Meet our latest bike commuter, 50 mile a day singlespeeder John from London.
Name: John Clarke
Workplace: J.P.Morgan Asset Management, City of London
Tell us about your commuting rig: I ride a Ridgeback Solo World single speed road bike (as pictured above). Given the nature of my commute and the state of the roads past experience has taught me that standard geared road bikes do not fare very well with the British winter. A single speed with a good gear (I ride a 48x18) enables me to maintain a decent pace whilst also allowing for relatively little ongoing maintenance.
What’s your commute like? I have two options:
Option 1: During the darker months my ride is all road based on a mildly undulating route into London. There are a couple of short sharp hills that are good for getting the heart rate up but otherwise the route is flat.
Option 2: In the summer months I have the option of commuting pretty much all the way to work along the Lea Valley path which follows the River Lea all the way into the Olympic Stadium from where I pick up the Regents Canal towpath for the remainder of my commute. Pretty much traffic free all the way (except for the first and last mile), pan flat and very scenic.
Both commutes are approximately 25 miles each way giving a useful 50 miles a day total and take anything between 80 & 90 minutes.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Most weeks I will commute Monday to Friday work allowing.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Being able to ride my bike pretty much every day which has the added bonus of totally de-stressing me after a day in the office.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? As far as London is concerned my real bugbear is other cyclists who jump red lights.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Not having to spend in excess of £2,500 per year on a train season ticket, having my own space and not having to find extra time in my day to keep fit.
What’s your killer commuting tip? There is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing/kit.
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Not yet. Looking to join once I get paid this month!
Send us your Commuter Profiles!
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)
