It is always very clear that the
next trip is going to be somewhere
in the mountains so it is just a
question of deciding where we
want to go, not what we want to
do,” Carole adds before boyfriend
Michael chips in: “The things you
see when you’re in the mountains
are difficult to explain afterwards
if you are enjoying this alone. It
is better to have the one you love
next to you.”
Michael has one piece of advice
for cycling couples: “Sometimes I
need to wait for her, so it’s best to
forget about Strava!”
Jackie and Allan Bell
The Bells had been a couple for
22 years when they began cycling
together. Jackie’s first athletic
endeavour was as a runner, but a
decision to try triathlon gave Allan
the opportunity to join his wife’s
exercise regime.
“It is a help if you have a shared
interest,” says Jackie. “Having the
bike I could do my training and it
was something Allan could do as
well, but he obviously became a lot
better than me.”
“And you get someone to sit
behind,” quips Allan.
The Bells now get different
things from joint rides, Allan
taking it easy while Jackie’s ride
is a more intense session, but
cycling has also expanded their
social horizons.
“Through cycling we’ve met
lots of friends,” says Jackie. “We
go to Majorca with other couples
who have become strong friends.
Allan has got new male friends
through cycling and I have got new
female friends, so the whole socialthing has added a completely new
aspect to our lives.”
It all sounds a bit too good
to be true; there must be some
disadvantages?
“I have to clean twice as many
bikes,” laughs Allan.
“And the washing machine
is always full!” adds Jackie.
“But I can’t think of anything else
disadvantage-wise.”Dani and
Matt Rowe
Both Dani and Matt Rowe come
from sporting families and met
through the sport, but Matt’s
history as an elite racer has
proved invaluable to Dani both
on and off the bike.
“Matt understands the demands
of being a professional athlete.
If I’ve got to do some sprints
Matt will lead me out or generally
encourage me,” explains Dani,
who won Olympic team pursuit
gold in 2012. “If I’ve got a turbo
session Matt might come down
and encourage me through the
hardest parts, which really helps.”
However, Matt recognises his
presence on their joint rides can
sometimes be detrimental.
“It’s tricky because it’s your
job and it’s my hobby, weDani draws strength
from husband MattAllan was inspired to
ride by wife JackieCycling Weekly | February 8, 2018 | 23