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Congratulations to our newest Ride Leader!
Just over a week ago, Chris Cutcliffe became our newest Ride Leader after passing his assessment ride.
Like many of us, Chris started riding as a kid, and was fortunate to have a Malvern Star "Dragstar" with a three speed gearstick shifer on the top tube. Motor bikes took over during university years and it wasn't until his late 40's that he purchased a heavy mountain bike from Anaconda.
After getting the taste, Chris quickly progressed to a Cell road bike in 2011 then in 2015, his "special birthday" present was a Trek Domane. His riding also progressed, starting with commuting to the city then building to do a number of Audax rides, the longest being 400km around Forbes.One of his most memorable rides involved four days of gravel, completing 100km per day starting in Eugowra.
Chris has been a member of Bike North since 2012.
"I was looking to explore more of Sydney beyond the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which was the extent of my riding up to then."
An early ride was Meadowbank to Bobbin Head when Chris panicked when he saw "The Wall" on Ryedale Road. Fortunately, the Ride Leader knew the easier way around this impossible climb.
Chris commented that he found the process of becoming a Ride Leader was quite easy. Bike North provides the resources and the combined knowledge of some very experienced Ride Leaders.
He added, "Riding up front is very different and it has made me a better rider, more aware of my surroundings and traffic."
Outside of cycling, Chris has worked in banking and finance, but last year started long service leave, which has given him the time to ride more during the week. He is married, with two sons, one of whom has recently moved to Melbourne and taken up cycling just like his father.
In conclusion, Chis added, "Becoming a Ride Leader lets me give back to the Club, which I have been a member of for over 10 years. I would like to encourage and support new members who may just be starting out on their cycling journey."
Congratulations, Chris! We look forward to seeing your rides on the calendar and you cultivate your own Ride Leader style!
Brian Lynne
Rides Co-ordinator
rides@bikenorth.org.au |