James Bywater is definitely a child of the 2012 Olympics cycling boom. While bikes featured from an early age as a plaything/transport to school, it is only in recent years that James recognised two wheels as a means to serious fitness and enjoyment.
Previously getting his kicks from semi-pro level football, the arrival of children forced a rethink of his physical outlets. With some encouragement from his brother and the timing of the Olympics, a new-found passion for the road was born.
After learning some early rookie lessons about going too hard too soon, James is attempting to make up for lost time by cycling as many landmark events as his family will physically allow. So far he has completed the RideLondon-Surrey 100 and Etape Cymru.
2016-06-08 16:10:12 - If you like your sportives fast and furious, then they don't come much better than the Tour of Cambridgeshire Gran Fondo. A fully closed road event built around a...
2016-05-19 14:03:11 - French company Ekoi say their new jersey and bibshort outfit, Primavera, has been designed for early season wear, between temperatures of 4 and 12 degrees. The fabric of...
2015-12-22 16:13:04 - It's early November and I'm wrestling with the prospect of fighting yet another storm out on the roads (Desmond this time...I think) in an attempt to drag just some of...
2015-02-16 10:26:29 - Last week I was kindly invited to a preview of the Spring/Summer 2015 range from Rapha. Eager to learn what they had in store for us, I popped along for the special...
2015-02-09 21:09:38 - Being a first generation cyclist, born in the summer of 2012, last year saw the start of the major overhaul that will see most of my two-year-old entry level gear...
2014-11-13 14:02:01 - "Craft Warm Wool Crew Neck Base Layer"...that's quite a title for such a simple piece of clothing. If you're reading this wondering (as I have) what exactly is a base...
2014-10-07 16:58:45 - After having my first attempt at Box Hill scuppered by Hurricane Bertha's untimely visit back in August at the RideLondon-Surrey 100, I desperately wanted to know what...
2014-09-16 08:30:00 - Attracted by its billing as the 'Toughest Sportive in the UK', I signed up for the Etape Cymru in January. Back then this was easily the biggest challenge I'd faced in...