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.

 

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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!

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“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 

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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. 

 

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Born in Finland to an English mother and Finnish father, Wegelius grew up in York in the UK, and went on to race for some of the best teams in cycling including the Belgian Lotto team, Italian Team Liquigas and the world’s most successful ever team; Mapei.

During an impressive eleven-year career he became one of his generations most trusted and reliable riders, riding in a remarkable fourteen Grand Tours (including three Tours de France). During this time he was hand picked to ride in support of some of the sports greatest champions, such as 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, and Italian Danilo DiLuca, alongside whom Charly was part of the team that won the 2007 Giro d’Italia.

Charly’s esteemed reputation at the very top tier of European professional racing, at a time when few other British riders had managed to break through to that level, helped to lay the foundations for the current crop of successful British professional cyclists.

Charly Wegelius currently worksas a director sportive for the American Garmin-Sharp team.

 

 

 

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

I didn’t finish the race, but the 2007 Giro was my best achievement.  Being a part of a winning team over a 3 week race is unbeatable.

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

I haven’t ridden a bike really since I retired, but when I was racing the Sacro Monte in Varese was one of my favorites.  

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Many years ago I trained in the Napa Valley in Northern California. That was pretty special.

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

Seeing Eddy Merckx comments in the Gazetta Dello Sport the day after Franco Pellizotti won his Giro stage in 2006 * (see below)

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

It has ended it! I have not been able to swing a leg over a bike since I quit racing.  Pe rhaps it is still too closely associated with hard work and obligation to feel like a hobby. Maybe in time.

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

Many of masseurs in the past were totally convinced by this.  I wouldn’t say they weaken legs, but they could distract the mind, which has even worse effects on performance.  Often they can help to focus ones efforts though…..

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?

As I haven’t lived in the UK for many years, and am somewhat marginalized by the establishment, I have not seen much of this boom first hand.  I do however see many british faces at the races and that is great.  Only time will tell if this level of enthusiasm is sustainable, I certainly hope so.

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

Because its easier than starving yourself.

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

I used to clean my bike parts in Brasso and put them under the stairs wrapped in newspaper for the winter.  The spring after I quit I took my bike out, planning to ride it.  I never actually got round to riding it, and ended up going off to work a race.  When I got back weeds had grown up around the bike so I had to cut it free.  

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

I think the pro’s pro of the last years at least has to be Pablo Lastras.  A gentleman and one of the last real team riders.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The late eighties, just when I was discovering the sport, was unique for me.  Headbands, mullets, Fagor, white “ Time" shoes, Campag Delta brakes,  sunglasses with sweatbands, I loved it all!

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

I wouldn’t say he looks particularly cool. But he goes fast.

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

The whole hog. Preferabbly with a fairly liquid bottle to make a mud flap.  Extra long, so the first kms grind it out to exactly road level.  Wet bottoms are no good.

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

I’m so old that I used to stop at a cafe in the “pre whacking fabric” days.  Starting out after an hour by the radiator with cold damp clothes on was never fun.  But now I reckon I would stop.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Castelli.  The thinking man’s clothing choice.

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

I used to love my 28mm training tires, super for sand road excursions, but a bugger to get through tight frames and brakes.

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 A6 was grim in 1999, so I don’t think it would be much fun now.  But it has its merits, getting where you really want to be with minimum time wasted.  As far as dirt is concerned, I loved riding dirt roads, and it got me through a lot of training in my last years that I probably wouldn’t have managed otherwise.  Highly recommended.

What do you think about Strava?

We use Garmin Connect, which is a great way to collect your rides and share it with the whole community.  I can also check up on my riders, and see how long they have been stopped at the coffee shop. I

What do you think about Sportive rides?

They seem to be a great way for people new to the sport to challenge themselves over famous terrain and meet like minded people.  But I think they should be treated just how they were intended : as fun.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

I used to hate having to put shoes on in the morning that were still wet from previous days stage.  The cycling equivalent of putting wet jeans on.

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?

Traditional cycling clubs, even though they weren’t nessecarliy the hippest gangs, always made sure to teach everyone the basic etiquette of riding together. Pointing out potholes, saying hello to one another bla bla bla.  Who will teach that to people who come in to the sport but are never part of an old school cycling club? It would be a shame to loose that, its so nice when someone waves a polite hello.

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet.  The asphalt tends to be quite hard.

