Meet Azhar Qadir from Lancashire, who commutes three days a week through Bradley Wiggins country to his place of work. Azhar loves saving money through biking to work, dislikes tan lines and terrible roads and avoids squirrels and hedgehogs at all costs. Over to you Azhar...
Name: Azhar Qadir
Workplace: One Connect Limited (part of Lancashire County Council)
Tell us about your commuting rig:
It’s my first ever road bike and it’s a Claud Butler Elite 2011. And the best part of the bike is my Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. Excellent puncture-resistant tyres.
What’s your commute like?
15.6 miles each way from Buckshaw Village to Chorley towards Accrington Train Station. First half of the ride to work is country roads, very quiet and therapeutic in the morning. Three big hills to tackle before it levels out with a few more when you get in to Blackburn. On the way back, it’s a little scary. Finishing at 4pm at the height of rush hour has resulted in some very close calls. But the ride back home is an easier ride with only two steep hills (10% and 11%) compared to how many I tackle in the morning. Route is all Road.
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
My target is three times a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday allowing me a rest in between. I’ve not done much cycling prior to this and the rest days are a welcome feeling. Hopefully in the next couple of months I’ll up the commute to four times a week before it’s every day.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
Nice quiet morning, get to see all kinds of wildlife in the morning. Best thing is that it’s free. Costs me nothing to get in to work but reap all the health benefits. Especially the petrol prices being at the price they are, I find motivation to get on the bike very easy. Buying more cycling stuff, a few more jerseys, bike computers etc. Beating the time it takes me to get in to work and going home when I cycle.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
Tan lines and terrible roads!!
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
As mentioned, petrol prices being at the price they are I cycle to work to save a lot more money. And cycling it in three times a week has made me save 60% of money on fuel! To lose the fat and get thin! I’m a big lad but I still manage to do the commute.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
I’ve had more near misses with squirrels, birds and hedgehogs than I have with cars.
What’s your killer commuting tip?
Baby wipes! My workplace doesn’t have a shower facility so if I forget the wipes my colleagues at work won’t be too pleased.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting?
I have signed up to the Ride membership as it met my requirements. The peace of mind of the insurance definitely is a must and would recommend it.
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)
