Introducing...
Every month, we introduce one of the Kingston Wheelers. For September 2005, it's the turn of Daniel Conway. A Londoner and an Aussie, Daniel looks for inspiration from the likes of the Dalai Lama, a better role model than many pro cyclists given recent revelations. After some strong riding on the hills on the club runs, he also started racing this year.
Name: Daniel Conway (Danny)
Age: 33, and rapidly increasing.
Significant Others: Still looking. In the meantime, Scott fills the role. Family and friends are also very important.
What made you start cycling? I grew up in a small town out of Melbourne, Australia. There were very few people my age and so I would amuse myself by cycling.
Why did you join Kingston Wheelers? I have been cycling for a couple of years with a social club. I enjoy the social aspect, but started getting frustrated with spending more time in tea-shops than on the road. I also found that I wanted to push myself further and was looking for people who could challenge me. A friend suggested Kingston.
Date you joined the Club: I have been loitering with some intent since September 2004, but it wasn’t until June that I got my membership form organised.
Who is your favourite pro or inspiration? ?In cycling, I don’t really have a favourite pro or inspiration. My riding has preceded my spectating by many years. In fact, this year's Tour de France is the first time I have watched any pro cycling. In life, my inspiration is the Dalai Lamar. I think he is very centred and focussed, and has some very important messages on harmony, understanding and self exploration. I am also inspired by the passion and commitment shown by Nelson Mandela through his life.
What bike do you ride? Scott is my favourite. A Scott team issue with scandium frame, Dura-ace groupset and Ksyrium wheels. Corey comes out when things are going to get dirty. A fairly standard road bike with Ultegra groupset. Trek is for getting around London. A hybrid I use for commuting and general transport. He gets the worst deal as he does the most work, and gets the least maintenance.
Give us a brief cycling background: I can’t remember a time when I haven’t cycled. As a small child Father Christmas gave me a red tricycle. Soon I upgraded to a blue tricycle with a seat in the back so that I could carry my sister. At primary school I rode a blue BMX, and at secondary school I made the big time - a ten speed racer. I was at university when I first bought my own bike, started to cycle longer distances and started cycling socially. I would cycle to my classes and also a lot on weekends. It was a big deal the day I first broke the 100km barrier, and also the day my odometer clocked over 1000km. It is over the last couple of years that I have got much more passionate. I started to commute in London on a daily basis and to push myself harder. In May last year, I first met someone who races on his bike, wears the lycra kit and shaves his legs. This opened up a whole new world for me. Three races, two bikes and one big crash later, I am quite surprised with myself.
What was your best ride? As I am starting out, it seems that each new adventure brings a new highlight for me. Completing the Fred Whitton Challenge in the Lake District in May this year (115 miles over all of the major passes) was a nice milestone.
What was your worst day on the bike? I don’t find I have bad days on my bike. I could do without the falls, but technically I am not on the bike at the point the fall becomes painful.
What is your favourite cycling food? While I am racing, I like to munch on dates. After I have raced, I like having the excuse to eat whatever I like.
Where is your favourite cycling location? It seems like it should be somewhere wild and exotic, but I really love Surrey, Sussex and Kent. I enjoy the greenery, the lanes and the villages. I love the way unexpected views pop up all over the place and they are all so unassuming.
Most likely to say: "What did you say?" (One of the down sides of being deaf in one ear).
Least likely to say: "No more dessert for me, thank-you."
Previous interviews
Kingston Wheelers ©2009 | Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Links