Introducing...
Every month, we introduce one of the Kingston Wheelers but for the New Year, we are introducing two members. Emma Dews is here for January 2008 alongside Richard Evans.
Emma has gone from commuting a few miles to the Great Britain Duathlon squad within a short time. A member of the Thames Turbo triathlon club too, she's joined the Kingston Wheelers help improve and enjoy her cycling further.
Name: Emma Dews
Age: 33
Significant Others: Can we move on?!!
What made you start cycling?I was getting bored of running and my friend Charlotte East (also a member of the Kingston Wheelers) persuaded me to go to Joe Beer's Triathlon camp in Lanzarote in February 2007. Until then I had only commuted a few miles to work a couple of days a week, so the thought of cycling 25-60 miles everyday for a week (as well as some swimming and running) was pretty daunting! Anyway, I ended up having the most amazing holiday ever...meeting lots of great like-minded people and I discovered I loved cycling!! The whole experience was simply life changing (in many ways, but thats a non-cycling story!!...)
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers?Because Charlotte (notice the reoccuring theme - love ya Char!) said that doing some time trials would make me faster and that everyone at the Kingston Wheelers was really nice and wouldn't make me feel intimidated!
What bike do you ride? I bought a Schwinn from the US for £400 in January last year. Its served me well this year though would love a lighter bike and I know I need to get a better fit and positioning. Luckily... my dreams have been answered and Sigma Sport are sponsoring me this year through Thames Turbo tri club, so very soon I will be the proud owner (for a year anyway) of a Pinarello FT1 tri bike - I can't wait!!!!
Give us a brief cycling background: I have been cycling for a year now. In that time I have managed to pack in loads of duathlons and triathlons, a few time trials and some long rides (I try and do at least 50 miles on a saturday or sunday). However, it really wasn't that long ago that I was falling off every time I went out whilst trying to get my feet out of the blasted cleats!! Seriously embarrassing. Luckily when you are a beginner you can only improve.
What was your best performance?I did my first duathlon race in March 2007 and competed in the World Duathlon Champs in Hungary in May 2007, where somehow (mainly due to determination....definitely nothing to do with the cycling) I got a silver medal in my age group. I went on to do more dus and tris, the best one being the New Forest 1/2 Ironman where I was second women and eleventh overall - amazing race - it's so beautiful in that area of the country.
What was your worst day on the bike? When I got three punctures whilst out on my own in the Surrey hills. Had to flag some bloke down and get him to drive me home! Think I may need to go on a mechanics course!
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? Love Lance and Love Graeme Obree having watched The Flying Scotsman at the cinema! Apart from that I am a bit rubbish and don't know many famous cyclists! I'm always impressed with anyone I see whilst out cycling who looks like they know what they are doing!
What is your favourite bike food? You can't like proper race food - its revolting!!! Normal food is the way forward - I eat lots of cereal bars (chocolate and raison Geo are fave!) and fig rolls when on long rides. When I race I force down the High 5.
Where is your favourite cycling location? In the UK I love the New Forest as it's not too far away and it's very picturesque with a few hills to challenge you! Love dodging those wild horses and pigs too - makes it more entertaining! Usually end up in Surrey hills though, which is also lovely - though too many cars. The only other place I have cycled is Lanzarote which was great - perfect temperatures and with the wind and the odd mountain, it is really challenging (for me anyway!).
Most likely to say: "It's too cold/wet to cycle (sorry I am a girl and not that dedicated just yet!)"
Least likely to say: "No, I don't want any wine."
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