Mat cycles over 20 miles a day to and from his job at Wiseman Daires in Droitwich. Last summer he recycled his old Raleigh racer and now enjoys the changing seasons of his bike commute and the extra cash in his pocket - now he doesn't have to feed his Land Rover £10 worth of diesel everyday!
Name: Mat Barrie
Workplace: Wiseman Dairies, Droitwich
Above: Mat's resurrected Raleigh racer, now pressed into regular commuting duties, proof positive that you don't need to batter your bank balance to get back on the road.
Tell us about your commuting rig: It's an early 1990's Raleigh Equipe 12 speed Road Racer. It was sat in my shed for many years when I decided last summer to dig it out, clean it up and try and cycle to work.
What’s your commute like? My commute is 11.7 miles each way with a 400 feet drop to work and guess what, a 400 feet climb home. It's mostly country lanes, passing through several villages in North Worcestershire.
How many days a week do you commute by bike? Depends on the weather! Can be 1 or it can be 4.
What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Cycling along the country lanes either 1st thing in the morning or in the afternoon on the way home. It's a great way to unwind after a long day sat sometimes in meetings etc.
What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? Foreign HGVs whilst travelling along the Kidderminster to Droitwich road. Had a couple of close ones. Also head winds!
What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Both to keep fit and save money, can save £10 a day against putting diesel in my old Land Rover.
Have you got any funny or interesting bike commuting stories or experiences to share? It's interesting to see the seasons change and also to be more in turn with the weather. You notice how dry the last 10 months have been.
What’s your killer commuting tip? The first time I cycled to work it took me around 60 mins, by the end of last summer I was down to 41 minutes! Not to bad on a 20 year old bike with down tube shifters!
Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Have just joined so still finding out all the benefits.
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!
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