John Tanner was born in Doncaster. He first joined the CTC before joining his first proper cycling club, The Doncaster Wheelers. John competed in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and has won the BC Premier Calendar five times. In 1999 and 2000 he won the British National Road Race Championships. Other notable wins include the prestigious Lincoln International GP (1997 and 2001) and the Tour of the Cotswolds (2001).

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

Winning the Commonwealth Bank Classic stage race in Australia in 1995. It was a nice ending to the season, especially being in Australia. National Titles two time road race - 1999 and 2000. Also the Crit Championship in 1996. It stays with you forever that you are an ex-national champ.


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

Where I live is we are spoilt, you can go into East Yorkshire where it's really quiet roads and flat or you can go into Derbyshire for the hills so a mixture of both.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

I'd say same answer as last one.

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

There are loads to choose from and it's hard to answer. Probably touring round Holland the first year I started cycling aged 11 with family - that got me into cycling. It gave me a sense of freedom travelling and seeing new places.

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

Not really. It's different when when you're racing though. There comes a time in the year when you've had enough of the bike and need a break but when I don't have a full season I can't get enough of it. 

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

Yes definitely.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK at the moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

I work part time in a bike shop (JHL Bikes) and have seen the increase of people on bikes. It's good that they are all car drivers, so it makes people aware more of what it's like on a bike. The way British Cycling has turned around since the lottery and medals won over the years has put cycling in the limelight. It just gets people thinking "I'd like to try that or bet my kid wouldbe good at it".

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

It's more the new comers to cycling that are more obsessed, I think they forget about what they weigh personally.

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

Yes obviously with computers that are available now you get to see how hard or fast you're going. 

Who has beenyour favourite pro riders over the years and why?

It would be from today's era Mark Cavendish , Ian Stanard and Dan Martin. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?


It's a mixture of the British pros from the 80s with all the TV crits, to today's era with the success Britain are having.


Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

Despite.

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

Clip on guards with flap on a racing bike.

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

I enjoy both if I'm in a group. I like a cafe stop for social or when I'm on me own I'll go straight round.

Assos, Rapha or neither? 

Both over priced!

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

A cycling computer.


Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, keep a good tempo going on the B roads or get onto the back wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?


Keep a good tempo on B roads definitely. I hate anything off road on any kind of bike.

What do you think about Strava?


I think it's great. Not so much bothered about the segments but like to see what everyone's been up to and find it interesting. 


What do you thinkabout Sportive rides?


They're a good idea to get people on bikes but personally I'm not interested in them.


Do you have any cycling pet hates?


Puncturing! 


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?


No can't think of any.


Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet. Having done most of years riding without one I can't go out with out it now. 


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?


Being on top of the gear from 85 -100 revs.


White, black or coloured socks?


Depends on the weather. Socks are expensive so black in rain and white in sunshine.


Frame pump or mini pump?


Mini pump with canister.


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?

There's not much talking with group I go out with - we are all on t'rivet!

Hi Thom

A friend of mine has just forwarded me a link to the shoe on your site.

Ian was my uncle & we always used to look forward to him visiting us from his trips with more great stories about his adventures.

I have to say that looking at what's on show on your website, it looks exactly as I remember the shoes he used to wear, both on and off the bike.

It’s really touching to see something like this named after him, he had very exacting standards on his equipment, always Campagnolo Nuovo or super record for example and always leather shoes in that style(this was even carried over to his casual clothes as well, remember the exasperation he caused my mum in getting him his polo shirts as they had to have three buttons, no more no less) and I can see that a lot of care has gone into making the shoes.

He’d have liked that, he’d probably have tried to get a pair off you for free mind “to test them out on one of his trips”, he used to get a lot of kit that way, but he would definitely approve.

Hope they are a success for you and thanks

David Hibell

Kit Gilham has been a racing cyclist for 10 years. His previous teams include Clifton CC, Kinesis UK, Sigmasport Specialized, Herbalife, Metaltek Knights of Old and is currently riding for KTM road-and-trail.com

Kit is now living in York with his wife and two children but by his own admission is "still missing living in Sheffield!".

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

Winning the mountains jersey in the 2008 Irish Ras. It made me realise I could be competitive at a reasonable level. I spent the whole race constantly checking where the nearest airport was as my first child was due on the last day of therace - luckily she was born five days after it finished!

