’ and then I heard him start to laugh.

’Trenta-nove es para la bambini’. 

I’d just been told that a 39 tooth inner ring was for babies (in two and a half languages). In response, I asked him what he rode. It turned out that he rode a 42 all year – except for the big mountain stages; he put a 41 on for those... 

I was a little embarrassed, not because I was in a lot more difficulty than my much more accomplished riding companion, but because I had always subscribed to the 42 tooth inner ring. For one reason or another though, I could no longer seem to get them put on my bikes anymore.

It was no use telling Tonkov this - the damage was done; he probably just assumed I was slow and undergeared. Tonkov was part of the old-school, a product of the Eastern Bloc sports system, that churned out champions who were as hard as they came.

Since then though, the idea of anyone running a 42-tooth chainring has become almost a completely forgotten concept. No one rides a 42, and most people seem to think that by riding ‘standard’ (a 39) over any sort of incline they are being really brave. But what happened to change things so radically?

First there were mountain bikes that had tiny gears and triple chainsets, and suddenly there was Lance with the windmill legs flying up Sestrières. Then there were special long rear mechs designed to accommodate super low gears, and suddenly everyone in the world was racing uphill in the smallest gear they could find.

Improvements in technology should rightly get passed down from the pros to the amateurs. Cyclists everywhere buy magazines, and watch tips on Youtube that suggest that they should be using low gears to climb, citing the likes of Contador, or Wiggins, who are regularly seen fitting very low gears for mountain stages, as their examples.

But let’s look at where the professionals race. I nearly wept when I rode up the Zoncolan on a 36.27. I would recommend anyone who has to race over climbs that take over twenty minutes that they do not try an imitate Pavel Tonkov, and they get the lowest gear they need – out of pure necessity. But the truth is the terrain we have in the UK is very different to the Dolomites, or the Alps. 

The fact of the matter is that for so long the 42.21 or 23 (if it was winter) was all you needed.  Before that in fact, riders (like Tim Krabbé) were used to climbing on a 44, or 43 – with a twenty on the back. I’m not trying to be an old-school devotee, or refute change just for the sake of it – a lot of things in cycling have changed for the better. But, I would argue that there is still a case for thinking about the gears that you ride, and a strong case for the 42 to be on more people’s bikes.

Small might seem good because it is currently being sold by bike manufacturers, it might seem acceptable too, because you’ve seen Contador spinning a 34x32 up some impossible gradient in the Dolomites, but is small relevant to you, really?

It might feel comfortable to ride on compact gearing, so you can sit down and twiddle your way slowly up a climb without hurting your legs too much. But the best sensations that I ever had on a bike weren’t about comfort – I can get that in bed, or in my seat in the corner of the pub, the best sensations were when I felt strong, when I felt like the effort I was putting in was directly proportionate to the speed that was coming out. That is exactly what you get from riding a slightly bigger gear, and making an effort.

Pushing a slightly bigger gear might be uncomfortable for a bit, it might take some getting used to – but it’ll make you stronger, and then the enjoyment that you can get out of your bike riding will be even greater.

If you haven’t ridden a 42 for a while that first few times that you drop down into the little ring is an amazing sensation. There is no great drop, no split second of pedaling through air, just a smooth transition and power under your feet.

In a race situation it is sublime: when you crest a climb and the race is strung out and you no longer have to grind your way back into the big ring, losing precious metres getting back up to speed as you do so. 

And even in a non-race situation the 42 is amazing. It is little known mechanical fact that odd numbered chainrings do not roll as well as their even numbered counterparts*. A 39 does not roll well; it is like first gear in a car, you only ever use it to get out of it again as quickly as you can. 

With a 42 there is never a moment of too big or small, there is no state of flux, there is just a little bit of a push needed on the odd steep climb, and the rest of the time you’ll be rolling cool. 

*I could be making that up, but I like to think it is true. 

Tom Southam

Neil Phillips hails from Cornwall and has been living in London for over 8 years. He has been road racing for Kibosh for a couple of years and is “pretty average” by his own admission, which is rather humble considering some of his other bike-exploits. The Kibosh team doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously, with its witty #youaintprobro hashtag you may have seen on Instragram. 

Neil has ridden the Transcontinental Race twice; once as a pairing with Timothy France finishing as first pair also, coming second in the solo category the next year - finishing with a time of 9 days, 17 hours and 35 minutes. 

