MEET OUR RIDE CAPTAINS

LDN RIDERS cyclists

Meet our experienced and dedicated Ride Captains. These individuals are the heart of LDN RIDERS, organising regular rides and ensuring that our community of LGBTQ+ cyclists have a safe and enjoyable experience on the road.

Our Ride Captains are all passionate cyclists with a wealth of experience. They’re knowledgeable about the best routes and will guide you through the beautiful landscapes, helping you to achieve your cycling goals, whether you're looking to improve your fitness, take on a new challenge or just have a fun day out.

Our Ride Captains are also dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among members. They are always happy to answer questions, offer advice and help new riders feel comfortable and supported.

Join us on a ride to experience the fun, camaraderie, and support that our Ride Captains provide.

  • Farrah H (she/her)

    My favourite cycling route from London... the North London hills.

    My top cycling tip is… Be prepared, keep your kit serviced and clean and enjoy

    I love cycling because… Outdoor exercise is my happy place

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Inclusivity, wonderful people and regular group rides

  • Silvi Vargas

    Silvi V (she/her)

    My favourite cycling route from London... I love the routes around the Olympic park as a cycling instructor. Nothing beats being around nature in the most mindful way sharing the love for cycling.

    My top cycling tip is… fuel before, during and after your rides! Your body will thank you and help you.

    I love cycling because… I think it's the best thing for anything, everything and everyone. From saving money and time to feeling the buzz of accomplishment once you reach your final destination!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… being part of something that I love so much & that involves being with my community! I can just be myself completely with like minded individuals.

  • Alessandro T (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Heading North: Hertfordshire and beyond!

    My top cycling tip is… Cycling together is better than cycling alone!

    I love cycling because… Because it's like breathing, for me...

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Lots of route options for everybody in a friendly and welcoming environment.

  • Alex C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… to Brighton for a sea swim and fish and chips.

    My top cycling tip is… practise your bike handling skills to improve confidence and always carry a puncture repair kit (and know how to use it).

    I love cycling because… it gives you freedom.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the people.

  • Arno C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Hertfordshire

    My top cycling tip is… Always carry emergency nutrition on longer rides...

    I love cycling because… It clears my mind, you see a city differently and most importantly make good friends

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Awesome community. For once I am not the only gay guy in the club

  • Andi S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Brighton.

    My top cycling tip is… Go slow if you want to go fast..

    I love cycling because… I get to exercise and socialise in the great outdoors. And the cake of course…

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The energy!

  • Ben S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... My first ride with LDN RIDERS - The Coffee -> Coffee -> Pub West!

  • Brent M (he/him)

  • Chris H (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Heading south to the Kent hills.

    My top cycling tip is… Take plenty of snacks and drinks with you.

    I love cycling because… It gets me out to the countryside for great sociable workout.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Everyone is really friendly and welcoming who constantly look out for each other.

  • Damion C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Cruising the Essex Country Roads.

    My top cycling tip is… Always stay aware of your surroundings!

    I love cycling because… It’s a great way to see so much of the country.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… It’s social, challenging and gets you pumped.

  • Danny S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Around the Essex lanes.

    My top cycling tip is… Believe in yourself. You CAN do it!

    I love cycling because… of the sense of accomplishment you get, the fitness it provides, the wonderful people and places you get to see.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Its friendliness and inclusivity and the sense of belonging it gives.

  • David C (he/them)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… My South East Country Lanes route. It has a glorious steep hill up followed by a big decline with gorgeous views of lavender fields. It's not one to miss!

    My top cycling tip is… I know it sounds obvious, but it's 'Don't. Stop. Pedalling.' No matter if it's feeling easy or if it's hard, keep the momentum. I learnt that the hard way when cycling to Paris!

    I love cycling because… Not only does it get me from A to B, it gives me the sense of freedom you just can't beat when you're cycling along the road. It keeps me fit, it lets me avoid the tube, it challenges me, and I get to meet all these wonderful people in LDN RIDERS.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The events, obviously. As Head of Events I thrive on bringing our community together for meaningful, social, and enjoyable moments across the year. I love to celebrate our achievements and plan ahead for what's to come, and these events let us do exactly that.

  • David S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… In the South East, you can't beat a loop of the western Surrey Hills - Ranmore Common Road, the Abingers and of course Leith Hill.

