Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors.
From: China/Malaysia
Lives: London
Instagram: @calvinoooooo
Club: GFTL
1. Tell us about yourself.
Hey, I’m Calvin and I’m a London-based filmmaker. I’ve been riding bikes for about 15 years - starting out riding to and from school but gradually started doing more and longer rides. I got started with road bikes and even joined a club on my own as a kid. At the time I was a regional level swimmer, but once I started university I was done with swimming - I quickly switched over to cycling having missed the competitive element of sport and made a start with racing. I’ve been riding bikes and racing ever since.
2. What do you love about cycling?
The people you meet, and the places you go and being a form of escapism – temporarily disconnecting from the real world for a bit whilst getting that high from endorphins. I’m sure everyone can relate to the wonders of being on two wheels and getting some fresh air, mentally and physically. Cycling is also much more than a sport – the social aspect, and the cultures in cycling are just like none other I’ve seen in any other sport I’ve done as a kid.
3. What barriers have you faced in cycling?
Things are definitely a bit better these days, but when I first started, nobody looked like I did – no Asian guys on bikes in London, a city with a population of over 8 million. Whilst taking up cycling I was very warmly welcomed by clubs I’ve joined and felt looked after as a kid, on occasions such as at certain events – like sportives, charity rides, and turning up to the local crit you can’t help but feel slightly out of place. I now have mates who I grew up with who I’d never imagined would even hop on a bike – now conquering big distances and bikes have become a significant part of their identity. Things are better, but there’s still a long way to go.
4. Why were you interested in contributing?
Along the way I’ve met some honestly amazing people, and have been to some epic places. Cycling has given me so much – from health and wellbeing to making some lifelong connections and even my livelihood. I honestly feel like I owe much of my current life to two wheels, and I’d love to share the joy and experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to have had with others who aren’t aware or have just started getting on a bike.
5. Your fondest memory on the bike?
Waaaaay too many. But I’d like to think perhaps going to the launch of Team Sky back in 2010 when I was still in school and started riding road bikes. I turned up on my first-ever road bike with flat pedals, and we did a ride out around Central London and I remember it being a freezing morning with Ian Stannard warming his hands on the team car’s exhausts. Throughout the whole day I was in awe of the vehicles, the setup, the riders and their carbon Pinarello bikes.
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