I'm also proud to have won the Yorkshire Div Champs - definitely the hardest divs inthe (God's own) country.

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

In the Peak District I love some of the long, iconic climbs like Holme Moss and Snake Pass because they're as close as you can get to proper Tour de France climbs in the UK. The long descent down Mam Nick and Edale with a tailwind is great too and the ridge road up from Windmill to Sir William Hill has fantastic views over Eyam and the Hope Valley. Anywhere in the Peaks really!

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

The Pyrenees, especially the Basque end. Brutal climbs, beautiful scenery, unpronounceable place names and massive vultures.

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

Some of my best memories are just riding around on mountain bikes as a kid with all my mates. I can also still remember first learning to ride with my Dad running behind me holding on to the saddle and the feeling of terror and exhilaration when he let go.

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

Yes it has. I used to ride only for pleasure, now some rides are definitely for training and there's not much enjoyment. Four hours in the rain holds no appeal but sometimes it has to be done. That said, I still enjoy the vast majority of my time on a bike.

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

'Women' in the plural, perhaps, but having one woman support you is a good thing!

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

I think the more cyclists the better, and not just racing and leisure cyclists. I'd be very pleased to see a Dutch/Danish style bike revolution where people commute, shop and take their kids to school by bicycle and car use is restricted in city centres.

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

Because alight bike makes cycling uphill easier without having to train more and eat less.

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

Yes. I no longer stop at the top of every hill to get my breath back and I don't spend as much time building jumps. And I know what a Watt is.

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

Igrew up with only a passing interest in road cycling - my heroes were Jason McRoy, Rob Warner, Missy Giove and Nico Vouilloz. When I started following the road then Indurain, Ullrich and Iban Mayo (before he got fat, slow and positive for epo). Needless to say I soon realised that having heroes in pro cycling was a shortcut to feeling betrayed and disappointed...

What was your favourite era of professional bike racing?

I enjoy watching most eras, with the proviso that a lot of what I'm seeing is entertainment rather than sport with its implications of clean-living athletic ideals.

Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

No.

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

Full length mudguards front and rear with a flap that almost scrapes the ground. Anything less is just rude.

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

I prefer not to stop unless it's a recovery ride, the temperature is at least 20 degrees and there's a sea view.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

I ownneither so don't feel qualified to say.

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

The first pair of SPD shoes I got for my mountain bike. They were Nike Ngubas in some fairly lurid early 90s colours and they revolutionised my cycling, once I'd stopped falling off at every set of traffic lights.

Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, 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 like a bit of everything, it depends on what kind of ride it is. I'm always happy to be shown new roads and back wacks I didn't know about - I like to build up a mental map of an area so I have multiple route choices rather than riding the same few roads over and over. The old road up Mam Tor is a good one for a bit of everything, I can usually get up on a road bike without dabbing.

What do you think about Strava?

Use it if you want but remember: it's not racing.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Great for challenging people to stretch themselves and to train for something they wouldn't normally do.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People who come on group rides in the winter on their summer bike with no mudguards.

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?

I don't think I've been around long enough to comment - the cycling clubs near me seem more popular than ever, still mostly full of grumpy old men but maybe that's changing?

Cotton cap or helmet?

Cotton cap unless racing or mountain biking.

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 it's more to do with what the upper body is doing, so as long as you can sit still without rocking your head, shoulders or pelvis then any cadence from hummingbird to albatross.

White, black or coloured socks?

Not black. And neither too long nor too short.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Frame pump. My arms aren't strong enough to get more than about 40psi with a mini pump.

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?

I enjoy discussing almost anything whilst out riding. It's a great way to not notice the miles and maybe learn something new. The people I ride with are at best erudite, at worst opinionated and always garrulous so I just have to nod in the right places.

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

I tried a tandem with the wife a few years ago, it was a nightmare! We wanted to pedal different cadences and she didn't agree with my braking point before each corner. So not her. Maybe Malcolm Elliott if he'd let me - I'd ride stoker because I trust his handling skills, his was always a good wheel to follow downhill: fast but safe.

Fitness is specific. Someone who is fit for 100m sprinting won't be fit for marathon running. Less obviously, a top classics rider won't be fit for GC contention in a grand tour. Unless they are Eddy Merckx. I thought I understood this concept well enough but I had a rude reminder as to how specific fitness is this weekend when I turned out on the teacake ride for the first time in months. 

