Introducing...
Every month, we introduce some of the Kingston Wheelers and Luke Cutler is here for September along with John Onken. Luke's just joined the club but has been into cycling for sometime, whether road racing in the 1990s or more recently as part of some triathlons.
Name: Luke Cutler
Age: 36
Any significant others? Dionne (I need to introduce her to cycling as she is much fitter than me!)
Date you joined the Club: August 2009
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers?Joined after a training ride, which was friendly and well organised.
What made you start cycling?I was always sporty growing up. Back in 1993 I tried to get into triathlon but with no swimming pedigree I fell into cycling, my first few months were me riding on my Raleigh with toe clips and top of the range Sidi shoes, chasing the wheels of a number first cats around the south shropshire roads. Good times!
What bike do you ride? Focus Cayo, a great bike for the money but a little harsh for the long rides. Mine's the one with the rack on the back. My first bike was a Raleigh, I then road a 1970’s Colnago for quite a while before buying myself an Omega. Boy how I miss the Colnago, it fitted like a glove. I have been investigating the market for a new bike and if my fitness and finances improves I think I’ll take a trip to Harwich to take a closer look at a Burls Titanium Frame.
Give us a brief cycling background: I started cycling with Wolverhampton Wheelers and Wrekinsport in 1993, a serious injury put an end to my racing initially, ask me about losing my hearing on Xmas run in Church Stretton. I did have a mediocre comeback in 1995 on the road bike. Then got back into triathlon during the period 2001 to 2004 having taught myself to swim competitively (thanks to the Total Emersion book). However that all ended with a damaged knee. Now my knee feels much better I really want to have a crack at a few road races and a few time trials before I’m 40. But most of all get in shape!
What was your best performance or ride?If I am honest it was the hill prior to my serious crash where I left a number of first cats standing. But very proud of my half-Ironman in 2004, and London to Canterbury ride in 2007. I won a competition I entered with Orange and rode the Tour de France course with no training, 120 miles between London and Canterbury of pure pain throughout. Oh year, and I had a reasonable day in 1995-ish when I came tenth in the West Midlands Regional Road Champs.
What was your worst day on the bike? Too many to talk about.
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? Lance, Big Mig, Museeuw, Spencer Smith. Some other not so well knowns, Bob Brown, Stuart Dangerfield, John Stollery, Jason Meyer.
What is your favourite bike food? Beans on toast, porridge, and hot chocolate with two espressos.
Where is your favourite cycling location? South Shropshire, North/Mid wales, Around Oakham in Leicestershire, Surrey Hills, Devon, Chilterns.
Most likely to say: "I used to be a good hill climber once.".
Least likely to say: "Can we speed up! And while we at it, let's go up Leith Hill one more time." Oh and very unlikely to say "No thanks I’m not interested in stopping for cake.".
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