COTSWOLD Feature
Andy Kirk takes Hayley Mortimer on a short ride through the countryside after a bike fitting
Get on your bike
Cycling in the Cotswolds is increasing in popularity every month according to Performance Cycles’ Andy Kirk. By Hayley Mortimer
ROAD biking has well and truly gripped the nation since Bradley Wiggins won the Tour de France and a gold medal in the London Olympics and each week hundreds of enthusiasts brave the elements and take part in the Poulton-based bike shop’s weekly rides. So on a crisp January morning I pulled
on the lycra and jumped on the saddle to see what all the fuss is about. Performance Cycles is nestled in the
heart of the countryside in a small courtyard consisting of a bike shop, clothing shop, a workshop and the fitting room, called The Performance Lab. Run by Andy Kirk and Andrew Wilcox,
who both have a huge passion for the sport and have competed from a young age, Performance Cycles is approaching an exciting time with a move to bigger premises. The move will see the creation of a
cycling hub at a site within Cotswold Water Park, which will include a new shop, a bike hire centre, a race circuit and a
Inspiring life in the Cotswolds
camping area. “Since we founded Performance Cycles
in 2009 it has gone from strength to strength,” explained Andy. “This new venue is being designed as a
cycling hub for the Cotswolds and will attract riders from all over the region.” The morning began with a bike fitting,
which included a clever motion capture system like something from a CGI film to record and measure me while I was riding. From the data produced Andrew could
correct my position and adjust various parts of the bike. After I was comfortable the fun could
begin. Kitted out in Performance Cycles gear
we headed out of the lab and set off on a leisurely six-mile ride through the countryside. To say I was nervous is an
understatement - I am not an avid cyclist and can’t remember the last time I rode a bike. But once I got going there was no
stopping me. Straight away I could see why cyclists
travel from across the South West to take part in the weekly rides with Performance Cycles. With its beautiful views, winding lanes
edged with drystone walls and abundance of wildlife, the Cotswolds is a stunning destination for a day in the saddle. Performance Cycles also sponsors a
monthly Winter Mini-Sportive organised by Velo Events which has seen numbers grow to more than 150 riders over the past three years. They are designed to be simple and less
intense than the more formal summer events, with mechanical back-up, free energy products for each rider and food and drink at the finish. “Despite the weather everyone wants to
be out on their bike in the winter and it’s far easier to brave the cold, wet or ice when you’re in good company and have a well planned route with full support,” said Andy, as we rode side by side.
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