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

Living in east London, Essex is kind of the go to for most weekend riding. It's open, gently rolling and there are some really nice quite lanes. Although I am a big fan of any road that points up, the lanes in Essex allow you to keep a really nice consistent tempo and when in a group allows for some pretty spicey rides.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

With the Transcontinental, I've been pretty fortunate in seeing quite a few countries in the last couple of years, one stand out country has always been Montenegro. Although my route planning through often took the roads most travelled for speed, I still hit some absolute gems, I need to go an explore the country more. Durmitor National park, Lovcen (climb out of Kotor bay) were stand out and included two of the best climbs I've riden. But being from Cornwall, my love for spinning around the counties lanes is up there with anywhere. You can ride through woodland, exposed high moor land and sweeping coastal roads all in one ride. The two sections that I always return to though are the coast road from St Ives to Sennen and the Whitsand bay coastal road, both unbeatable.

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

Arriving in Canakkale at the end of last years TCR, with a final 30km of tailwind and knowing baring disaster I was about to take the number two spot. It is amazing the energy your body can find when in theory it should have nothing left, just over 40 minutes of fast miles. Sitting on the ferry after, I think it is one of the only times I have cried through joy. The sites that were seen, miles covered still blew my mind, even though I had done them. 

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter?

Mudguards and flaps for sure, have gotten to love them during winter months. It's winter and as long as the legs are spinning who cares if the bike is a tad slower, only makes you stronger come spring.

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

A tough one, technically the Rapha climbers shoes or insulated gilet, but emotionally the jersey I wore on the first TCR, still stained from two weeks on the road, ripped pockets from trying to stuff two much in.

What do you think about Strava?

It's a bit of fun, it can be taken too seriously but for long flat segments in the country or climbs, it's nice to have some friendly competition with friends or locals from a different area. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I sit on the fence, there are some great small sportives around the country run by big clubs or small local companies, they give people an easy way to explore roads they may not ride or a challenge to get out and ride. However, I feel big brands are taking over the market to make money and with events getting bigger can sometimes turn communities against cyclists. There is the obvious common dislike for people who treat it as a race.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Safety first, although a cotton cap is always worn under the helmet.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Frame pump all the way, even on the race bike during training. Who cares about weight and personally think they look pretty good tucked up under the top tube. Less time working the arms and more time turning the legs.

Photos by Kristian Pletten // www.kristianpletten.com 

Check out Kibosh Racing here // http://kibosh.cc 

Ray Hosler is the author of Bay Area Bike Rides, which has been in print by Chronicle books since 1990. He was the weekly bicycle columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle from 1987-89. Prior to that he was an editor at Runner's World magazine. A life-long cyclist, he rode his bike to work nearly daily for 45 years. His cycling reached new heights when he worked at Palo Alto Bicycles in 1979 and started riding with Jobst Brandt in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He has ridden in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Thailand and the Philippines.

It gives me great pleasure to have Ray answer our Local Riders Q&A. Many thanks to Ray for taking the time and sending over these amazing images. 

What do you love the most about riding your bike? 

I was asked that same question by Dale Saso recently. He's a frame builder who built me a bike in 1987 and has repaired it several times. I think it's all about giving a person freedom, self-reliance. I've ridden my bike in places unimaginable to most people, experienced nature in all its glory while enjoying the outdoors. The bike is easily the most efficient form of human transportation, an engineering marvel. And I can maintain it.

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them?

I put together a list a while back: 

https://rayhosler.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/lists-10-best-roads-to-ride-in-the-san-francisco-bay-area/

For day to day riding though, I can't get enough of Summit Road between Highway 17 and Black Road/Skyline Boulevard. As for off-road, my favorite is Loma Prieta Road between Summit Road and Mt. Umunhum. It's off-limits now, but one of these days it will be open to the public. Spectacular views of the ocean and Santa Clara Valley.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

I enjoyed the Dolomites in Italy and all of the foothills leading up to them. I like narrow, winding roads that climb and have no cars. I think you could spend a lifetime riding through Italy and not see all of those roads. Magical.

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

In my book Once Upon a Ride there's a two-page spread of Jobst Brandt looking from Butano Ridge Trail toward the ocean (pg 26-27). That pretty much sums up the experience of riding with Jobst over the years. He made the rides come alive, giving history lessons, calling out birds. It never grew tiresome. There were so many moments, I knew I had to capture them on paper after the rides so I wouldn't forget. Another fun time was when we rode through a swarm of lady bugs on Highland Way in the Santa Cruz Mountains. One with nature...

