On my bike: Max Darkins, writer and route designer
Why do you cycle?
Fitness and fun, but I’m also lucky enough to be able to call it work for much of the time, too.
How far do you ride each week?
It varies a lot depending on what work I’m doing and the time of the year. It’s nearly always off road, and could be 300 miles a week when checking and signing routes, or in winter as little as 10 miles if I’m just taking my dog, Rocky, for a blast around the local woods.
Which of your bikes is your favourite?
It depends on where and why I’m riding, but at the moment it’s a Stooge Mk4 (rigid, steel MTB with big tyres – pictured), which makes my local riding in the Chilterns fun. It’s also low maintenance, which is a win in my books.
What do you always take with you when cycling?
A GPS or phone so I can explore and record any new, interesting-looking trails. And a hard-boiled egg, with a little sachet of salt, as it’s my favourite trail food.
Who mends your punctures?
Me. I try to do all my bike maintenance.
If you had £100 to spend on cycling, what would you get?
Gadgets. Anything new that comes out for cycling, I love to get and try out. The latest is an electric bike pump.
It’s raining: bike, public transport or car?
Bike and dress appropriately.
Lycra or normal clothes?
Lycra under baggies so I can sit in cafés and pubs without feeling self-conscious.
What’s your favourite cycle journey?
The next unknown route when trying to find a fun way to a new destination.
What single thing would most improve matters for UK cyclists?
People having empathy for other trail (or road) users, be it cyclists, walkers, drivers or horse riders.
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