Gavin is Membership Marketing Manager at British Cycling and chooses a retro 10 speed racer as his commuting hack. Avoiding the germ infested bus and the guilt-riddled car journey are his top reasons to commute by bike.
Name: Gavin Finch
Job Title: Membership Marketing Manager
Tell us about your commuting rig:
1984 Raleigh Equipe with steel frame. White with original grey and yellow decals and personalised scratches. Down tube Sachs Huret shifters, original grey bartape that offers no comfort. 25mm gumwall tyres. SPD pedals and San Marco Concor saddle are the only concessions to modernity.
What’s your commute like?
Three miles across Manchester each way – easy except for the traffic up Portland St and the road quality on Adair St.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Try to average 2-3 days per week depending on meetings – though my colleagues might think that is optimistic.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
Can get in quicker than on the flu bus and feel less guilty than taking the car.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
Having to get changed before and after, the rain and punctures.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
Keeps the legs ticking over and more sustainable form of transport.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
The idea of riding a retro bike seems like a good one at first but I now appreciate the development in brakes, gears and comfort when I get on my newer bikes. However it's sturdy and can take being thrown around, I just have to be careful at junctions on wet days.
What’s your killer commuting tip?
My bike probably isn’t the best suited for commuting but I ride a reasonably short distance, if I was riding further I would definitely get a more appropriate commuting bike – comfort is everything, you won't commute if it's not comfortable or fun.
How does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting?
(Membership Marketing Manager Gavin shouldn't struggle to answer this question- Ed) I've got the back up of legal cover and insurance should the worst happen; great deals to make my riding cheaper; and the knowledge that my membership fee goes towards improving the cycling environment for me and others like me!
Send us your Commuter Profile!
We want to know about your commuting experiences; how far you go, why you choose to ride, your killer tips and your commuter grumbles. Download, complete and email back your commuter profile to editor@britishcycling.org.uk and tell your story. Feel free to include a photograph/photographs of you and your trusty commuting bike!
Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)
