Introducing...
Every month, we introduce some of the Kingston Wheelers and John Onken is here for September along with Luke Cutler. John's just moved to San Francisco, making him the Wheeler with the longest journey to the club run start point.
Name: John Onken
Age: 46
Any significant others? Fin, Julia and Max.
Date you joined the Club: March 2006
What made you start cycling?I tried running.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers?I committed myself to a charity ride to Paris and knew that I needed some training and motivation. Ironically, I’d overestimated the pace and endurance needed for this ride so I ended up as the only one breaking away over the cobbles on the Champs. People thought I was being a bit nuts.
What bike do you ride? A 1989 Miyata 914. It’s a great Cro-mo frame with pre-105 parts. It was a great bike at the time, and I like to think that since Koga bought out the company a few years ago, it has a certain pedigree. Other than that, it’s a simple ride that I’m used to.
Give us a brief cycling background: London Commuting on mountain bikes, then lots of road time over the last five years since moving the office to Kingston.
What was your best performance or ride?On a leg of a London to Cannes ride, I knocked off about 140 miles in a day which included a crash and a cracked helmet in the middle. I think I was so angry from coming off that the adrenaline kept me pumping for the extra distance.
What was your worst day on the bike? The same one.
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? Anyone who’s up a hill faster than me (which is just about everyone).
What is your favourite bike food? Cashews (among everything else).
Where is your favourite cycling location? We’ve just moved out to the San Francisco area (Menlo Park/Palo Alto) and I have to say, it’s pretty nice. The road all have wide smooth bike lanes, the weather is always perfect, and everyone’s in Lycra on a $5000 hunk of carbon. There’s even a climb out our back door that is roughly the same length and grade as the Alps de Huez, minus the famous names on each corner. The only drawback is the lack of tea shoppes or pubs for a stop over (it’s either a Starbucks or a petrol station). An open invitation stands for everyone for a nice ride if any Wheelers are out this way.... I even saw a Dynamo jersey the other day so I need the support!
Most likely to say: "Sorry guys, it’s my gears/brakes/tracking/headset again, we’ll have to stop.".
Least likely to say: "I’ve just bought a new bike.".
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