Pashley People - Paul Tomlinson
The latest in our regular series of profiles of riders of Pashley and Moulton bicycles.
Tell us little about yourself
I was born just outside Birmingham, grew up and went to school in Solihull and have lived in or around Stratford-upon-Avon for about 35 years. This means that the Traditional Cycle Shop is my LBS!
What do you do for a living?
I run the family business in Bidford, manufacturing surgical instruments from tiny tubing: usually a conversation stopper at parties! Started helping out my father when I left uni, it was just the two of us for quite a while in a garret in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter: nearly forty years on, the company employs twelve people and I’m still looking for a proper job!
What are you passionate about?
My passions are cycling (obviously!), my beloved Northampton Saints rugby and, principally, acting: I’ve always been involved in amateur drama and operatics, and, for the last ten years or so, have been in many productions with the BearPit Theatre here in Stratford. It’s a delightful little theatre in the heart of town, which provides a venue for many visiting groups and has its own high standard resident company, of which I’m proud to be a part. Playing the lead in “Hobson’s Choice” this summer. Hobson is a cantankerous, miserly old drunkard: can’t think why they thought of casting me.
What is your earliest memory of riding a bike ?
Going over the handlebars of a trike in the back garden and taking out two teeth on the garden steps! I guess I was about three years old.
What was your first bike ?
A Tri-ang trike (see above!): I was very proud of it; it even had a boot!
How long have you been a cyclist ?
A long, long time! I started when I was three (see above, again!), so that is… .cough, cough… quite a few years ago…
Used to cycle to school, had a beaten up old shopping bike at university, then spent a few years mountain biking in the Cotswolds and the Scottish highlands. Best memory was my pal’s tyre exploding halfway down the Devil’s Staircase approaching Kinlochleven: we thought an irate clansman was shooting at us! Mainly keep to the roads now: cleaning Cotswold clay from the bike loses its appeal after a while.
What bike are you riding ?
Today it’s the Pashley Countryman, because I’ve ridden to work! Weekends it could be the Pashley Guv’nor or the Pashley-Morgan 8. Notice I only mention the Pashleys: other bike brands are available.
How many bikes do you own ?
Managing to keep it down to six at the moment,,, Three Pashleys, a Bianchi Specialissima, a Giant Defy for winter and an old Bob Jackson which I’m restoring. I first dropped into the Traditional Cycle shop looking for a saddle for my winter bike and really fell for the Guv’nor. That was the beginning of the slippery slope: I blame Fran!
What is your dream bike ?
It has to be (sorry, Pashley) the Bianchi Specialissima that I am lucky enough to own. It was bought for me by my wife (how lucky is that?!) It’s full carbon, Dura Ace di2 gears, amazingly light and much faster than I am, but an absolute dream to ride.
What does cycling mean to you ?
Corny, I know, but it’s the freedom: it keeps me fit physically, but it is so therapeutic for the mind as well. There is a social side, but for me, it’s the chance to be alone on the bike, see new places and enjoy the tranquility. At the other end of the scale, I’m doing Ride London for the third time this year: 100 miles on closed roads in the company of 30,000 other cyclists, so not so tranquil! A great experience, though. Toying with the idea of doing it on the Guv’nor this time: 100 miles, Surrey hills, a steel frame and three gears: hmmm…
What do you dislike about cycling ?
Punctures! Also, some of the (thankfully rare) cliqueyness: intolerance of those in lycra/those not in lycra, riding a bike that’s too old, too flash, the wrong model, wearing the wrong clothes, etc. We’re all cyclists in the end! Most cyclists are pretty laid back, but you do get the odd one that is intolerant or patronising. When I wave to other riders out on the road, the vast majority are friendly, but the odd club group can be very snotty! True of people in general, I suppose: most are fine, but every now and then…!!
How often do you ride your bike, and for what purpose ?
I try to ride to work at least two or three times a week: it’s a pleasant 5 miles along country lanes, so I’m pretty lucky there. I ride to rehearsals in town when I can, and do a longer ride pretty well every Sunday, probably 50 or 60 miles in the summer.
What’s your favourite cycle route or destination ?
I’m lucky enough to live just south of Stratford, so in a few minutes I’m into the Cotswolds, down through Broadway, Snowshill and towards Winchcombe and Sudeley. It is a wonderful area in which to cycle: plenty of hills, but beautiful views, quiet lanes and excellent coffee stops.
Some friends have an apartment in Majorca, and I must admit that the rides I’ve done there are rather good. Bit warmer than the Cotswolds, too!