The teacake is Rutland CC's Saturday morning road ride into the Peak District. It's a fast ride by my standards and almost always includes a tear up on the climb through the small village of Cressbrook.

I have been getting out regularly this winter; doing about 200 miles most weeks including a long, steady ride of 60-70 miles most weekends. I considered myself 'bike fit'. Until Saturday morning. 

I noticed how many people had no mudflap and I didn't want to take a gamble and end up sitting on one of those wheels so I accepted an invitation from T to ride on the front. It was windy so the going was tougher than it might have been if I'd declined the invitation. While I'm looking for excuses, my winter bike, weighing in at nearly 30 pounds, didn't help either. The same inconsiderate buggers who had no mudflaps were on skimpy summer bikes with clip on mudguards. 

I'm not deluding myself though - it was the pace that did me. It started fast and got faster until my legs came apart on Cressbrook where I had to settle into my own rhythm and surrender any ideas I had of hanging in with the fast lads.

I'm sure that if I had some of the class of any of the those who have answered Mamnick's 'local rider' questions, my steady miles fitness would have been enough to see me through the ride unscathed. But I don't. So I am left with sore legs and a lesson learnt. 

The lesson isn't all bad though. I might not be 'any kind of ride' bike fit, but I am 'my kind of ride' bike fit thanks to the specificity of fitness. I'll take that. Along with a kicking on the occasions I'm daft enough to turn out on the teacake.

I'm lucky in that I get to ride by bike with Simon Keeton most weekends as part of the Rutland club runs. He was one of the first people I sent these questions to and although it's taken him nearly eight months to complete them, I always knew his answers and photos would be well worth wait. 

Simon once told me he was like a 'stick-of-rock', in that if you cut him in half he'd be 'Rutland through and through'. He's not ridden for any other club and followed in his father Colin's footsteps by being a stalwart of the club. A rider with a ton of class and great bloke to boot. 

Simon, along with his mate and fellow 'Rutlander' Jon Rickards is a former World Tandem Hour record holder. 

What would you say are the benefits of a new rider joining a proper cycling club?

If you join a proper "Club" that has members who've been riding and racing for years, then you should learn from those members about Club life and all that goes with it, riding skills, road craft, racing, promoting events, how to ride in a bunch and most importantly etiquette when riding in a bunch. What gets me is when people join a “racing team” or a Club that's only been around for about six months, they go out riding with them for a bit and almost overnight they think they’re the next Mark Cavendish and they know everything there is to know about riding and racing a bike.

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

There is absolutely nothing to discuss here, mudguards and the all important rear mud-flap all the time. For the weather that we have in the UK from November through to March and our atrocious roads there is no other option. How people can set off on a ride in the rain with no mudguards is beyond me, they must enjoy getting wet and cold.

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

I do enjoy a good cafe stop but I'm not always fussed about stopping, just depends who I'm out with, the weather and how I'm feeling. I do our Club’s Saturday morning teacake ride but I don’t usually stop at the café as it’s only a short ride, I prefer to stop at the café on the longer Sunday ride.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Assos is my preferred choice for most of my cycling wardrobe. I wore Assos bibshorts when I raced as a schoolboy and I've never really worn anything else, I’ve tried a few other makes of shorts but nothing beats Assos, they're just so comfortable despite the high price.

Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, keep a good tempo going on the B roads or get onto the back-wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

A good tempo on the A and B roads is good in a group or if you're out on the chain gang but most of the time I like to get out onto the back-wacks and get away from traffic as much as I can. As for rough stuff on your road bike, yes why not, it always makes the ride more interesting and you’re not likely to see any cars which is always a good thing.

What do you think about Strava?

It's alright if you're into thatsort of thing but I'm not really a stats and charts kind of person although I do like to look atwhere I’ve been and probably the average speed for my ride. For training I'm kind of old school, its all about riding your bike and hours in the saddle not looking at how fast someone else can ride on a "segment" of a road. When it comes down to it, speed only really matters when you've got a race number pinned on your back.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They're alright in that they're getting people out of cars and onto bikes so that's a good thing but I’ve never entered one myself. I can’t really see the point of paying between £20 and £40 to ride with a group of cyclists on roads that I ride anyway and then get a certificate to say that I’ve ridden that specific route of 100km in such and such a time. The way that road racing is going in this country I can see that sportives will become more and more popular and will become “unofficial” races, a bit like reliability rides. With the season long Premier Calendar events down to just a handful of racesa year and so many local races and events just disappearing I can see riders turning to sportives in the not too distant future and treating them as races.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People wearing shorts in winter, what’s all that about? Just because it’s sunny in November and you can see some blue sky from your kitchen window why on earth would you go out in shorts?Black socks are another one but that’s the next question and sock length is another debate that could go on forever.  

