Meet British Cycling member and bike commuter Martin who completes a whopping 44 mile round trip three to four times a week in all weathers.
Name: Martin Cowley
Workplace: Isle of Dogs, London
Tell us about your commuting rig: Standard 2011 Specialised Allez Comp which I still appreciate even with white bar tape and white saddle, both now very dirty. Carbon forks a godsend in pothole central.
What’s your commute like? Apart from hilly country lanes at beginning and end , the 44 mile round journey is completed on ‘A’ roads and busy ‘B’ roads through Central London, some miles of which, after recent weather, resemble lunar landscapes ( See ref. carbon forks above).
"Arriving at work with glowing face, a feeling of achievement and the incomprehension of work colleagues as I shrug snow off my kit."
A few of Martin's favourite things about bike commuting
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Three to four days a week in all weathers, though I prefer having to wear less than four layers!
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Being able to look at the sights and arriving at work with glowing face, a feeling of achievement and the incomprehension of work colleagues as I shrug snow off my kit.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Potholes and the fact that bus drivers and taxis do not see the irony in complaining to me about using bus lanes! (in many cases they're for cyclists too - Ed)
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Fitness, saving the planet, saving money, buying another item of Gore Bike Wear, slicing through inner city traffic.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? On the journey home one night I was complimented by an MTB rider about my handling skills at the top of a very steep incline near home as it appeared that I was ‘balancing’. I was not able to tell him ( lack of breath) that I was looking for that elusive sub-Granny gear below the lowest one I was already in!
What’s your killer commuting tip? Buy the best clothing you can afford: in most cases there is a reason some things are more expensive than others.
Are you a British Cycling Member? Yes!
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)
