Stuart Bulloch, social secretary

Cycling Weekly: How did you get involved with the cafe/club?

SB: I began visiting the cafe regularly for the fine coffee and sourdough bread. When I finally plucked up the courage at the end of summer to ask James Connolly how fast they went on Sundays I was terrified to hear about 17-18mph. No chance, I thought! A few character-building experiences later I was hanging on and then thoroughly enjoying it — well, when I wasn’t being berated for my cerise (it’s NOT pink) Planet X bike.

CW: Your socials are… lively?

SB: It’s safe to say there’s a strong social element to the club and we like to reward ourselves for the hard riding, particularly on a Thursday! I think we only missed two winter evening Thursday rides due to weather such was the dedication to a couple of social pints postride. There’s been an emphasis on supporting local breweries so we’ve also started the occasional rides to Purity, who are nearby.

CW: Which wins out, beer or bikes?

SB: If I had to pick I’d say beers, but I think the beauty of the club is we haven’t had to choose and never will. The two in tandem (and moderation) have made me a fantastic number of new friends in the past year and I’m hugely grateful for that.