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 advantage is spinning a smaller gear is that even you may be creeping, there is always a chance that you are going to look fast to the casual observer.  That possibility is not open to those who choose big gears. 

White, black or coloured socks?

I used black socks on rainy days for the first time in 2011. The year in which my career ended.  Maybe its a coincidence.

Frame pump or mini pump?

I often used a frame pump, but put it in the rear triangle, sticking the rear wheel squewer in one end for extra security. I thought it was a great, offbeat look, with an eye for tradition.  Pump was always full of rain water, and invariably rusty, mind you.

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?

If you ride 35,000km per year you can usually cover most topics.

Maybe it's slightly taboo to talk about doping but, do you think Lance Armstrong has been unfairly treated?

Its doesn’t have to be a taboo to talk about doping.  I think it is good that Lance has finally admitted what he did, so that the years of constant speculation can end, and the sport can start to focus its energy on building a better future.  

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

I would ride stoker, with my Mrs. Perfect.

* Eddy Merckx said, if Axel (his son) had had a teammate like Charley then he would of won the stage. Axel was away on his own and Charley chased him down alone for the his team-leader, and eventual stage winner, Franco Pellizotti. A massive tip of the cotton cap from the big man himself!  Continue reading

In 1804, Joseph Marie Jacquard (1772-1834) recognized that although fabric weaving was intricate when done by hand, as most practices were back then, it was also repetitive. He saw that a mechanism could be developed to create more sophisticated styles and patterns of weave. Some say Jacquard's invention influenced computer science. 

 

No-one as really defined what part of the 'Jacquard' machine, Jacquard himself designed and there is a good chance that he combined the best mechanical elements of some other inventors of the time, but with that said, no-one created the machine that Jacquard made which could produce a fabric with a greater definition of outline. 

The machine Jacquard invented would have been a lot different to the machines that made our cotton Jacquard cloth. In 1983 electronic Jacquard looms were introduced in Italy that were infinitely more versatile and since then, many of the old hand-punched machines have been retired to museums and exhibitions. Originally the fabric designs would of  been kept on a series of punched cards which were jointed together to form a continued chain.  

The subtle details of the Jacquard fabrics that we used for our recent Pilsey shirt serve to compliment our now trademark buttons - smoked reverse trocas shell from Sheffield.

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After being born in Kent, Kristian moved to Austin Texas as a child. It was here with the Violet Crown cycling team that he discovered his love for cycling. His ambition soon brought him back to Europe to race though and he has never looked back since.

Kristian has taken wins at the Lincoln Grand Prix, the Tour de Bretange, the Tour of Japan, the Premier Calendar and overall victory at the Ras in Ireland. His biggest moment though came in 2009, when riding for Rapha-Condor, he beat off possibly the strongest field ever assembled to take out the National Road Race Championships in Abergavenny.

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

Thats a tough one, there's the Surrey 5 day where the GB 'B' team stuck it to the GB 'A' team and Tom Southam and I took all the jerseys. The Tour of South Africa where I won the first stage and I had an incredible team around me, that rode on the front for 8 days to help me defend it. When I look back at the way we did that, it really was something special. There's the national champs that will always be close to my heart as it's something I always wanted and dreamed about. But if I'm honest, the one I feel most proud of was my stage win in Japan. We went there with Lappers (Darren Lapthorne) for GC and myself to get in the breaks to assist him later on in stages, but on the uphill Mass start TT it all fell apart and GC hopes went out the window. I can remember sitting down with Lappers in the hotel room, both of us feeling down, and he turned to me and said "Fuck it, we're going to fucking win tomorrow. Both of us in the break and we are going to win!". We came up with a plan for the next stage, stuck to it, and both of is rode out of our skin... Either one of us could of won that day, didn't matter, but I ended up crossing the line first. The satisfaction we got from that day, I'll never forget.  

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

Local never really applies to me, I'm never sure where that is! One of my favourite UK roads is the road the turns off  Long Hill coming out of Buxton and drops down to the reseviour, then after the dam turns right up what I think is Goyt Valley. 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

All in Austin Texas. Either Fitzhugh Road, Nameless Road or the second half of 1431 into Marble Falls. Oh and... So many to choose from, it's my favourite place to ride in the world. 

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

Winning the National Road Race. I remember that day every time I put on my jersey. 

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

Despite not starting out on the bike wanting to race I don't really think it has. Initially bikes were just a mode of transport, and when I was 14 I wanted to tour around the world on a bike. I knew nothing about racing till I was 16, but once I started I was hooked. My uncles and aunts do a yearly epic ride over a week, this year was Canterbury to Barcelona.... And even still I'd love to be able to join them... If they'd actually let me. 