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now compared to when you first got into cycling?

I rode a bike before 1979, but that was the year I really learned how to ride, working at Palo Alto Bicycles. We hammered all the time. Riding with Jobst in 1980 the fast pace continued unabated. I couldn't ride every weekend. It was just too much. Jobst rode with the local racers and the rides were always 100 miles or more. Brutal. Now I'm old and I ride at a survival pace, always. I avoid traffic. Long rides are more difficult, but I still do 100-milers. Not so much dirt these days. The mind is willing, but the body is not. 

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round?

I only stop to take photos or enjoy a view. Jobst always stopped at stores on his rides and we'd pass the time of day. As he got older he did that  more frequently. 

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)?

Silca frame-fit pump with steel Campagnolo head. I still own one and use it. It's the best pump ever made. Nothing else compares. 

(I think I know the answer to this one!) Do you prefer to get your head down on main roads, keep a good tempo going on the ‘B’ roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

These days I avoid all heavily trafficked roads. I have found side streets that take me through Silicon Valley way faster than the main roads. I pretty much do the same rides I've been doing for the past 35 years, only slower.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Car back.

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence?

Nobody rides off-road on a road bike. If you don't have a mountain bike, it can't be done, they say. 

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet. I always said, "People who wear helmets need them." That's me today. 

Frame pump or mini pump?

Silca frame-fit all the way.

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial?

We talk about past rides with Jobst. Otherwise we talk about everything under the sun. We all have similar interests and values, so there isn't any contention.

You rode a lot with Jobst Brandt, he had a reputation for straight-talking on rec.bike. What was he like in person? 

Jobst was an extremely complex person. In general, you shouldn't pigeon hole people, especially Jobst. People have many sides to them that are not visible until you've spent time with them, and even then they may act differently depending on who they're with. I always got along well with Jobst. He could be harsh in his condemnations, but he was a loyal friend who would do anything to help you with a problem. You'll have to read my book, Once Upon a Ride, to get a better picture. 

http://www.magcloud.com/user/rayhosler

He was one in a million, the smartest person I ever knew as a friend.

I’d like to know more about your friendship and riding experiences with Jobst, his influence and legacy but I’m not sure of the best questions to ask. Do you have any suggestions? 

Nothing quite captured the essence of life and friendship as starting from Jobst's house on a Sunday ride. I met a lot of carefree riders with diverse personalities, united by a common love for cycling and heading off-road with Jobst. There was a camaraderie that can't be replicated. I know this is trite, but I suppose it's the same way military veterans feel about those who they served with.

Michael Barry is a former world-tour professional cyclist who rode for a number of world-class teams including T-Mobile, High Road/HTC-Columbia, U.S. Postal Service, Discovery Channel and Team Sky. He raced 5 Giro d’Italia and 5 Vuelta a Espanas and one Tour de France. He has supported Lance Armstrong, Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins and many other top names over the years.

In 2004, he wrote his first book Inside the Postal Bus. He most recently wrote Shadows on the Road in 2015. Barry has also written two other books, one being the great; Le Metier: The Seasons of a Professional Cyclist. When I first got into the bike I found this book to be a real eye-opener of grit and pain behind the sport. It comes highly recommended from me. 

He was born in Toronto, Ontario and his father Mike Barry Sr. was a racer himself  in the 1950's and 60's. After immigrating to Canada, Mike opened a speciality bike store that manufactures hand-made class frames under his own Mariposa brand which is definitely worth checking out here - https://mariposabicycles.ca 

Michael, his wife Dede and his father continue to run the business and build frames in Toronto.

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?

I’m not one to focus too much on results. I had some good races, but am most proud of the work I did for the teams I rode for—I really enjoyed riding as a domestique, sitting on the front of the peloton all day and setting up the team leader for a victory. Also, the TTT victories were great moments. There is little better than flying along with teammates, crossing the line together, and stepping up on the podium as a victorious team. Cycling is a team sport but, other than the TTT, it is rare the team gets to share the moment, so those victories are special in many respects. 

Which are your favourite stretches of road to ride on locally and what is it that you like about them? 

My daily commute through the park system in Toronto is pretty good as it feels like I'm in the middle of nowhere despite being in the fourth largest city in North America. There are an abundance of routes, both technical dirt trails and bike paths, which run along a river in a ravine. I can ride to and from the shop all year, as long as there isn’t a foot of snow, in which case I’ll run. 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world? 

