Nigel Hunter clearly loves his bike commute through Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. He loves it so much that he's extending his daily mileage from 24 to 36. By our crude reckoning, that means he'll be clocking up a whopping 180 commuting miles per week on his beloved Forme Reve road bike. There are some pros who don't do that kind of weekly training mileage! Good effort Nige!
Name: Nigel Hunter
Workplace: Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel, Derbyshire
Tell us about your commuting rig:
I love my Forme Reve. It's predominantly white with red and black decals running a compact 50/34 and a 12/26 9spd cassette on the back. Very comfortable ride. A lot of bike for the money!!
What’s your commute like?
I'm extending my commute into work and back this year by an extra 12 mile,s making it 36 instead of 24. My commute is all on road with a mixture of hills and flats starting with a nice climb up to Underwood from Jacksdale in Nottinghamshire. Its specially nice in the spring where theres cool mornings but ya warm up quickly going up the hills :-D
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
I commute 5 days a week
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting?
The thing I love most about commuting is being able to wake myself up in the mornings feeling the fresh air on my face saying 'Hi' to other riders on the route and feeling ready for the day's work ahead.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike?
Having to deal with impatient drivers (daily) on my previous route. Not met any yet on this route and hoping it stays that way.
What are your main reasons to commute by bike?
Like I said before, I enjoy it and it keeps me fit. But most importantly to promote riding to everyone I come into contact with. My cycle IS my transport. And would also be my preferred method of travel even if I did have a car.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share?
Strangely enough quite similar to fellow commuter profiler Lee Wassell in Cumbria. Riding home one evening after shift at around 11:15. Pitch black. No street lights. Just after a tight left hand bend I heard something swoop over me looked up and saw the underside of a barn owl with its wings outstretched. Talk about instant weight loss. I've never gone that way home again!! Chicken I guess.
What’s your killer commuting tip?
I wear a headlamp when riding home at night. With it being high up cars see me sooner I feel. If you are riding in traffic and approaching a side road on your left move out into the middle of the road. Not only does this give any cars coming out of that road a wider angle of vision to see you it also slows traffic down behind you so makes it the safest position for you to ride in. Ride confidently!!
Are you a British Cycling Member?
Yes I have a British Cycling Ride Membership!
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)
