You're bound to find a friendly face if you meet our roadshow team. Here's a brief introduction to a few of them:

Sara Sanders, Travel Roadshow Manager

What’s your bike’s name/style/colour?

Marin Hybrid - Black, male frame, front fork suspension - the best bike ever!

How many bikes do you own?

Two - one folding bike for commuting and one mountain bike for roads and tracks in my spare time.

Favourite cycle route within Bristol?

I love route 41, going under the cranes on Harbourside and under the bridge onto the Chocolate Path going to the CREATE Centre. It’s like a step back in time - daily!

Favourite cycle route in the world?

I adore cycling in Pembrokeshire, there is a fab route from Bosherston along the coastal path past Saddle Head, and towards the Green Bridge of Wales to watch the seabirds. Finish the route by cycling to Castlemartin, Stackpole Quay and back to Bosherston via the Lilly Ponds for a Cream Tea at the Olde Worlde Cafe before jumping in the sea at Broadhaven beach to sooth those burning legs after all those hills and mixed terrain! 50Km approx

Do you wear lycra?

In truth, I fear the 'VPL' not to mention the rigid tan lines across the thighs. But if I am doing a Mountain Bike Event or if I am on a longer ride, then there is no substitute!

Do you remember your first cycling experience? 

I remember it well - being ferried about on my Dad's cross bar, from as young as three years old sitting on pipe insulation being supported by his lovely arms watching the world whizzing by. He bought me my own bike when I was four, a red one with stabilisers. I loved it more than anything!

Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city?

I have never been in a city where you feel like the odd one out if you drive (which I have to, sometimes). Watching all the cyclists here is like witnessing a catwalk, or flicking through a magazine. It’s a way of life, a statement. From the road racers of all ages through to the beautiful people with the baskets on the front and homemade accessories, and then those people who look like they fell from the back copies of Vogue and look effortlessly cool against the beautiful backdrop of Bristol's architecture.

Matt Hockin, Travel Roadshow team member

What’s your bike’s name/style/colour?

A Trek 7.1 FX matt black mountain bike with two hot pink stickers - maybe more to follow! 

How many bikes do you own?

Three

Best café/pub/cake shop etc in Bristol (for those post cycling munchies)?

The Arts Café in Stokes Croft has pretty good cake and nice comfy sofas, or I like Falafel King for something more substantial.

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

A UK couple I met in Northern Territory in Oz who were cycling around the world.  They had never done any long distance cycling before and they were in their mid 70’s.  I always keep them in mind them when people, including myself, feel like they are not experienced enough or fit enough to do a ride.

What’s the best thing about being a Cycling Advisor?

Working with the other Cycle Advisors who are the best colleagues I have ever had!  Also doing a job that I actually care about and feels like we’re making a difference.  

What’s the best thing about cycling in Bristol? 

I like the feeling of being part of a cycling culture and community.  I also love spotting all the different types of bikes and cyclists.

Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city? 

The people in Bristol because although I hear people say Bristol is too hilly to be a Cycling City, I think it shows people’s passion and commitment to cycling in Bristol.  It’s a lot easier to cycle in a flat city.
 

Chris Richards, Travel Roadshow team member 

How many bikes do you own?

Two. One big bike and a mini 'zoo-bombing' bike with 16” wheels.
 
Favourite cycle route within Bristol?

Either the Pill Path or downhill from Bristol Zoo to the bottom of Park Street.

Favourite cycle route outside Bristol?

From Bristol to Backwell (via Long Ashton and Flax Bourton) or the Strawberry Line (from Yatton to Cheddar).

Best café/pub/cake shop etc in Bristol for post-cycling munchies?

St Stephens Church (on Corn Street) or Falafel King (usually parked opposite the Hippodrome). 

Best bike shop?

A toss up between Fred Baker Cycles and Jake's Bikes.

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

Lilya Swaby (80 years and still cycling), and Kevin and Sylvie from Spoke n' Chain 

What’s the best thing about being a Cycling Advisor?

