The latest in our regular series of profiles of riders of Pashley and Moulton bicycles.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a student at KES Sixth Form in the heart of Stratford. I live a stone's throw away from Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried and spend most of my spare time tootling around Stratford-upon-Avon on my Pashley.

What do you do for a living?

Apart from being a school student, I work on the River Avon hiring out boats and selling ice cream at Avon Boating Ltd. It allows me to be outside all day right throughout summer. The people are lovely; it’s just the best job imaginable.

What are you passionate about?

My main passions are all sport related; particularly rugby. I play rugby for Worcester and a few other teams around the midlands. I made my debut in the Women’s Rugby Premier League earlier this year for Worcester Valkyries and hope to play for them full time next year. I also enjoy football, cricket and of course, cycling.

What is your earliest memory of riding a bike?

I remember learning how to ride a bike when I was 3, turning 4. It came to me quite naturally, however, my twin brother was less successful. I can remember his numerous crashes every time my Dad let go of his saddle. I used to terrify my parents by cycling down steps when I was about 5! Cycling has always been a big part of my life and I have always enjoyed the immense freedom it presents. I’ve been very lucky in that when I was learning to ride I lived in the countryside and my parents were quite happy to just let me adventure around the village by myself.

What was your first bike?

My first bike was a ‘Jungle bike’, it had decals of monkeys on it and it was jungle green. I once cycled 4 miles on it, the wheels were about 12” and the pedals were tiny, cycling 4 miles on that was the equivalent of going about 100 miles on my Pashley!

What bike are you riding?

My current bike – which I am completely smitten with – is the Pashley Clubman in ivory. The coaster brake is one of my favourite elements of the bike along with the handlebars which have been changed from the original drop bars to the ‘Countryman’ ones. The handlebar grips are particularly gorgeous, they are the Brooks plump leather grips and it also has a Pashley leather crossbar protector, it has the feel of a 1950s Morris Minor.

It’s an undeniably cool bike and I am somewhat obsessed with keeping it in perfect condition. It often lives in the kitchen until my mother shouts at me and then it moves to the hall. It’s never spent a night outdoors.

What is your dream bike?

I think my current bike is my dream bike.

What appeals to you about cycling?

My favourite thing about cycling is probably the fact that there’s nothing else quite like it, I love the sense of freedom it gives you and Stratford is perfect for cycling, there are no hills to speak of and everything is a bit too far to walk but not far enough to drive so what could be better, a bike. Oh, and of course the sun always shines here too.

What do you dislike about cycling?

I hate it when car drivers treat cyclists as lesser beings on the roads.

I also cannot stand it when someone asks to try out my bike then they cycle through wet mud. It’s a road bike!

How often do you ride your bike, and for what purpose?

During the summer I try and ride my bike every day, whether that be to work or just into town to run errands. I also ride to school if I’m running unbelievably late (I’m very often unbelievably late!) – I can cycle to school in less than 2 minutes.

What is your favourite cycle route or destination?

I love just cycling through town and along the river side. I work on the boats and so often see friends along the route to stop and chat to. One of the great things about a Pashley is that it starts conversations, I already knew lots of people in Stratford but since I’ve been riding the Pashley I’ve got to know so many more. I love when people apprecaite what a beautiful thing my Pashley is!

Thank you Maddie! Maddie's bike is a Pashley Clubman - take a look here.