I still love the roads around Girona, especially the gravel roads and paths up into the Pyrenees. I could ride up there all day everyday. 

What is your most memorable moment on the bike or involved with cycling?

My life has been spent on a bike, so it is difficult  to pinpoint one moment. I’d say, the most memorable have been riding with family. This year my wife and I took two of our tandems and did a weekend trip with our boys (ages 11 and 9) north of Toronto on gravel roads. We saw some great countryside, rode all day, ate a feast mid-ride and went for a swim in a lake once we got to the hotel. To me, days don’t get much better than that.

Has racing affected your relationship with the bike? If so, how? 

Racing did affect it for a quite a while — when cycling felt like a job, as it did in the middle part of my career because I was singularly focused, had militant coaches and/or raced in a toxic environment, I wasn’t always having fun and riding was a chore. As time went on I learned that with balance and perspective everything is more enjoyable and that I needed to remove myself from negative environments to enjoy riding a bike. In the last third of my career I rediscovered the love for riding that I had as a schoolboy and still feel it today. 

Do you agree with Mickey Goldmill's advice to Rocky that 'women weaken legs’

No. They seem to make me stronger. 

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom, has it affected you? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity? 

A boom is good for everybody—the more people riding bikes the better. 

All cyclists, whether they race or not, seem to obsess over the weight of their bikes. Why do you think this is? 

Because you have to haul extra weight around which, of course, requires more effort. The irony is that most non-racers who obsess about the weight of their bike could lose far more off of their waistline and would feel a much greater difference in performance than if they spend it on lighter wheels or bottle cage. I stopped worrying about weight a while ago and care far more about comfort, functionality and durability. 

Do you approach riding, or ride your bike, differently now to when you first got into cycling? 

I ride for enjoyment more than anything else. I don’t  have performance goals like I once did. So, there has certainly been in a change in mentality in that respect. But, I still like to ride all day and to push myself a bit in the hills or the town sign sprints. 

Who has been your favourite pro riders over the years and why? 

Tough question. When I was a boy my heroes were Merckx, Fignon, Bauer, Mottet and Kelly. As an adult, I respect those who were good teammates, respectful of others who are dedicated and hard working.

What was your favourite era of professional bike racing? 

The late 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s—when I was a boy I absorbed everything I could find from this period. The racing was also dynamic and less controlled than it is today.

Mudguards, mudguards and mudflaps or racing bike with clip on guards through winter? 

I most like a proper winter bike with aluminum mudguards, flaps and neatly fitting stays. Clip on mudguards look terrible and don’t do much in the way of keeping the spray off. Also, if riding in a group in the rain, proper mudguards keep the spray off of the others while clip ons don’t. 

Do you enjoy a cafe stop or do you prefer to ride straight round? 

Stop. Always. When I was a pro we’d stop for a coffee or coke and pastry. Now, I often stop for a proper breakfast or lunch. 

Assos, Rapha or neither? 

Better not to get overly caught up in brands. Look neat and tidy, wear clothing that fits and don’t wear clothing with holes. 

What is your favorite piece of cycling kit (either something you currently own or have in the past)? 

I like our Mariposa cotton caps and wear one everyday. 

Do you prefer to get your head down on main roads, keep a good tempo going on the ‘B’ roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike? 

I stay off the main roads as much as possible to get away from the traffic and see some nice countryside. A good ride becomes great when I can discover some new places/roads. And, yes, I'll ride the rough stuff on a road bike. 

What do you think about Strava? 

I don’t use it while riding. I can see the training benefits but I don’t like how it has negatively affected group rides. Since retiring from the professional peloton, I ride without a computer. For me, a big part of riding is being out in the environment, sensing it, being connected to it, feeling how my body is moving and letting my mind wander. I find computers take most of that away. 

What do you think about Sportive rides? 

They’re great for building community, raising money for charity and getting more people on bikes. I ride several throughout the season—all fundraisers for differing charities—and we organize a gravel road fundraiser called the Growling Beaver which benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.  

Do you have any cycling pet hates? 

Pretentious riders who think they know-it-all, follow all the bloody rules that have been written all over the internet, but don’t have any real etiquette or understanding of the fact that cycling is about sharing knowledge and experience not who has the fanciest bike or jersey or who can sprint the fastest.  

Are there any cycling traditions that you think have been, or are being, lost as a result of changing attitudes and behaviour? And are we better off or worse off as a consequence? 