White, black or coloured socks?

This is a bit like the mudguards in winter question, as white socks are the standard issue for road riding. Black doesn’t and shouldn’t really be an option; if they are then they should only be worn in winter under overshoes. White socks with some colours are perfectly acceptable and socks should only be ankle high. If you want to wear socks half way up your calves or up to you knees then you should be playing tennis, not riding a bike. 

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?

Club riding and etiquette is something that’s been disappearing for quite a while. It’s good that there are more and more people on bikes because this hopefully means less people in cars. The Wiggo, Cavendish and Froome boom can do the sport no harm at all, but its basic club riding that today’s breed of new cyclists seem to be missing out on. Going out and buying all the best tackle that money can buy doesn’t just suddenly turn you into a good biker rider / handler.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Up until recently I was still part of the old school of cotton cap wearers. My Dad was killed in 1999 whilst racing anddied from his head injuries but I still didn’t wear a helmet even after that. A couple of years ago we had an older guy come down on one of the mid-week runs and landed straight on his head and we were only doing about 10mph so after that I started to wear one. I was probably one of five out of the forty or so riders on the run that didn’t wear a helmet so I felt a bit guilty at not wearing one. You could say that it was a like being in a race when you’re out with that amount of riders, only you’re not wearing a helmet and everybody else is. Chris Walker also had a dig at me on the way out to watch Lincoln a couple of years ago for not wearing one so I decided it was probably time to see sense. I must admit though if it was scorching hot and I was in Mallorca on a ride with a few others I think it’d be a cotton cap day.  

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?

Everyone seems to think that they can spin gears like Armstrong and Froome and win like them but they can’t, everybody is different. I’ve always kind of been somewhere in the middle myself, big gears if I’m riding a time trial and then obviously when I’m riding a road race it can be a bit of everything. Froome didn’t look the most elegant of riders last year on Ventoux when he jumped away from Quintana with his legs spinning like bees wings, but it worked for him and he’s obviously capable of sustaining that high cadence for a long period of time.

Frame pump or mini pump?

I used to have a frame pump then I went onto mini pumps but now I’m back on a full size frame pump. I always find that frame pumps work and mini pumps don’t. There’s nothing worse than puncturing in winter, stood freezing at the side of the road trying to blow your tyre up with a three inch pump. You can guarantee that whenever you’re in a group and someone punctures they always end up borrowing someone’s frame pump rather than using their own mini pump. Mini pumps do look good and can always fit in your pocket but I’d rather have a pump I know will work when I puncture.  

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?

Nothing in particular really, whatever’s in the news, the weather, racing, anything really but nothing too serious. 

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

I would say that my perfect tandem partner has been the one I’ve been lucky enough to ride many events with, my friend and Club mate Jon Rickards. I’ve ridden with a few different people on the tandem but with Jon we just seemed to “click” together when we rode together. We kind of knew how we both felt when we were racing and how well (or bad) we were both going. As for other tandem partners I would have liked to have had a go with my other Club mate Malc Elliott, maybe there’s still time yet before we both get too old and Jens Voigt would be another candidate. 

The Local Riders Q&A continues with Russell Downing, who is quite literally a very local rider. Born in Rotherham (my hometown) Russell's pro career started back in 1999 and has ridden for a number of notable teams including Linda McCartney, CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta, Team Sky, Edura Racing and this year (along with his brother Dean) he will be riding for new outfit - NFTO Pro Cycling. 

'Fonzy' was British National Road Race Champion in 2005 and other notable results from a great career so far include the Tour de Wallonie (2010) and the Tour of Ireland (2009). 

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

Winning the National Road Race Championships. 

Winning Tour of Ireland because of the conditions and the teams I beat.

Becoming the 1^st British rider to win a race for Team Sky (Stage of Crit International). 

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

The Strines towards Sheffield; I just love the views and road whatever the weather. 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Would probably have to be any road with the ocean to one side of me. It feels so special. 