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

Completely depends on the women. Haha.

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?

Absolutely. In my opinion it's basically down to what Bradley and Cav have done in the Tour de France, Olympics and Worlds and the fact they are such characters. Obviously because the sports become more popular, things are changing for the ‘domestic pros’  as people are not just paying more attention to the Tour de France, but to the racing they can come see on a weekly basis. So things like the Tour Series, Nocturnes, and because of that you build more of a profile in the UK. The only negative to all this is that there are more people on bikes out on the roads, which is actually a great thing, but the infrastructure isn’t there, as well as the education for both cyclist and drivers on how to interact. Hopefully that will change though. 

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

Honestly, I’ve no idea. I guess cause everyone believes its a quick fix to going faster. Plus everyone loves to have the newest and greatest and very often that's perceived as getting the lightest. 

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

I think there are times I do, where I feel like its going to ‘work’. But that's what I love about the winter… Less stress and you just go back to enjoying pedaling. 

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

I don’t know really… I don’t pay enough attention to it to pick one out. 

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

Same as above! I've never been a massive follower of sports in general… I just love doing them. 

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

Never really took much notice! 

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

I tend to go places where you don’t need any of them. 

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

Depends on what I’m doing… if I’m training properly then I just go straight round and get the job done. If I’m just out for a recovery ride or an easy one, then I don’t mind a cafe stop. 

Assos, Rapha or neither?

Silly question. Rapha of course. 

Do you prefer to get your head down on the 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?

Again it really depends on the training, but both really. And I’ve no problem going down dirt roads or cobbles on the bike. 

What do you think about Strava? 

I think it can be a great tool to use, at the same time people take it way to seriously. But hey, each to their own. 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

I think they are great. More of our Premier Calendars need to associate with them, in order to get better crowds at the races and it might help with councils and road closures by having more events that families can participate in. This will give the event more of an angle. 

Do you have any cycling pet hates? 

People not waving (saying 'Hi') when you pass each-other on the bike. Sometimes it's not possible i know, but in most situations I think it's good etiquette. 

Cotton cap or helmet? 

A little of both… But not a massive fan of the hat under the helmet. Obviously there are times it's called for I guess.

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?

Probably about 85-95. 

White, black or coloured socks?

I always race in white. Training it doesn’t matter.

Frame pump or mini pump? 

Frame 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?

Really depends on the person I’m riding with. Sometimes nothing at all. Tom Southam and I used to go out for 6 hours and say 10 words… Other days we’d get in to the meaning of it all. Really just depends. 

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

I don’t think I'd ever ride a tandem. Ha!

 

 

Images thanks to Rapha Condor JLT

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Born in Sheffield on bonfire night, 1974. Jamie Burgan first started ridding a bike after being taken to a city centre crit-race that Malc Elliott was in (as Jamie's dad taught him at school around the late 80s). He then started going on Rutland cc club runs on Sundays and the now 'famous'  Teacake run on a Saturday morning. He raced as a schoolboy and junior before joining the Royal Marines. After leaving Jamie quickly started racing again when back in civvy street and is now approaching this 10th season as a 1st category road racer riding for Langsett Cycles. 

As a racing cyclist, which results are you most proud of and why?
Probably 2^nd in the Yorkshire Champs,  a few years back now, one race that I think every local rider wants to win!

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

With living on the edge of the Peak District there are so many to choose from, I like the road upto Eyam from  Grindleford as I do it in my morning training rides in summer and you can see right out to Chatsworth. The roads back from the café at Elton were also great and Goyt Valley also.

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

Majorca is the mecca and for good reason, it has great roads and a great selection.

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

Loads of memories but a simple one springs to mind of getting up early on our yearly holidays to France and heading out on my Peugeot racing bike to the nearby village boulangerie to pick up the daily  supply of French Sticks.

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

I don’t think so really, if you want to race you do and train as you see fit. I suppose it does feel a bit like an instrument of torture by the end of the season but I am always chomping at the bit again by January.

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

Nope!

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?

Overall it can only be a good thing, although it does make it a struggle to get into the café sometimes! Surely it's better they are out on there bikes rather than waiting for Witherspoons to open with a can of special brew in there hand!  Will it continue? I think more or less it will,certainly with the tour coming next year and then maybe drop off a bit I think.

