08/09/2010

Select a Rider

Mark Affuso (Treasurer)
Paul Ashdown
Tom Bailey (Club Run Secretary)
Shaun Bailey (Webmaster)
Rob Barker
Robin Bellamy (Youth Development Officer)
George Bridge
Robert Draycott
Bob Hill (Club President)
Gavin Hinxman (TT Secretary)
Andy Laing
Steve McGarry
Josh Monger
Mike O' Connor
Colin Pountney
Michael Rogers
Jamie Scott (Kettering Amateur Friendly CC 1991)
Bernard Smith (Press Secretary)
Adrian  Tilley (Club Secretary)
Robert White (Magazine Editor)

Michael Rogers

No ImageI have been a member of Kettering Cycling Club for a year now. I’m not allowed to publicise on websites what I do, but I wear a pointy helmet, drive a car with blue flashing lights which goes “nee-nor”. If I’m behind you in my car, you will see “ecilop” in your mirror. I cycle to work as there is very little parking and it’s quicker to cycle the 2.5 miles than to drive anyway. I usually do this on my mountain bike.

Many many years ago when BMX racing hit the country for the first time I was ranked number 3 in East Anglia in my age group and competed up and down the country. I’ve still got boxes of trophies in my garage which I can’t part with. Then I discovered beer, clubs and girls and the next 20 years is a blur until I woke up one day married with kids and overweight, so started running again, got injured, bought a bike and here I am.

I also do triathlons and have done for 4 years. When I’m not injured I am a keen runner but have been cursed with a really dodgy Achilles tendon which inflames whenever I just start finding my form.

I became interested in cycling when I was about 12 years old when the BMX craze hit the country. The interest passed after a few years and was rekindled 20 odd years later when I bought my first road bike to do a triathlon. When I gave up BMX racing as a kid, I never really rode again competitively again until 4 years ago when I took up triathlons. I have always ridden for pleasure and as a means of transport. I enjoy cycling because it’s a chance to escape from everything (the family!) and see places I would not normally notice inside a car.

My favourite cycling route is in Dorset where I cycle to Portland Bill. Great scenery, immense hills and sea air. Locally, my favourite route is from my house to Church Brampton, East Haddon, the Bringtons, Nobottle road in to Duston then home again. Only 19 miles but a challenging ride.

I’ve only really tried time trialing but fancy a go at road racing one day. I remember my first race as an adult was a KCC time trial last year. I recall having bike envy at all the nice bikes there. My best cycling performance as an adult is nothing to brag about. I generally finish mid way on most events I enter and am happy with that. The longest distance I have ridden was 70+ miles in a day but generally my “long” rides are around 40 miles. I’m a bit too old to have serious sporting ambitions now, but I aim to enjoy what I am doing for as long as I can and try to stay injury free.

The Fonz is my all time hero. As for cycling Lance Armstrong is probably my role model. He’s a bit like marmite, you either love him or hate him. Aside from cycling, I currently enjoy spending time with my kids. They pretend to like me in exchange for lifts and cash. I also enjoy walking my 2 dogs, though they are both knocking on a bit now. I also have a pile of scuba diving kit in my garage which I haven’t used in a while but fully intend to again soon.

My favourite food is chicken, I go through 2 or 3 bags of chicken breasts a week. As for favourite drink, wine - red or white, I’m not bothered but it has to be at least 13% in strength. I drink it for its medicinal properties only. Honest!

In the future in the UK I would like to see more companies signing up to the cycle to work scheme. I have many colleagues who now cycle after buying bikes through the scheme who otherwise would not been able to afford it.

Last Updated: 30/03/2010