Moultoneer - Paul Rowley
The latest in our regular series of profiles of riders of Pashley and Moulton bicycles.
Tell us a little about yourself
I live on the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire
What do you do for a living?
I am a Professional Herpetologist who manages the largest collection of venomous snakes held in the UK. I am based at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine as part of the Centre for Snake-bite Research & Interventions. I was previously a 3rd generation Zookeeper (at Chester Zoo). For almost 30 years now, I have literally been at the “sharp-end” of venom research and antivenom development, being the person who routinely extracts venom from our snakes. Snakebite is classed as a major Neglected Tropical Disease, which claims many thousands of deaths annually, especially in developing countries. I am pleased and proud to say that as a team, we have helped save a significant number of lives.
What are you passionate about?
Animals, particularly venomous snakes, and other reptiles. My hobbies and interests have varied over the years. Cross-country running, rock-climbing, kayaking, archery, motorbikes, classic car rebuilds, off-roading 4x4s etc. I tend to prefer sports whereby I can challenge myself rather than compete against other people.
What is your earliest memory of riding a bike?
I think it was a Raleigh, what I do remember though was the sense of achievement when my Dad took the stabilisers off. I do remember asking for a “drop-bar” racing bike and my parents telling me No! This stemmed from several bad accidents in the family… as a young girl, my Grandmother took her aunties bike for a ride down a hill in the village, she couldn’t stop, hit a kerb, flew through the air and came down landing on the spikes of some iron railings, impaling herself through the lower jaw. Hanging there until people came to help.
A generation later, my Mother (in her 20s) was riding home from work, down Mostyn hill one dark night and collided with a motorbike… she ended up with a fractured skull and was in a coma for several weeks… it was touch and go for some time. Thankfully, history has not repeated itself with either I, or my siblings.
What was your first bike?
I had various bikes, all British marques as was typical in the late 60s/ early 70s
How long have you been a cyclist?
On and off, for over 50 years. I commuted via various push-bikes until I passed my motorbike test at the age of 16. But I still rode pushbikes around Chester Zoo as a convenient method of getting around the 110 acre site. For the first 15 years of working at LSTM, I would drive in. I owned various big 4x4s, some of which would only return around 13mpg. So, by 2008, with ever increasing fuel prices, I started looking for a cheaper way to commute. After trying a cheap Chinese folding bike, along with the trains, I determined that it was a feasible option.
I then significantly upgraded and ordered a bespoke Brompton S-type, 2-speed titanium lightweight in the beautiful raw-lacquer finish.
I then found myself going out for longer rides and thinking about buying other bikes….
I knew about Moulton bikes, that they were British built and rather special. I came across a Bridgestone Moulton custom painted in Richard Greasby purple. I owned it for a couple of years and then put myself out of action following a motorbike accident. The Bridgestone wasn’t getting used, so in. a moment of madness, I sold it and then regretted it ever since.
I then got into the classic Moulton F-frames, ended up rebuilding a number of them with help from the Moulton Owner’s Club.
What bike are you riding?
At the movement, my Brompton lightweight… but once the weather improves, I shall be using my 2021 Moulton AM SPEED.
How many bikes do you own?
A few, including Bromptons, Moulton F-frames, Moulton AM Speed and a ICE Sprint X, full-suspension racing recumbent trike. Oh, and a Radical Design Cyclone trailer.
What is your dream bike?
I do like British bikes. I probably ought to add something like a Pashley Morgan to my fleet.
What appeals to you about cycling?
I like the convenience for short local trips, and exercise and that it is free transport.
What do you dislike about cycling?
Strong head-winds and uphill.
How often do you ride your bike, and for what purpose?
At least Monday-Friday for my commute to work. Also for leisure rides at weekends.
What’s your favourite cycle route or destination?
There are a few nice routes around the Wirral Peninsula, including the Wirral Way, a 12 mile trail that used to be a rail track. There is also a nice canal 10-mile route from the Boat Museum through to Chester. And then there is the Chester Greenway, a 25 mile round trip.