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

Power to weight ratio, can't say I do though.

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

Yes I am more careful and a bit wary of newbies in the bunch!

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

I always love the Cancellara and Boonen dual in the classics, both great champions and always the ones making the race.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing?

The 80s as I remember all the day glow colours watching The Tour on channel 4 and being transfixed as they went through the Alps. Nowadays it is good too as we have never had so much talent.

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

Mudguards with flap is the usual for me.

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

Café stop at the weekends.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

I suppose Assos although I don’t have as much as I used to, the air-block winter top is a classic in my eyes.

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?

B-roads with the occasional back-wacks I would say.

What do you think about Strava?

I have tried it, it’s a bit of fun isn’t it???

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Not done one yet but I am sure I will when I am 50 odd!

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

Just the usual half wheeling and pot holes!

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?

The old fashioned club run which taught youngsters how to ride safely and courteously which has all but vanished for a lot of clubs as everyone wants to be in a racing club and race,you can spot them a mile off in a bunch as they zig zag around!

Cotton cap or helmet?

Love the cotton cap but am afraid in England I generally wear a helmet these days as I feel it’s a bit dodgier than it used to be out there on the roads.

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?

Jan Ullrich style all the way.

White, black or coloured socks?

Same colour as the shoes.

Frame pump or mini pump?

Frame pump on winter bike and mini pump in back pocket in summer.

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 prefer talking utter codswallop and just generally chewing the fat,nothing to in-depth.

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

Jan Ullrich,I had better steer as he did used to come off a fair bit!

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Another back-wack that demands the most from you. New Road is a great alternative route back to Sheffield.

If you're unfamiliar with this road, it's the first left turn after Yorkshire Bridge, the small road with trees over-hanging as far as you can see up. It's a quiet one and the chance of traffic is slim, but it's far more demanding than the steady gradient of Manchester Road and ten times more scenic. If you miss this road, you're missing a trick. 

I've been dropped on New Road plenty of times but that said, I've also done my fair share of dropping others. It's one of those climbs where you can really tell how well your going and if you're on your own after the trees disappear, then I'd say your not going bad! 

Here the scene opens-up and you can look down into the valley and see how far you've climbed, it's a nice reward as the views to your right are close to amazing. You can see as far as Mam Tor and you've got Win Hill behind you. Looking down the slopping valley there's Bamford and Hathersage in the distance. But it doesn't stop there - a sharp up that swings left and you find yourself a on quick-small decent. Time for a little 'breather' before the road then swings right into another grueling short-sharp gradient. 

If you can make it over this in the big-ring your a harder man than me, but if you can get on- top of 42.21 then your mates will probably think your charging! If that is the case, I suspect you'll have a sweat-on for the decent onto Stangage Edge. Then you'll be greeted by another spectacular view of the famous ridge and glad you rode over New Road. 

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New Road is 1.6 miles and the average gradient is 5.1% but don't let that deceive you, the first part is around 8% for a mile and the final kick to the top must be close to 11%.

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Our local riders Q&A continues with someone that's spent plenty of time on two-wheels across many cycling disciplines. Adrian Timmis is one of only 26 British riders that have ever finished the Tour de France. He has also competed for Great Britain on Road, Track, Cyclo-cross and MTB in both World Championships and World cups. 

He was part of the ANC-Halfords team of the mid-80s, the last British team to be invited to the Tour until Barloworld (2007). Other riders of note from that team being another local Malcolm Elliot and Shane Sutton. 

A big thank you to Adrian for taking the time to answer and for providing the photographs. 

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

My stage win in Midi Libre 1987 just before the Tour, it was against some of the best riders of the time and riders I read about growing up, I made the front group and as we came into Bezier with 3 km to go Luc Leblanc attacked and got a gap, then with a km to go I attacked catching Leblanc 400-500m to go just as we turned on the boulevard going straight past him for the win .

The Rochester Sky TV crit 1995 as it was unexpected, I'd had a few personal problems the last few years, but had got my act together, changed my diet, had been training really well with Chris Walker doing our 'secret' crit training sessions, we both knew each other very well and a week before he told me I was going to win one of these crits, it was a hard crit with a hill every lap with a hairpin at the bottom, Chris and I spent most of the race off the front together only to be brought back, but with 5 laps to go I attacked on my own to take the win and Chris got the bunch gallop for 2nd, because of what I'd been through the last few years it was an emotional win for me and after the finish there were a few tears from me as Chris hugged me.