    I love cycling because… of the friends you make. After 10 years of Ride Captaining for different groups, I've got friends all over the country I would never have had. And of course, that happy drugged feeling after a hard ride!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the club’s amazing energy has drawn a new audience into LGBT cycling that's historically been very difficult to reach, especially those around my age and younger (mid 30's). This is nothing short of a miracle!

    My top cycling tip is… You can do anything, if you just keep going - we can all ride 200km in a day. All you need to do is just eat and drink right, and take it easy!

  • Deep N (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Biggin Hill or Kent Hills.

    My top cycling tip is… Consistently fuel even when you don't feel hungry.

    I love cycling because… It's a great way to escape the stress of everyday life, mentally recharge, get some fresh air, and explore find new views you wouldn't normally see otherwise.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… how friendly and welcoming everyone is.

  • Dermot H (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… A loop around Biggin Hill.

    My top cycling tip is… Sunscreen!

  • Fergal (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Kent and Kent hills - no matter how much I complain while doing them (I really love them!)

    I love cycling because… It's great for fitness - you can do it anywhere. It's social and you can go as fast/slow as you'd like. It's easy on the joints too!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… It's introduced me to some incredible people, who I've been on the most amazing adventures with in 4 different countries already in a year. Can't wait for more adventures to come!

    My top cycling tip is… Pump your tyres up to avoid punctures. It's simple, but I really didn't know and wish someone told me this when I started out!

  • Gokhan A (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… south to Portsmouth.

    My top cycling tip is… When in doubt, always go for a ride. You will never, ever regret a bike ride.

    I love cycling because… It’s pure. It’s when you’re naked with yourself.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… It’s a beautiful mixture of all sorts of positive minded people.

  • Iarla K-D (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Bloomsbury to Hertford via Potters Bar & Broxbourne Woods.

    My top cycling tip is… Pace yourself. Too many folks just don't understand how important Z2 work is, including taking your time up hills.

  • James T (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… The Chilterns.

    My top cycling tip is… Stick close to the wheel in front.

  • Jeff K (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Whitstable via the Kent Downs - Fish n Chips n Oysters on the Pier at the end.

    My top cycling tip is… When riding in a tight group keep parallel to the rider next to you. Think of a broom stick going straight through the centre of your wheel and theirs.

    I love cycling because…It makes me happy.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Community + Adventure.

  • Joel E (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Out north east through Epping to Chipping Ongar, and back through Stratford.

    My top cycling tip is… Have one bottle of electrolytes and one for water.

  • Josh C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Surrey hills taking on Leith Hill and Box Hill.

    I love cycling because… What better way to exercise for hours with a great group of people stopping for coffee, cakes and then drinks.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The access to such a welcoming group of people who are willing to ride and cater to everyone.

    My top cycling tip is… Take the lower gear before you need it on those brutal inclines.

  • Julian G (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… You can’t beat a good old fashion bun run to Windsor and back! Seeing Windsor Castle on the horizon from the Great Park is a sight to behold.

    I love cycling because… It’s the most social form of exercise and gives you the freedom to get out of London and explore places you’d never usually visit.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The community. The club brings together such an amazing, passionate, dedicated, and friendly group of cyclists who soon become good friends.

    My top cycling tip is… No matter how tough the climb in, just keep going!

  • Lawrence S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… down to the Surrey Hills.

    My top cycling tip is… Always pack a juicy banana.

  • Lee C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Heading North.

    My top cycling tip is… Fuel up before the ride and keep fuelling every 10k. For tough rides try and get 60-90 grams of carbs an hour!

    I love cycling because… It’s a passion of mine, not only do we cyclists get to feel the outdoors and see all the amazing views but we get to meet great like minded people along the way. Also there is the carrot cake and beer.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The social element adds to the cycling a great deal.

  • Leo M (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… North Downs loop from Crystal Palace.

    My top cycling tip is… Make cycling whatever you want it to be, doesn’t have to be epic or super fast; do what you enjoy!

  • Liam C (he/him)

  • Louis B (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Worthing via the South Downs, beautiful lanes, some nice climbs, and a fish finger sandwich at the end.

    My top cycling tip is… Whatever the length of ride, bring some nutrition with you; and eat before you get hungry!