The chance to help people gain confidence and freedom by flicking the switch inside their head that goes “hmmm, I could start cycling”

Do you wear lycra?

Only on a Friday night.
 
What was your first ever bike?

An Apollo from Halfords. It lasted for years until the first then pedal fell off and then the seat, as I was riding it!
 
What’s the best thing about cycling in Bristol?

It’s the fastest, cheapest and best way to get around the city
 
Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city?

It’s the perfect size and layout to cycle around and there is a great tradition of cycling and passionate cycling advocates. Not many other places could claim 200 participants for a naked bike ride! (Note from the editor: including Chris!)

Ally Holbrook, Travel Roadshow team member 

What’s your bike’s name/style/colour?

Tabitha is my racer, she's green and yellow and from the 80s. Bertie is a black town bike, just one-year old.

Favourite cycle route?

Cycling over the Suspension Bridge is always special, and I also like following the Frome Greenway north of Eastville Park. Wider than Bristol, the Severn Estuary Valley is great (Route 41), or the descent into Cheddar through the Gorge.

Best place for post-cycling food/drink?

The Sugar Loaf for cider and its jukebox, or if I'm in town, St Nic's Market for chocolate flapjacks.

Best bike shop?

Bike UK in Clifton is always friendly and helpful, as is Fred Baker, but I'm always really impressed with the smaller operators like Cycle Hub and Jake’s Bikes in Stokes Croft.

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

A Dutch couple who camp and explore the West Country every year by bike were pretty inspirational. 

Do you wear lycra?

Just started....don't ask.

Do you remember the first time you rode a bike?

Yes, I learnt on a rubber basketball pitch at Bath Uni – it's long gone.

Andy Bending, Travel Roadshow team member

What’s your bike’s name/style/colour?

Rodney the Ridgeback - a black mountain bike (MTB)

How many bikes do you own? 

Rodney, the rigid MTB with city slicks, and an 1960s upright with rod brakes.

Favourite cycle route within Bristol?

The chocolate path (along The Cut, NCN route 41).

Best café/pub/cake shop etc in Bristol (for those post cycling munchies)?

The Jolly Sailor at Saltford, great for an evening ride up the Bristol Bath Railway Path or as a stop off along the Avon Cycleway. The Harbourside on the water front is a great place to listen to live music and share a beer. And Cafe Kino in Stokes Croft, best cake and soy hot chocolate in the city.

Best bike shop?

Jakes Bikes and the Cycle Hub.

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

The infamous Ross Taylor, best mechanic in town!

What’s the best thing about being a Cycling Advisor?

Meeting people who really want to cycle, helping them get a bike and learn to ride it then to see them a few months later cycling with a big grin on their face!

Do you wear lycra?

No, my bum would definitely look big in it. 

What was your first ever bike?

A very cool yellow bmx.

Do you remember the first time?

My dad taught me to ride in Eastville Park, he started by holding the saddle, and sent me off across the grass. I looked round to check he was still there but I was off alone and I've never looked back since!

Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city?

There's so much to see and explore by bike that you won't see by car, it's often quicker and easier to get to the green spaces in Bristol by bike. 

Kevin Taylor, Travel Roadshow team project administrator

What does your bike look like?

It's a silver mountain bike – a Specialized Rockhopper.

Favourite place to cycle?

From Hotwells to the hills of Clifton via the tennis courts for a short game.

Most inspiring cyclist you have met?

Lizzie Woodall (roadshow team colleague!)

What’s the best thing about being a Cycling Advisor?

Bigging up a great thing to do

Do you wear lycra?

No way!

What was your first ever bike?

A BMX. I can't many tricks, although I used to do a lot of cool fire jumps!

Do you remember the first time?

Yes, I learnt with stabilisers and when they were removed I ended up in a bush! Afterwards, I perfected riding and began a joyous childhood riding my bike everywhere. 

What’s the best thing about cycling in Bristol?

The beautiful scenery.

Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city?

It's very accommodating and friendly.

