Meet Tim, British Cycling Ride Leader

Name: Tim Whitaker 

Ride leader since: 2019

Number of Guided Rides: 154

Number Community Group rides: 314

Location: Yorkshire & the Peak District

Tim Whitaker has been a Ride Leader in Yorkshire & the Peak District since 2019, following on from his retirement to full-time work. Coming from a running background, exercise had always played a part in Tim’s life and he felt that cycling would be a logical way to maintain fitness levels, as well as tackling the Ride Leader shortage in his local area. Since then, Tim has led 314 Community Group rides alongside 154 Guided Rides. “I know a lot of routes from my running days which has aided my planning ahead of rides!”. 

When asked what his favourite part about being a Ride Leader is, Tim commented on his enjoyment of getting out in South Yorkshire and soaking up the scenery. His ability to help fellow cyclists get out on their bikes is also something he is pleased to offer others through his role. 

Tim’s rides see people travelling significant distances to attend, as they may not have access to many rides in their local areas. Because of this, Tim is committed to encouraging people to lead their own rides and has so far been successful in that two separate people have now set up their own groups in Doncaster & Chesterfield. This is where Tim has seen his impact as a Ride Leader and wants to continue showing people that this is a possibility for them. 

When asked how he deals with challenges as a Ride Leader, Tim spoke of the importance of “describing your ride well”. This is to prevent people from booking rides that are not suitable for them and to avoid the risk of misleading or ambiguous information. “Not only should the mileage be stated, but also the amount of elevation and surface conditions. A 20-mile flattish road ride is very different to a 20-mile Gravel Ride, with 2,000 ft of climb on a forest fire road.”

As a Ride Leader, Tim deems it imperative to offer a range of ride types to keep things varied for his attendees and offer new experiences and positive challenges. “I try to cover different rides, from fairly flat 15 milers on Guided Rides up to challenging mountain bike Community Group Rides.”

Over the past five years, Tim has many fond memories as a Ride Leader, with a stand-out being leading a group mountain bike ride in the Peak District with a backdrop of the shining sun and breathtaking views. 

Tim’s favourite KETTLE Chips flavour is Lightly Salted.

If you are a volunteer leader and would like to share your experiences, then please get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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