Tim from Leicestershire just loves racking up those commuting miles on his converted cyclo-cross bike.
Name: Tim Skelton
Workplace: Leicester
Tell us about your commuting rig: It’s a Kinesis Crosslight 5T cyclocross bike, in blue. I’ve replaced the ‘cross tyres with Schwalbe Marathon tyres (25mm) for a bit more puncture protection and smoother running. Also fitted full mudguards, nothing worse than wet feet in the rain.
"I ride in everyday, all year round. I also ride between appointments across the city which is shorter, and generally fast as the traffic is pretty swift, I also ride 20 miles each way to one of our other sites in Loughborough which is a really great way to rack up the miles in the week."
Mile-hungry bike commuter Tim from Leicestershire
What’s your commute like? My regular commute is seven miles each way, reasonably hilly with 370 ft of climbing on the way in. It’s mostly rural roads, some of which are ‘rat runs’, so can be quite fast /busy at peak commuting times.
In the summer, or on the way home, then it’s anything from 7-25 miles, dependent upon the weather and how my legs feel...
How many days a week do you commute by bike? I ride in everyday, all year round. I also ride between appointments across the city which is shorter, and generally fast as the traffic is pretty swift, I also ride 20 miles each way to one of our other sites in Loughborough which is a really great way to rack up the miles in the week.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? It’s a great time efficient way to exercise, I also arrive at work more energised and focused, the ride home is a brilliant de-stress.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Not a massive fan of the headwind or rain!
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? I have been commuting to work for 20 years, and can’t really imagine driving a car to work, over this time the cycling infrastructure has got a bit better, there are certainly more people out on bikes now than when I first started
What’s your killer commuting tip? If you think a car driver is going to, they probably are, that goes for just about anything, cutting you up, braking early/late and most common of all ‘not seeing you mate’.
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)