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

Would probably say the Tour of Ireland because it proved to a lot of people that I was capable of beating the worlds best riders and it got my contract at Team Sky. 

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

I don’t think so, I still love the bike and always will.

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

I don’t agree with it but it’s a great saying and the Rocky movies are a great motivator.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK atthe moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

Cycling is at high at the moment and its great to still be part of it , I just wish I was 10 years younger so I get more out of my career .more people on bikes is surley good for healthy living and making people fitter.

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

Probably because the fitter and lighter you are the better you will go on your bike. Power to weight ratio etc. 

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

Yeah a little bit but not loads. I just used to ride my bike whenever and with whoever, but know I have more structure and specific training for big goals and races during my season.  

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

Would have to be Sean Kelly as he was a true racer and I've been very privileged over the years to become friends with him, which is great. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

I would have to say the current era is the best.

Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

Longs are cool and we started them before Brad, back on Team GB with Jamie Alberts , Charly Wegalius  and Tom Southam.

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

I like to train when training and have coffee stops on easy days. 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Neither. 

Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, 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'd always choose the back-wacks as its safer and normally better roads. Save the rough stuff for the mountain bike.  

What do you think about Strava?

Only used it once, I'd get addicted if I used it more. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They are growing in strength and are a great way of getting all abilties of riders on bikes and to challenge them.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People on bikes not wearing helmets. Stay safe folks.  

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?

90 to 100rpm is probably a good cadence.

White, black or coloured socks?

White for sunny days black for rainy days.

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?

Normally short and sweet on the bike, get the job done.

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

Chris Walker - I reckon he’s a beast , I'd ride back and put my feet up because  he’s so strong.

___________________________________________________

Notable results from Russ Downing's career

TOUR OF OMAN 

88^th OV 

62^nd TOUR OF FLANDERS 

35^th SHEDLDEPRIJS

115^th PARIS ROUBAIX 

BAYERN RUNDFAHRT

12^th NATIONAL ROAD RACE 

It's hard to find something original to write about in relation to cycling without repeating or re-wording things that have already been said on other blogs and journals. Perhaps paradoxically, I think there is something new to be found in something old; traditional cycling clubs. The reason nobody (or at least nobody I can see) is writing about club cycling is that, despite the current boom in cycling, traditional cycling club membership is said to be down. More people choose to participate instead in the ever growing number of sportifs on offer.

With the caveat that I've never done one, I think a significant attraction in sportif rides is the challenge; something to get fit for. I understand that. But my experience is that a club ride can be as challenging as you have the appetite for. You just need to find the right (or wrong!) ride.

Crucially though, a club ride has other things going for it that seem to be missing from sportif rides. First of all it's free. (Other than the cost of your cafe stop if you do a long ride and your yearly club subs if you find a club you like and want to join.) Next there is the the time honoured etiquette of group riding. By watching riders who know what they are doing and listening to their advice you get to learn how to ride confidently, predictably and safely in close proximity to others in the group, looking after yourself and those around you. And you learn to trust that others will do the same. You learn how vital pacing is and why half wheeling won't win you any friends.

Then there are the conversations. Either at the cafe or on the bike during a long ride conversation will cover all kinds of subjects. Interesting, informative, infuriating maybe and sometimes just bikie small talk. Perhaps this is no different to conversations riders might have on a sportif ride. But riding in a tight group and with the same people each week allows you to develop friendships which in turn lead to better conversations. And if you ride with a club that has some history, fascinating stories of local pro's and old races will crop up. Stories that you can't just find on any old blog. Being involved in these conversations, even if that just means listening, is a big part of why I like riding with a club.

Amateur cyclists of all stripes are influenced by what the pro's are doing; how they train, how they eat, which bikes they ride and how they are setup and what clothes they wear. Compact carbon frames, long socks, Oakley shades, high cadence and, dare I say it, wearing a helmet are all examples. There is an irony that although the pro's have spent their lives riding with cycling clubs, today's pro-wannabes rarely seem interested in joining them.

Mark Walsham was born in Dronfield, his first cycling club was Chesterfield Spire. He turned professional in 1985 for the Raleigh Weinnman team and rode as a pro until 1998, riding for the Percy-Bilton team amongst others. Finally he finished his career with the Linda McCartney Racing Team.

