Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors.
From: Fleet
Lives: Tunbridge Wells
Instagram: @_i_am_richard
1. Tell us about yourself
Hi, I’m Richard Curtis, and work in the Film, TV and Entertainment industry.
Sometimes I get to do cool things on Film sets as well.
My story and love of cycling has two parts. Pre-2018 and post-2018.
Pre 2018, I was a keen cyclist in all aspects of the sport.
I raced on the Road, Crit, Cyclocross, bike packed across countries and represented Team GB at the UCI World Championships.
Then unfortunately in 2018, I was involved in a car accident, which left me with permanent brain damage and a neurological condition called Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Resulting in issues with balance, headaches, fatigue and depression, all of which are exacerbated through exercise.
It has been a very long and mentally challenging recovery process and unfortunately, I am still not able to cycle near my previous ability.
I am currently riding an eBike, which helps elevate some of my symptoms, whilst also allowing me to cycle on the road a bit further and a bit faster than I can under my own power.
2. What do you love about cycling?
I love the romance of the bicycle.
The fact that it can be a vehicle for freedom, travel, friendships and inner peace.
Some of my happiest memories as a child were riding my bike in the woods with friends and I have managed to continue that into adulthood.
3. What barriers have you faced in cycling?
I currently ride an eBike.
To me, this will probably be one of the most important and memorable bikes I have ever owned / ridden.
However, something I was not expecting when I started to ride the eBike was the negative comments, the snobbery and name-calling, both in person and online.
Comments like “you lazy w*****”, “only fat and old people ride eBikes”, “you're cheating”, “that's not real cycling”.
When I can ride, I either ride alone or with close friends, who I know are just happy to be out on the bike, with no judgement.
In the past I have also modelled for some cycling brands. After the accident, I had a few requests to model, but when the brands found out I was riding an eBike the response was “That's not really the look we are going for” or “that isn’t in line with who are customer is”.
4. Why were you interested in contributing?
I suffer from an invisible illness and brain condition, which affects my mental and physical health and requires managing every day, from the moment I open my eyes.
In 2019 I made a documentary called Time Matters, which turned into something I was not expecting.
I received messages from the global cycling community and general public telling me I had given them motivation to try again, to not give up and my words had given them the courage to speak to loved ones about their struggles.
This has then led me to realise that cycling brands are not paying attention to who is riding their bikes, specifically eBikes and why they are riding. We are led to believe that everyone who cycles is of Tour de France stature and is only interested in riding fast.
I want to try and help change that and give a voice to those who love the sport for different reasons and who are not represented.
The link to Time Matters is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sL73ugdeJ4
Secondly, Miles is one of my closest friends and we have shared many hours on the bike together. I have felt his successes and struggles and am fully behind him and this project and understand where this is coming from and why it is so important to him and the wider cycling community.
5. Your fondest memory on the bike
I have many memorable moments, from representing Team GB at the UCI World Championships.
The many backpacking trips I’ve completed where I have found myself sleeping in fields and bus shelters, notably Lands End to John O’Groats and London to Copenhagen.
Supporting Mark Beaumont in Portugal on his Around the World in 80 Days challenge.
Cycling in the Alps with Miles and friends.
The many stories and laughs shared on Sunday club rides.
….. and all the fantastic people I have met along the way.
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