Rob has ridden a bike pretty much every day of his adult life. In his late twenties, he gave up a comfortable seat in a City solicitors’ office for a leather saddle and spent three years bicycling round the world. For the last decade, Rob has worked as a journalist writing features, often about cycling, for the Financial Times, Guardian, Observer, Times and Conde Nast Traveller. He has ridden a bike in over 45 countries, had occasional columns in cycling magazines and he's written several books. His book - It's All About the Bike - the Pursuit of Happiness on Two Wheels - about putting together the dream bike, will be published by Penguin in July 2010. Rob moved to the Black Mountains, where he lives with his wife and three kids, because the cycling – on road and trails – is so outstanding.
Yanto Barker has over 10 years experience as a professional cyclist, having raced all over the world including Europe, Australia, America and the UK. He has participated in five world championships with Team GB achieving 11th in 1998 (Junior) and 12th in 2002 (U23), and two European championships. In the 2005 Tour Of Britain, he was the top British finisher at 9th on G.C. In the same year, he was 4th in the FBD Ras (IRE). Yanto has also collected gold at the Junior National Road Championships (1998) and bronze at the Pro National Road Championships (2005). For five years, Yanto raced in France, winning best Amateur in the Mavic cup series two years running. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge to impart. Yanto will guide and pace some of the Saturday rides.
Cath Woodhams, MICHT, is a qualified complementary practitioner providing sports massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and therapeutic massage along with additional treatments through her business, Pure Relaxing Energy. Although fully qualified, Cath is completing a two-year foundation degree in complementary therapies, leading to a BSc Hons Degree in Professional Practice in Health ad Social Care, with a view to working within the NHS.