During his career Mark won over 200 races including many stages in the classic and now defunct Milk Race. 

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

Grand Prix of Wales 1987 – 138miles, won alone by almost 3 minutes.  Manx International 1984.  Around 200 race wins; everybody remembers me as a sprinter, but I always tried to win alone, always more satisfying.

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

We really are spoilt with the Peak District on our doorstep.  The climb up from just outside Hathersage to the Gliding club at Abney is one that stands out for me, hardly any traffic, proper mini Alpine climb. Ann, my wife loves the back lanes and although they are invariably tougher roads, they’re quieter and take us back to our early cycling days when we just rode all day for fun as teenagers, before racing took over.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Would have to be in South Africa, the road around the Cape, troops of Baboons around Simons Town and spectacular views on the road back to Camps Bay & Cape Town, great memories.

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

Lots of great moments, but probably travelling, meeting and making friends with people all over the world.

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

Had some good times racing all over the World, with some great teammates.  I stopped at the end of 1998 when a verbal agreement to manage the LindaMcCartney team the following year was ignored.  That was one flick too many.  I’ve met some great characters through cycling, but also a few bull-shitters/dreamers with their false promises and we all know what happened to the LM team.  So, for 13 years from then I walked away from cycling.  Only started riding again 2 years ago, for pleasure and fitness. I’m just like a kid again, loving it, it’s back to being ‘all about the bike’.

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

He must have batted for the other side, what a load of bull! A good woman gives your life stability and happiness, the foundations for success.

We are in the midst of a well publicised boom in cycling in the UK at the moment. Has it affected you? Do you have any thoughts about why it has happened and whether it will continue? Do you see any negatives to the increase in popularity?

More race coverage on the TV, more bikes on the road! – it’s got to be a good thing.  Lots of the new breed seem to have missed learning cycling etiquette through club riding, seeming to have none of the camaraderie with other cyclists – ‘all the gear & no idea’  But is that their fault?  And does it matter that cycling is attracting a different kind of rider?  More people on bikes has to be a good thing.

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

People sometimes look for easy answers, it’s easier to buy a light bike than ride harder for longer, eat less and lose body weight to improve performance.

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

I’ve regressed back to my youth in my riding, enjoying riding in the lanes.  Ann & our son, Sam both ride, so it’s great to ride together.  Still like to have a blast now and again though.

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

‘Big Ted’ has to be my no 1 hero, what an insatiable beast he was, super aggressive on the bike and a modest man off it.

What was your favourite era of professional bike racing?

1980’s

Do you think Bradley Wiggins looks cool despite his long socks or because of them?

Despite.

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

Depends how many bikes you have.  Mudguards and mudflaps work best, especially if you ride with others.  But if you only have 1 bike, clip on guards are fine, at least an effort’s been made.

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

Both; if its a steady Sunday ride with the family or old friends a cafe stop’s great.  If it’s a tempo ride, then straight round, a lot of people have to get back for family duties nowadays.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Largely depends on the size of your wallet.  Never used Rapha, Assos is great quality, but loads of good kit out there nowadays.  Some of the stuff direct from China is good and great prices – no need to be a label snob.

Do you, or have you, got/had a favourite piece of cycling kit?

I do like a gillet, great for keeping out the chill, without overheating.  My Garmin Edge is great as well, always used to keep a training diary, but the Garmin makes it so easy to upload and analyse your rides.

Do you prefer to get your head down on the A6, keep a good tempo going on the B roads or get onto the back wacks? What about the rough stuff on your road bike?

The latter two would be my choice, A6 only preferable when it’s icy.  ‘Back wacks’ are great for scenery and getting away from traffic, B roads are great for upping the tempo and getting the average (speed) up.

What do you think about Strava?

Strava’s good as long as it doesn’t become the objective and remains a means to record/anylyse your rides, as an encouragement to try different roads and as a motivation tool to get out there and ride.

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Great for attracting newcomers to the sport, but I can’t help thinking they’re a money making thing, in this country at least; but saying that, anything that gets ‘bums on seats’ has to be good.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Ignorant car drivers – very rare that any of them acknowledge you for singling out or sometimes that you even exist!  Still, that’s what road rage was invented for, although these mini pumps are nowhere near as effective against the tin boxes as the longer, heavier ones we used to have ;-)

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?

