In between the wet weather, we've caught many Harrow residents taking out their bikes and riding to catch the first drops of rain. Two people we've spotted regularly in Harrow town centre are teenagers Jake Raymond and Najeeb Ahmad.
We asked them what they like about cycling in Harrow and this is what they had to say:
Najeeb Ahmad, 17, West Harrow: "I enjoy riding around on my bike because it's the best way to get anywhere. You control your speed, get your legs moving and it's silly to start up a car and get stuck in traffic or wait for a bus if you can just get on your bike. Your journey starts the minute you get pedalling."
Jake Raymond, 19, Harrow on the Hill: "My mates were going on about it being wet outside and not cycling. I'm a med school student and time is really important to me. I told them to just stop moaning and wear protective clothing. I need an anorak and that's it. I'm careful when it's very wet but love riding in this weather because of the unpredictability of it all. It started in March when I took the bike out for convenience and then it started raining. I was out and about 20 mins from home. It was a thrill catching that first rainfall in the heat while I was cycling and now I go out hoping to be on the road before it starts raining. I love getting the first drops of rain on my face and then gliding through the downpours. Everything just feels fresh and you see Harrow in a different way. I'm not knocking the sun, we definitely need some of that and to see more people cycling, but I'm not a fair weather rider. I'll be out whatever it's like and enjoy things in life without too many conditions and restrictions like 'it has to be good weather to cycle'. Good luck trying to predict the weather! Best thing is to just get out. You'll probably be back before you get wet and it saves a packet on any gym fees."
Thanks for your words of wisdom Jake and Najeeb, see you in Harrow town centre again!
27 comments:
Go on Najeeb, your famous! Lol.. MK
Good to see people still on their bikes despite the wet weather we're having. Well done lads.
Najeeb, get on your bike and get home. Dinner at 6 tonight!!
Fair weather cyclists should take inspiration from these 2!
Cheers, I was famous before this!
Jake, congratulations on getting into Med. Thanks for letting us know. haven't seen you since Manor park, good you're on youbike!
Jake, you're a raincatcher! Me too!
Najeeb and Jake - good work. Keep cycling.
Thanks for talking to us Jake and Najeeb, told you the blog wasn't quiet!
Najeeb you are right: cycling IS the best way to get anywhere. I've spent years trying to explain the benefits of cycling and you sum it up in a few words. Benefits of being part of the twitter generation! It works because it starts getting you where you need to be the minute you start pedalling! Well done lad.
Easy riders!
I've never heard of rain catchers before but you make it sound exhilirating - cycling in the rain. Isn't it dangerous and what precautions can one take in wetter weather?
What bikes do you guys have? I'm a student at Harrow College and cycle around town too, it's wicked to get anywhere fast.
As Jake says wear a raincoat, it's really all you need apart from some good trainers that won't slip. Keep your bike in good nick and you won't have any problems. Don't treat it like a race and slow down on corners. No need to take risks or be a speed racer, just enjoy the ride. And you can get bands to wrap your jeans round your calves so they don't get get. Sounds a hassle but trust me, it's all a synch. Happy riding - Najeeb.
PS I'm not a 'Rain Catcher' - hadn't heard of that before but yeah, just like the breeze feels good on a hot day, the rain feels cool when you're riding too. Must be cos you're both in motion.
Najeeb, thanks for answering questions. What bike do you have, have you ever had it knicked?
Thanks, always interesting to read about Harrow students who are cycling and I agree it's the best way to see Harrow. For me the bus is ok, car is too much hassle and walking is nice but cycling gets you around quicker and you can zoom past the bits you want to fast forward.
Naj, let's start your fan page now! Lol! MK
Can I ask, do you guys know each other are are you two random cyclists?
My bike hasn't been nicked cos I lock it well. It's also easy to spot if it gets nicked cos it's layered up with designs.
I cycle when I can and where I can. Cos I live in Harrow I like cycling round here.
I know Jake only from riding and seeing him around. We usually park in the same place when we met the guy for this website and say hi since as we see each other on the road.
Well done for cycling. We need young people to do more and also cycle safely and off the pavements. Hope you both do the same.
I'm tempted to cycle more now and enjoy it for what it is. I've got an old bike but can't be bothered to get it fixed up. Maybe I'll bring it to the next Dr Bike. When is it?
Reza,
Come to Under One Sky on Sunday 26 June and talk to our cycle guys. They'll help out. Not a Dr Bike but it's a bike roadshow. Watch this blog for details.
and don't talk on your phone and cycle at the same time!
Local heroes. I can see it now. Naj and Jake cycling the streets and keeping crime on it's toes! LOL!
Thanks for this. Good comments. I cycle too (but have a phobia of being called a cyclist - I'm not anything-ist, I just cycle), and agree with the simple pleasures of it all.
Good work boys.
I picked up some of your postcards from the fair at St Alban's, I've sent them out and people love them, can I have some more please?
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