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

Birches Valley on Cannock Chase because its a road i grew up training on, always loved smashing up there. While living in Sheffield the decent of the Surprise into Hathersage, just as the decent opens up and you see Hope Valley in front of you, the view says it all. 

 

The same question for roads anywhere in the world?

The decent of the Col d'Izoard into Briancon, because its so much fun and brings a big smile to your face.

 

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

Riding up Alpe d'Huez this year with my niece Phoebe Martin, never thought I'd ride up there with one of my nieces, very proud uncle and she did it in an hour and 10min.

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

Always loved the bike, don't ride it as much as I want these days, but still love the experience when I do.

 

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

Old wife's tale! 

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 own a bike shop now so yes, it has bought the main stream to cycling, seeing loads of ladies buying bikes and 'normal' people coming to cycling. Lottery money helped bring the best out of the British cyclist and into the main stream press. There seams to be a steady stream of up and coming racers at an international level to replace the old guard, so as far as that goes it seams good. The only problem is racing and riding on home roads, racing seems harder to organize on open roads and the general public need to be educated more on how to drive with extra volume of cyclists on the road.

 

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

To one up their mates! Easier to buy weight loss than lose it personally.

 

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

Not a mile muncher, happy to get out for an hour if I can, but would love the feeling of going out on club runs, cafe stops and youth hostel trips again, that's cycling to me.

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

Sean Kelly because I grew up reading about him, then beating him a few times! But also some of the young pros of today who have better future outlook than some of us in the past and don't have to make the chooses that they may have experienced or seen in the past.

What was your favourite era of professional bike racing?

Now if I was a pro again, I'm not daft enough to think no one is taking drugs but it is a far more level playing field than it was, I/we grew up thinking the English Channel changed things and we weren't as good as the ones the other side, but as we have seen in the last few years it wasn't the sea water that made the difference. But if it was the innocence of youth it was listening to French radio Tour when I started, just listening for the names of the time and the back ground sound of team car horns.   

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

Yes, I'm old enough to be a Mod anyway!

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

Always mudguards and mudflap.

 

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

Cafe stop, again nearly every ride in Sheffield involved a cafe stop, spent a fortune in cafes over the years.

 

Assos, Rapha, Neither? 

Assos as I stock it!

 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?

Back wacks. I was doing rough stuff on the road bike when I started, one of my first trips to Sheffield was rough stuff through Clumber Park trying to push each other off, great fun! 

 

What do you think about Strava?

Have to admit I'm on Strava, if it keeps people on bikes I'm all for it, not everyone has time to race, so it allows people to race themselves and other people in their own time.

 

What do you think about Sportive rides?

Again if gives people an incentive ride it's fine, some people need an objective to ride, whether it's a race or sportive.

Do you have any cycling pet hates?

People bringing their dirty bikes in for repair.

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?

Road etiquette, more people are just riding with mates and not joining clubs and road etiquette is not being taught (not that every club teaches good etiquette) and as the more riders we have on the road the more we might antagonize other road users. I've been out with local rides which just seem an ego fest with riders all over the road which can't seem good from behind.

 

Cotton cap or helmet?

Helmet, I know it doesn't guarantee everything, but if cutsthe odds down I'll use one. I had a bad crash a few years ago, broken clavicle and elbow, smashed my helmet and unconscious for 4 hours, may have been worse without helmet. I'm sure some people will say how do you know it helped, I don't but if it cuts odds down I'll always wear one.

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?

Always spun, it was how I was taught as a youngster and has stayed with me today even when not fit, so high 90's looks right to me. 

White, black or coloured socks?

Not coloured, but black or white depends on colour of shoes and tan levels of legs!

 

Frame pump or mini pump?

If I could fit a frame pump I would, but have a mini at the moment.

 

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?

When I used to train with Chris Walker it was how we'd spend a lottery win, passed many of an hour on the bike or Chris would recite the whole of the previous nights Young Ones word for word, I had no idea what he was on about as I didn't watch it. Suppose lightweight.

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

My wife Nicola, been MTBing off road on full suss with her in the Lakes, even got out of the saddle together,  it was great cause I had big rucksack on so she couldn't see the downhills ;) 

Paul Swinnerton once tried to get me on the back of a track tandem with him, I refused pointblank, knew how mad he was.

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Adrian is now the founder of Cadence Sport bike fitting, for more information please visit - http://www.cadencesport.co.uk/

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