Ross Taylor, Travel Roadshow team cycle mechanic

How many bikes do you own?

Seven, almost one for every occasion! I have a Marin Quake AL7, a Santa Cruz V10, an Airborne Lucky Strike, a Kona Taylored Kaboom, a Marin Polo Bike, a Peugeot Taylored Premiere Fixed and a Kinesis 4T Crosslight.

Favourite cycle route within Bristol?

The Picnic Bench Trail in Leigh Woods – scary but lots of fun!

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

Richard Sanders from Sustrans (or 'Nouveau' to his friends!) He cycles everywhere including regularly going out for a 1 hour mountain bike, cyclocross or road ride before work. He loves cycling in all forms and unsurprisingly is amazingly good at it. Whenever there is an event involving cycling in Bristol you can bet the Nouveau has either helped organise it or will be there making it even more fun!

What’s the best thing about working with Cycling City?

I run some of the Dr Bike sessions with Bristol's cycle advisors. It's very rewarding using my skills to overcome the problems that stop the people of Bristol cycling more, even if it has to be one at a time! I love showing people what I do and explaining to them that fixing a bike is not nearly as terrifying or mystical as people might think!

Favourite place to cycle/route outside, or in, Bristol?

The Alps. French, Swiss or Italian; you can’t beat it! I have also cycled across the Canadian Rockies and it was amazing but it was a little while ago now.

Do you wear lycra?

Yes, whenever I am going to be cycling for more than a few minutes. It feels really odd an uncomfortable without it now.

What’s the best thing about cycling in Bristol?

It’s SO much faster that every other form of transport. And it’s the only form of transport that you can guaranteed will improve your mood.

What is your favourite bike nut?

Well it would have to be a Nylock nut, either an M6 for its sheer strength and robustness, or maybe an M5 because they are quite nice and small and often come in useful to save the day when other solutions haven’t worked!

Kate Sykes, Travel Roadshow team member

Tell us about your bike?

It’s a silver Specialized Rockhopper. I should be using it to get myself up mountains but really it’s happier on the roads.

Favourite cycle route within Bristol?

The route along the Avon out towards Hanham is lovely. It's a really quick route out of the city and Beese’s Tea Room is a brilliant stopping off place, simply for the trip in the little boat across the river to get there!

Favourite place to cycle?

I did the coast to coast from Whitehaven to Newcastle a few years ago. You get the best of the scenery of Britain, mountains, dales, coast and towns. Prepare for some hills though!

Best bike shop?

The people at the Cycle Hub are my favourites, closely followed by Jake's Bikes. Also Bristol’s Bike Project is great for tips and second hand parts.

Most inspiring cyclist/or local cycling person you have met?

My old friend Jamie Clarke, who got me cycling in the first place, trained me up to be confident on the roads and half dragged me up the biggest hills in the Lake District. He continues to inspire me by cycling the Etape [a stage of the Tour de France] and carting porta-loos full of poo around Oxford in his bicycle trailer... don’t ask!

Tell us the best thing about being a Cycling Advisor?

The kind of people you meet - the variety is amazing. People love to tell you their cycling stories, as well as their cycling worries. I am particularly impressed with older riders. Someone told me recently that they had been cycling for 65 years - that's definitely something to aspire to!
 
Do you wear lycra?

Only on special occasions.

What was your first ever bike?

I don’t remember my first, but I do remember a Banana Team racing bike I had when I was 11, it was bright yellow and rusted to flaky orange in the garage.

What’s the best thing about cycling in Bristol?

The amount of other cyclists on the roads. It makes you feel like you are part of something amazing! It’s also the best way around the city. I had my saddle stolen the other day and so, for a day, I was bike-less. I had no idea how to get anywhere, I had to spend money on a bus, it took forever, and I felt lousy when I got there. Cycling is by far the best way to get around Bristol.

Why do you think Bristol is a great cycling city?

There are so many great cycle routes through the city - including traffic-free paths, quiet roads, and easy routes into the country - and conditions are getting better and better for cyclists.