Meet the Member, Simon Griffiths, General Secretary
The club only functions because its members volunteer for all sorts of roles: leading rides; organising race’s and other event’s; marshalling etc, etc. Simon Griffiths only joined a couple of months ago but he recently stepped up to the vacant general secretary job. We thought it would be a good idea to get to know him a bit as part of our ”Meet The Member’s” series.
What was your first proper bike?
My first “proper” bike is the one I own now. A CUBE Attain SL. Before that they have been at the clunky end of the spectrum. I did desire a Raleigh Chopper with all my heart back in the early 70‘s but it was never forthcoming. I bought the bike at the beginning of lockdown 1 and as happens decided that another one was needed, it arrives in January.
How long have you been a Macc Wheeler?
I’ve only been a member since October 2020. I was perhaps apprehensive of the “club” ethos, after checking in Strava I felt confident to join. I shouldn’t have worried, I’ve been made very welcome.
Tell us about your favourite ride route and why?
I regard Cat and Fiddle as a test piece for our area. So over the Cat and into Buxton, down Long Hill, bacon butty in Whaley bridge and home via Middlewood way constitutes a good day out for me.
Have you any cycling goals for 2021?
4,000 miles and I’ve entered my first sportive, Ride the Reservoir in Birmingham. I have signed up to do the LEJOG in 2022. Did I just write that??
What does cycling mean to you?
Friendship, getting fit and fun. My past work life meant that I travelled far too much and made no friends in Macclesfield. That’s not true anymore!
Do you have any other exciting sporting interests or pastimes?
Oh dear, I’ve been outed at a recent club ride as a member of classic car club… apparently this is incompatible with cycling…
My wife, Carole, and I also sail our yacht out of Plymouth, COVID-19 permitting we’re hoping to sail to Portugal in summer 2021.
Anything else you want to add?
In March 2020 I cycled for the first time in ten years on my Decathlon BTwin hybrid, I managed 6 miles and stopped twice, exhausted. Since then I’ve racked up @3,250 miles this year, that’s beyond my wildest dreams and ambitions..
Let’s hope next year we all get more chances to ride with Simon as he builds those miles and get to know him better.