Ian Hamley on the benefits of cycling to work...
How long have you been cycling?
One of my earliest memories was learning to ride on a bright yellow bike (“Little Prince”) when I was probably 5 or 6 and I spent hours in the rain and wind trying to stay upright on two wheels having decided to cast off the stabilisers. I then progressed onto a second hand black Raleigh Chopper which I absolutely adored (and wish I still owned!) and then a racing bike when I was a teenager. At university, other priorities took over and it has only really been over the past year that I have rediscovered cycling. Perhaps it’s the start of a mid-life crisis!?
Why did you get back into cycling?
Basically, I didn’t have a great work/life balance and I just couldn’t find time to get routine exercise into my weekly routine and I generally felt really unfit. Cycling to work allows me to get some regular exercise without taking too much additional time out of the diary. Also, following quite a severe bout of pneumonia in the summer of 2013 I really did need to get my fitness and physical stamina back and cycling has really helped me with this. My asthma symptoms have also drastically reduced.
What bike do you ride?
Through the University’s Cyclescheme I purchased a Specialized hybrid bike in July 2014 which combines the lightness and speed of a road bike with the robustness of a mountain bike for slightly more adventurous terrain. It was brilliant to be able to spread the cost over 12 months rather than one big payment.
Tell us about your commute
It’s about 11 miles to get to campus from Walmley, Sutton Coldfield and I try to come along the Birmingham/Fazeley Canal as far as possible and then pick up the Worcester/Birmingham Canal to get to campus via Brindley Place. Where possible I try to keep off the main roads during the main rush hour. Coming along the canal is really enjoyable as I get to see a real mix of rural and urban Birmingham. It takes around 50 minutes door-to-door which is actually quicker than using public transport or driving.
Are there any downsides?
There are some practicalities which need a bit of planning. For example, I keep a supply of work shirts and trousers in my office (rather than cycling in work clothes) so every other Sunday I drive over to drop off a fresh supply of work wear, a healthy supply of bottled water and shower supplies for the week ahead. So far I have resisted the urge to check e-mail whilst in the office! The thought of cycling home after a day at work can also be a bit depressing but after the first mile or so the endorphins are kicking in and everything is good! It is also a downside for my colleagues in University House to see me in the early morning clad in cycling shorts – not a great start to your day!
Any advice to those considering cycling?
Without wanting to get into legal bother with the owners of a well-known trademark – just do it! It’s a great way to get fit and active and for me is more enjoyable than going to a gym. Assuming your legs are moving the scenery is always changing around you! The upfront costs associated with cycling can be as modest or as high as you want to make it – the choice is yours. I may not be so evangelical in the middle of winter (when I probably will resort to the delights of public transport) but whilst the weather is relatively kind it’s a great way to start and end a day at work.
If anyone is interested in starting a BBS Cycling Club for leisurely rides of a weekend, please get in touch with Ian directly.