We are delighted to be welcoming Paul Daniels onto the RLSCC Committee as our Communications Officer. To help us all get to know a little more about him, and his role, we've asked him a few questions as part of our Meet the Committee series.
How long have you been on the committee?
Just starting
What does the role of Communications Officer entail?
Keeping our members, and the wider public, up-to-date with what’s happening across RLSCC. Working with our members I ensure we share everything from details about upcoming rides, events and relevant news through to stories about rides, races and other cycling adventures to inspire and entertain. We’re a big club with members across all disciplines doing all manner of great things on two wheels – I look forward to bringing that to life 😊
What is your Cycling discipline?
I’m a roadie at heart but love cyclocross in the winter months (especially once it gets muddy).
What do you ride?
Currently a Ridley Helium (in Belgian Blue) on the road and a Zannata CX bike.
How long have you been with the club?
Since I moved to Leamington around 7 years ago.
What do you enjoy about the RLSCC?
First, it’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people who are equally motivated to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. I’ve met so many people through the club and love the camaraderie and friendships that fall out of that. From a biking perspective I've learnt so much and improved immeasurably as a rider in that time and it’s pretty much all down to being part of the club – whether via the friendly competition to win the town sign sprint, trying new things (like CX!) or learning (a bit) about bike maintenance through all of the super knowledgeable riders we have!
In my view, you miss out on a big part of what cycling has to offer if you ride on your own all the time 😊
What is your most significant cycling achievement?
I’d have to go for the mega-sportive we did in the Dolomites a few years ago – the Sportful Dolomiti. 125 miles of epic climbing and descending in one of the most beautiful cycling locations in the world. If Carlsberg did cycling days out...
Who's is your cycling hero?
Tough one. I like the plucky one-day classics racers that lay it all on the line for the win and make cycling folklore. Like Tiesj Benoot when he won the Strade Bianche in the dirt. Or when Van der Poel won the Amstel Gold Race by hauling in the break single handed for 50k.
Closer to home there are two riders at the club who continually impress. Gerry Scott who approaches anything and everything he rides with the energy and enthusiasm of someone half his age and Steve Large who is literally a machine and would ride all day long if he could (and often does!).
What cycling event or discipline would you like to have a go at?
I’ve dipped my toe in already last year but I’d love to learn more about track cycling.
What is your cycling mantra?
Greg LeMond’s famous quote hits the nail on the head for me, "It doesn’t get any easier, you just get faster".