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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"Every so often a bird gets up and fly's some place that it's drawn to. I don't suppose it could tell you why, but it does it anyway",

Ian Hibell

The world famous rugged-terrain cyclist, adventurer, photojournalist and lecturer gained a taste for travelling during his R.A.F. service in the 1950’s. So in 1963, determined to see more of the world, he left Brixham, Devon, to explore some of the most wild and inaccessible places on Earth. He pushed, dragged or carried his bike from the fringes of the Antarctica to the jungles of the Amazon, from the Artic to the remoter islands of Indonesia. This drew the attention of the international media. A guest on the BBC television ‘Globetrotter’ series, and ‘Blue Peter’, he was honoured by the League of American Wheelmen and by the CTC for his ‘trail-blazing' tenacity. He was invited to address the Yale University and lectured on both sides of the Atlantic. He became the first man to cycle the Darien Gap in Panama, and the first to cycle from the top to the bottom of the American continent. He went from Norway to the Cape of Good Hope and from Bangkok to Vladivostok, wheeling or walking every inch of the way. Naturally there are many extraordinary stories to tell, so many people and places, so many miles. Chased by an elephant, sniffed by a lion, jailed and shot at. More friendly confrontations led to hospitality by such as an Eskimo princess, a Dyak headman in Borneo, African chiefs and missionaries. Ian Hibell carried on cycle-touring for the rest of his life......

Setting off in the morning light with “the quiet hum of the wheels, the creak of strap against load, the clink of something in the pannier, was delicious."

We are proud to manufacture the Hibell shoes here in Derbyshire, dedicated to the great man himself. A big thank you must go to Nic Henderson of Bike Brothers who, as a personal friend of Ian's and his family, gave me permission and the rights to use some of Ian's personal photographs as well as fill me in on some of Ian's stories during our long phone-conversations. What was most touching was to hear Nic tell me that he thought Ian would of loved the idea of having a cycle-touring shoe named after him as "he was always looking for sponsorship was Ian". In all honesty, at that moment this really turned into someone more than just a product. It filled me with confidence that we were manfacturing a product here that mattered, that celebrated someones life. This gave me the extra drive and energy to really see the idea through and complete the shoe to the best of our ability. 

One thing at a time, as beautiful as possible. 

Words by Nic Henderson & Thom Barnett

Images from by Ian Hibell and India Hobson

 

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The latest rider to take on our Mamnick Local Riders 'Quiz' is an absolute hitter! 

Chris Walker was born in Sheffield. His first club was Beighton Wheelers. He was the winner of numerous crits and twice British Crit Champion, the winner of the 1991 Milk Race and a load of other single-day races! I'd like to give a big thanks to Chris for taking the time to answer the questions and also for providing me with a load of great photography from his racing career.

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

I'd probably have to say my 4 stage wins and points jersey in the '91 Settimana Bergamasca that Armstrong won overall because I remembered watching it on TV when I lived in Italy as an 18 year old so it was great to be racing it and winning in it. I always loved racing on Italian roads anyway.

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

I'm sure if I checked back they'd be a few Yorkshire riders that you've interviewed saying the same route but my favourite has to be the ride from home through to Holmfirth, over the Moss then either left and over Snake and return home via The Strines or straight at Glossop and over Chunal to Chapel en le Frith then back over Rushup Edge dropping down MamNick and through Hope Valley to get back home. I've done this with a number of different training partners over the years including Adrian Timmis, Rob Holden, Steve Sefton, Paul Watson the late Stuart Coles and in my later pro years Russ and Dean Downing and more recently with my kids and also Gabz Cullaigh and Grace Garner. They'll all tell you they love it eh Grace?

The same question for roads anywhere in the world? 

This is a hard one because I've ridden on so many awesome roads throughout the world but as I said before I loved the Italian roads where I lived in Tuscany. We normally head out to CapeTown for the whole of December as thats the only quiet period at work and I love riding out towards Cape Point and the hills around there that they use in http://www.cycletour.co.za The views are breathtaking and the light down there seems totally different to any other place I've been to. The roads and mountains in Mallorca take some beating too. Shall I go on, there's more.....?

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

I'm not sure if its because I'm getting old and I'm losing my memory or not but the things that stick out in my mind are all the great times I've spent with our youth team both in training and enjoying their success over the last couple of years and also seeing how much enjoyment my kids are getting from cycling.

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

I've mentioned this a few times in interviews but I was unlucky because my professional career coincided with a bad period for doping and the worse thing for me was that I felt like I had to keep quiet about the things that I saw because the guys that did speak out got a hammering. It still pisses me off when I see the cheats coming out of the woodwork and saying they're sorry when I don't think they really give a shit, they've still got their stolen money in the bank! I became disillusioned with my chosen career because of the problem and just thought of it as a better way of earning money than a normal job because I thought my dreams were unachievable but my manager at the time, and good friend Keith Lambert, pulled me round and I started to enjoy my racing again albeit at a much lower level than I'd planned for myself.


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

Depends on the woman you end up with, if they aren't totally behind you and interfere with your racing or training then thats bad but if they support you and keep you happy then without doubt its going to make you stronger.

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? 

Cycling's the new Golf isn't it and I've always hated Golf so its all good. Without doubt it's a massive positive that we've got the boom in cycling because there are now lots more professionally run events like SKY rides and sportives but on the negative side of that there are some riders who treat these events as Tour De France stages and ride irresponsibly on open roads. I've even seen it first hand on our local Saturday run when guys jump red lights to try and stay with the bunch. Another positive is that we are getting more facilities likethe new Derby velodrome that opens next year. We are still waiting for our own in the biggest and best county in Britain though! Another point is that because its mainstream a lot of parents are getting their kids into cycling as they want them to be the next Wiggo or Cav so we are getting an ever increasing pool of young riders into the sport. I've seen it at youth races where there are 60 odd U14 girls lining up to race each other whereas my wife had to ride against the boys when she raced at that age and there would only be a couple of other girls to race against.