As I mentioned, computer technology has changed cycling, racing and the group ride negatively in many respects. But, I do think there is a large and growing sector of the cycling population, especially among the younger generations, who are coming to understand, and appreciate, the true qualities of cycling: the adventure, the shared effort, and the community. The growth in gravel riding, bike packing, touring is encouraging. 

Cotton cap or helmet? 

As a boy I had quite a collection of pros' caps (some autographed). Then, when I became a pro I would almost always ride to the sign-in/startline with a cap on. Before starting the race, I would find a kid amongst the spectators to give it to as I remembered how special those caps were to me and how much it meant to me when professionals had tossed me their caps. I didn’t keep any of the helmets I wore as a professional but have a cap or two from every team that I rode for. Helmets tend to mask a rider’s face and expressions whereas a cap can accentuate them as everybody wears a cap in their own way. 

The benefits of spinning a low gear compared to mashing a high gear is often discussed. Putting aside the serious, physiological and mechanical aspects, what cadence you think looks right? 

About 90 rpm. 

White, black or coloured socks? 

When it comes to socks nothing looks better than crisp white socks just above the ankle contrasting a dark tan. 

Frame pump or mini pump? 

I prefer a frame pump on the seattube but do use a mini pump at times. On a touring bike a a frame pump mounted on a peg behind the seat tube looks good. Never Co2 cartridges. 

What do you like to talk about when you are on a ride with friends/team/club mates? Do you prefer to keep the subjects lightweight or get your teeth into something contentious or controversial? 

Riding can make conversations come alive so I just let it flow and start chatting. Deep conversations can be good as they are often therapeutic—cycling allows people to get things off of their minds and can put them in a good place. The best riding partners are those who are well read, can keep a good conversation going for hours, are humorous and easy going.  

Who would be/is your perfect tandem partner? Would you ride captain or stoker? 

I’ve been riding with our boys who quite a lot. They’ve got good little engines and we have a lot of fun together. The rides I’ve done with them this year have been some of my best days on a bike. 

Which three words best describe you? 

This is a question I won’t even try to answer. 

When where/are you most happy? 

Now, with my family. 

Who would be your guests at your perfect dinner party (dead or alive)? 

I’d love for my children to meet their great grandparents as they ask about them often. 

If you could go back in time, where would you go? 

I’d go back to see how my parents grew up—Wimbledon in the 40-50’s when my Dad was a kid and to Brooks, Alberta, Canada where my mom grew up. My father has many great stories of his time growing up in  post-war London, and more specifically the bike shops and the club cycling scene. I’d love to see and experience that, to go for a long rough stuff ride with him with a couple of stops in the pubs along the way. My mother had a much different growing up experience in ranch land in central Alberta. It would be intriguing for me to spend time with her, my uncle and grandparents and to see the life they had out there as kids. Maybe, going back would give me a better understanding of our lives, my grandparents, my parents and myself. 

When was the last time you cried? 

As I get older I seem to cry at sad scenes in movies. So, most likely, it was the last time I watched a movie with a heart wrenching scene, which was probably a month or two ago. 

When did you laugh the hardest? 

We laugh a lot as a family as the kids have a good sense of humour and we just do silly things together. Most recently, we were riding the tandems and my son was explaining pronunciations of street names and how he like to change the pronunciations of the names he thought sounded “terrible.” He started rhyming off all sorts of names as we were climbing a hill in central Toronto. It was just silly stuff, but in the end it was extremely funny, because of the circumstance, his conviction and thought process, and the inanity of it. We came to a standstill as I couldn’t pedal I was laughing so hard. 

Are you the type of person who likes to have a plan? Or do you prefer to wing it? 

Loose plan and then wing it. Due to bad planning, I’ve learned a good adventures becomes a great adventure with a little of the unexpected. Aren’t we all happiest when we introduce novel experiences into our lives? 

If you could edit your past, what would you change? 

Life is full of ups and downs. We learn and grow. I’ve made mistakes but through them I’ve learned a lot about myself. Overall, I try not to look backwards but forward. 

What single thing would improve the quality of your life? 

Gloves that keep your hands warm while riding on the coldest days. Growing up in Canada, I’ve tried everything and other than bulky leather and wool mitts nothing seems to do the job.

Big thanks to Dede Barry for providing me with the images. The photo of Michael alone in the mountains is by Kristoff Ramon. The image of Michael in Sky Gear with the boys is by Ian Austen.