Most of the big races that were the staples of the British road racing calendar seem to have disappeared; seems odd that there is so little racing for Elites during this current boom.  I’ve been out of it for a long time, but suspect it may be road closures that’s the big issue – correct me if i’m wrong.

Cottoncap or helmet?

Speaking as someone who’s had multiple fractures of the skull and cheekbone, obviously i’m a cotton cap man – old school i’m afraid, freedom of choice, although i’m pleased my son wears a helmet.  Yes a helmet may reduce the damage caused in an accident, but If the aim is to reduce accidents, educating drivers is the priority, not legislation targeting the cyclist.

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?

The tendency now seems to be more towards increased cadence as a more efficient technique and a fluid pedalling action always looks better, classier than the brute force approach of bigger gears, heaving out the saddle.  ‘Froomey’ takes it to extremes though, very effective, but can’t help thinking he looks a right ‘Fred’ with his little gear attacks.  Just goes to show there’s more than one way to get the job done.

White, black or coloured socks?

Contrast’s the key, white socks with any colour cycling shoes, black looks ok with white shoes – not keen on these long socks though.

Frame pump or mini pump?

A frame pump will do more damage in a ‘ruck’, but mini pumps are convenient and lighter for cycling

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?

Varies, depending on who you’re with and what the mood is.  That’s why it’s good to ride with different people, to get different opinions, views.

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

Always threatened to do a tandem TT with Ian Sanders – me on the front of course as Sandy’s ‘mince pies’ are not so good – not sure he’d trust me though; he has been in a high speed car accident with me driving and was never a relaxed passenger after that!

“Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone” - Joni Mitchell

Cycling used to be the most beautiful sport. Beauty in both its purest sense, the aesthetic, and in the broader sense of the combination of all the qualities of a thing that delight the senses and mind.

Think of Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil or Eddy Merckx in their knitted jerseys, mid-thigh length shorts, perforated leather shoes with white ankle socks and cotton caps. Racing elegant Italian steel framed bikes equipped with exquisite, well engineered components that epitomised good design in that they looked as well as they functioned.

Add the pain and suffering of riders pushing themselves beyond physical limits comprehensible to most people and spectacular backdrops like the French Alps or Italian Dolomites and no other sport could touch cycling’s imagery. No other sportsman looked as cool as a racing cyclist.

Things have changed. Instead of knitted tops in natural colours, riders now wear lycra often with hideous day glow colour combinations. Cotton caps have been replaced by helmets and steel frames with traditional Italian lines and geometry have been replaced with bulbous, disgusting, plastic perversions of the that classic design. And these frames are fitted with freakshow components that belie their designers’ slavery to reducing weight at all costs.

Professional cyclists will always look cool because of their rake like, chiseled physiques and because of the sport itself. The images of cyclists putting themselves to the sword in the most beautiful scenery in the world will always be striking. But modern professionals manage to look cool despite the clothes they wear and the bikes they ride rather than because of them.

Antoine Ventouse 

Blindside Lane is a destination road in my opinion, meaning, I usually ride out this way just to do this climb. In summer, if you're doing a longer ride into the Dark Peak of the Peak District, it's a quiet way to come back to Sheffield. In winter, I'll ride out to Low Bradfield and make this climb a vital part of a shorter ride, either around the lump, or sometimes just back over New Road and then onto Burbage (or the second part of Jaggers, which ever way you like to call it). 

The road itself is called Blindside Lane but it's always been know to me as The Italian Flag, due to an Italian flag that flies half way up the climb (sometimes) throughout the year. 

Blindside Lane is one of many roads around Strines that have been recently resurfaced, perhaps to aid transport needs with foresight of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire in 2014. I must admit, I've only ever seen maybe two vehicles on that road all year, as most traffic has no reason to be on there. It's always a peaceful, pot-hole free, silky-smooth-ride that leads through a small section of trees called Andrew's Wood. Towards the top the woodland opens up, revealing a beautiful view down onto the Dale Dike Reservoir. At the end of the road if you turn right onto Sugworth Road which is another ace road that will take you onto the A57 to Lady Bower/Yorkshire bridge.

The Italian Flag has an average gradient of 5.5%. The first part is the hardest, even then it's not very tough. If you're racing up this, your missing a trick. Soak it up! This road is one of the Peak Districts hidden beauties and you'll be up it going steady in 11-14 minutes anyway.