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

Its called 'The arms race' according to British Cycling youth coach Tim Buckle and I see that first hand too. I'd have a stiff non flexy frame over an uber light one any day of the week. The great thing about our sport is the fact that someone could go to Halfords and get an entry level bike and go out training and if they have the talent they'll be able to keep up with guys on £5K and probably give them a kicking. Even most lower end bikes are good enough to race on these days.

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

Absolutely, I've got way less time to ride my bike these days but I love it just as much. I still hate getting a kicking as much as before though.

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

I always mention Kelly because I loved the way he raced. In the modern era its Gilbert, Cancellara and Dan Martin for the same reason as with Kelly.

What was you favourite era of professional bike racing? 

Now for the reasons mentioned in one of your earlier questions.

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

Despite his socks because I'm old school and don't rate his sock or shorts length although my sock length has increased this year, have you seen him in his whistle?

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

I used to be full mudguards and flaps at the rear as long as possible and use a real heavy winter bike so you thought you were making yourself stronger but things have changed. Winter bikes that most ride these days are better and lighter than our old race bikes and clearances dont allow proper mudguards. I could go against the grain and have an old fashioned shed of a winter bike but I get a big enough kicking as it is without giving myself a weight disadvantage.

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

Most of my weekend riding is in winter as I'm at races with the kids in summer so we normally skip the cafes.

Assos, Rapha or neither?

I like them both, nice quality kit but I've only got a short paper round so its too pricey for me, so I stick to great value for money quality with RST.

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? 

Always been a back-wacks man but they're harder to find as there are more car drivers finding our quiet roads and using them as rat runs to shave a few minutes off of their journeys. Before mountain bike we always used to head into Clumber Park/Sherwood Forest on our Dinnington RC club runs and I used to love it but as I mentioned before the bikes we rode were a lot different so I save the rough stuff for my mountain bike rides in Sherwood Pines or Cannock Chase.

What do you think about Strava? 

Not a big fan, I used it when it first came out but then saw times compared to mine on certain climbs that Dan Martin couldn't do. It made me want to contact these guys and say lets meet up, I want to see you drop me by 30 seconds on that 2 minute climb where you are KOM. I suppose its still a great tool to see where you are on a personal level but you can do that with a Garmin without having to tell the world.

What do you think about Sportive rides? 

I covered this in an earlier question but its mainly positive.

Do you have any cycling pet hates? 

Sticking tubs on, thats why I get someone else to do it. Oops that reminds me I owe Dan Storey £20, I always flick him!

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 think the big change from when i started is the grass roots club scene and the great old school advice that you'd receive from the older members whether you asked for it or not!

Cotton cap or helmet? 

Come on Thom, don't go there!

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 prefer to see cadence and save the big gears for the sprint or attack at the end of the race or training ride. There's nothing better than seeing a rider with a sweet pedalling action flicking over the pedals when moving through the bunch. I can always remember being in awe of Adril Van Der Poel when I rode against him in pro races. Its funny because I can remember seeing Tom Stewart for the first time on our Saturday run. I'd asked Russ earlier in the ride if he could recommend anyone locally when we were setting up RST Racing Team and he said 'mountain bike Tom, he's out today' and when I saw him the first thing that I noticed was his classy pedalling action. When it comes to time trailing my wife and I are divided on this one because she's always telling our kids to push bigger gears and I tell them to use more cadence.

White, black or coloured socks? 

White with some colour for me, Black when mountain-biking.

Frame pump or mini pump? 

Can you still buy frame pumps?

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

Depends what mood I'm in or how stressed I've been at work, sometimes its just nice to chat and clear your head without going too deep.

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

It'd have to be Russ Downing because he finds gaps that aren't there, I'd be stoker going flat, stick with my eyes shut.

Photo credit : Chris Walker @ Monsal HIll climb - Andy Jones.

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I got asked by a lad I work with the other month, simply "why ride 82 miles to York?" My reply was simply, "Do it yourself and you will get the answer".

When you posted the Mamnick challenge and this lad had asked me the question why I ride so many miles, I was in the saddle one Sunday when the question, 'Why?' popped in my head.

I guess the reason why I ride every day when I'm not at work is to enjoy the open spaces and the never ending roads; climbing the grinding hills and and the descents to a thousand feet below.

A more darker reason is, back in 2009 my late father spent 8 months battling terminal cancer at the Castle Hill Hospital. My mother had passed away a year earlier to brain cancer - this was a sudden illness with no time for goodbyes.

When my Father was diagnosed, we just carried on as normal and enjoyed life as much as we could. He set goals like being around for my sons 1st birthday and then it was his first Christmas. Unfortunately 2 weeks after Christmas he passed away. But whilst he was in the hospital for the last 8 months of his life, as his only child, I supported him as much as I could, spending as many hours in his room. We talked, laughed and cried as we watched the world thru go by through this big window. This  overlooked a country road. He loved gardening and walking did my old man! 

You should do that son, he said one day. "What's that dad?", "Get a bike", he replied. A dozen cyclists had passed the window on a Sunday club run.

Well here I am 4 years later, capable of knocking out a 100 miles on a bike and no matter which direction I take on my bike rides from my house, the first port of call is a country road that passes right past a certain window at Castle Hill hospital. A little nod and a wave and I know the old man has got my back to push me thru the miles in the saddle. Yes, that's why I ride.

Nigel.

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