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

I have always exercised coming from a running background, and on retirement I felt that cycling would be a logical step to maintain my fitness. I found that there was a shortage of ride leaders and as I know lots of routes from my running days, I started to lead rides.

I really enjoy getting out into the wonderful South Yorkshire

countryside and sharing this with fellow cyclists.

I get people travelling quite a distance to come on my rides, as there is nothing locally for them. Therefore I try to encourage people to lead their own rides and have been very successful, in that two separate people have now set up their own groups in their local areas of Doncaster & Chesterfield.

It is really important to describe your ride well, so that people do not book on a ride, which is not suitable for them. 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.

I try to cover a range of different rides, from fairly flat 15 milers on Guided Rides up to Challenging/MTB Community Group Rides.

Tell us a standout memory you have whilst leading?
It's always great to lead a group on a MTB ride in the Peak District, when the sun is shining and we stop to look at the wonderful views.

Lightly Salted Kettle Chips.

Thank you to Tim for sharing their insights and experiences with us.

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

We love reading all your stories, but please understand we cannot publish them all. We will do our best to publish as may as possible.