Introducing...
Every month, we introduce some of the Kingston Wheelers and for January 2009 it's Richard Barnes-Webb. He's just joined the club but has already ridden across South-East Asia and got the cycling bug after seeing the Tour de France live in front of him.
Name: Richard Barnes-Webb
Age: 35
Significant others: Becky and Alfie. (Pictured above is Becky, myself, and a guy called Jan)
Date you joined the Club: January 2009.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers?Initially I was looking for a regular Sunday club run, and found Kingston Wheelers on the internet. Subsequently, it's because the club seems to offer a myriad of cycling companions and experiences
What made you start cycling?A few years ago, a friend of mine talked me into a camping trip to go and watch the Tour de France. I never realised how huge the spectator scene was/is (and that all take their along bikes too). During the trip, I managed to pedal to the top of l'Alpe d'Huez (just; let's say i took longer than Pantani).
What bike do you ride? For winter/Sunday rides, I ride a purple Fondriest (that I scored on eBay for £60). To commute, I ride a Trek T1 track bike (another late-night eBay purchase!). For events, I've got a Litespeed Avior, now very dated, in part thanks to Campag's progression in the last few years.
What was your best performance or ride?When we got bored of the backpacking scene in SE Asia, Becky and I randomly bought bikes and cheap panniers in Bangkok and cycled to Singapore - 1900km away.
What was your worst day on the bike? A few very unfit January's ago I tagged along on a wet Sunday ride with another club (that I won't mention). It was cold, long, and I spent most of it cheering myself up imagining how low I would set the reserve once i got home and put my bikes back on eBay.
Any favourite pro or inspiration? Those legendary hard guys; arguably the greatest is Eddy Merckx. Floyd Landis nearly made that list, for one or two days.
What is your favourite bike food? Bananas, SiS drinks (but not their gel!).
Where is your favourite cycling location? The Alps around le Bourg d'Oisans.
Most likely to say: "Today I think I may as well go along with the slow group", "It's because I've gotten used to the triple on my other bike", "My frame's geometry doesn't really suit this kind of ride".
Least likely to say: ""I wish I were in there with the 1st and 2nd cats", "Put me back on my bike".
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