    I love cycling because… Two legs will get you far, and two wheels will get you even further. The sense of freedom and endless opportunities for exploring.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… An awesome friendly community that offers something for every cyclist.

  • Luis S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… From Blackfriars to Richmond.

    My top cycling tip is… Always eat breakfast.

    I love cycling because… Takes me to the countryside.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the socialising!

  • Mark S (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Out to Westerham!

    My top cycling tip is… Get your head out of the road and enjoy your surroundings, breath and relax

  • Marko K (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… to Biggin Hill.

    I love cycling because… Get out of town, fresh air, exercise and camaraderie.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Making new friends; getting me out of bed early on weekends.

  • Rayno M (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... to the Windsor Great Park, through Richmond and Bushy Parks. A classic.

    My top cycling tip is… to always carry an extra layer. It gets cold really quickly once you stop moving.

    I love cycling because… speed, sun, hills.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the good balance of cycling and socialising

  • Peter C (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Out to Windsor... it's nice and flat for those of us that don't like hills!

    My top cycling tip is… Always be visible. I have my lights switched on during the day when cycling in London.

    I love cycling because… it's one of the few ways that I actually enjoy keeping fit.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the community. It's all about the like-minded people that you get to know.

  • Peter M (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Box Hill.

    My top cycling tip is… Bring 2 spare inner tubes.

    I love cycling because…You get the challenge of the hills but the fun of the downhills.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… It’s not too serious/intense.

  • Phil L (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Shere in Surrey.

    My top cycling tip is… There’s always another 10% to give.

    I love cycling because… I love the freedom.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The coffees / beers after a ride.

  • Pierre P (they/them)

    My favourite cycling route from London... going to Brighton, with the AONBs, Ditchling Beacon, and a lovely destination

    My top cycling tip is… Drink and eat

    I love cycling because… moving through the world on my own power is great

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Group rides with friendly queers

  • Robert D (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Goring by sea.

    My top cycling tip is… Communicate with each other.

    I love cycling because… I like the buzz of group cycling, particularly if the group is well coordinated.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Lots of other people to ride with.

  • Rob T (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Out through Dulwich and into the Kent Hills.

    My top cycling tip is… Drop the gear, save the knees, up the cadence.

    I love cycling because… It offers an escape from the bustle of life.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The amazing community and shared support.

  • Seán M (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... For something flat and high speed - anything out via Windsor! For a major challenge, the route around the M25.

    My top cycling tip is… Always check tyre pressure!

    I love cycling because… It brings people together with a common interest and what better way to see outer London?!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The community it fosters and the people you meet!

  • Simon B (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Box Hill loop.

    My top cycling tip is… Don’t ride on an empty stomach.

    I love cycling because… I grew up next to Mark Cavendish…

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the social beer stop post-ride!

  • Simon B (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... East to Chelmsford Bakehouse.

    My top cycling tip is… Learn to change an inner tube.

    I love cycling because… Exercise and cake!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… Awesome group of people, riding great routes.

  • Stefan R (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Anywhere with a vineyard - I pinch myself every time I see one in the UK.

    My top cycling tip is… Give your bike a full check over before a long ride and bring tools!

    I love cycling because… I still have the feeling I had as a kid getting on my bike!

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… What an amazing bunch of guy and how about those jerseys they are so cool!

  • Stephen M (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… Getting the train to Shenfield or Hitchin which drops straight into the countryside!

    My top cycling tip is… It’s not all about speed and KOMs!

    I love cycling because… It’s good for the body and mind.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The diverse amount of rides and routes offered.

  • Tristan J (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... the Wealds, preferably skipping the busy exit from London by taking a train to Croydon or Ebbsfleet.

    My top cycling tip is… to always carry an extra layer. It gets cold really quickly once you stop moving.

    I love cycling because… speed, sun, hills.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… the good balance of cycling and socialising.

  • Tom R (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London is… down to the iconic Box Hill.

    My top cycling tip is… Force yourself up those damn hills.

  • Tom O'G (he/him)

    My favourite cycling route from London... Around the Isle of Wight.

    My top cycling tip is… Calories in your bottle, chamois cream on your butt!

    I love cycling because… It allows me to eat whatever I want.

    My favourite thing about LDN RIDERS is… The friends I’ve made.